Working at a summer camp builds your resume

Here's how working at a summer camp can help build your resume:

1. Leadership Skills: Camp counselors often take on leadership roles, which can demonstrate your ability to manage and lead teams. This is particularly valuable for positions that require supervisory or managerial skills.
2. Communication Skills: You'll need to effectively communicate with campers, parents, and fellow staff members. Strong communication skills are essential in almost every job.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities: Camps often present unexpected challenges, which can help you develop your problem-solving skills. This is a valuable trait in any profession.
4. Teamwork: You'll collaborate with fellow counselors and staff members to ensure a successful camp experience. Teamwork is a skill that employers highly value.
5. Adaptability: Camp environments can be unpredictable, teaching you how to adapt to changing circumstances and think on your feet, which is crucial in many workplaces.
6. Time Management: You'll be responsible for planning and overseeing daily activities. This experience can help you become more organized and skilled in time management.
7. Conflict Resolution: Camp counselors often deal with conflicts among campers. Learning to resolve conflicts diplomatically is a valuable skill in any job. This is also true of those in supporting camp roles like kitchen, retail or housekeeping.
8. Customer Service: If you interact with parents or campers, you'll gain customer service experience, which can be beneficial in jobs that involve client interaction. Always be professional when assisting customers.
9. Responsible Decision-Making: You'll be entrusted with the safety and well-being of campers. This experience demonstrates your ability to make responsible decisions under pressure.
10. Creativity: Camps often involve planning and leading creative activities. Highlighting your creative skills can be valuable in industries that require innovation.
11. Work Ethic: Camp jobs can be physically demanding and require a strong work ethic. Demonstrating your ability to work hard can impress potential employers.
12. First Aid and Safety Training: If you acquire certifications like CPR or first aid training, these can be valuable additions to your resume.
13. Networking: You'll have the opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds and professions, potentially leading to future job opportunities.
14. Character References: Camp directors and supervisors can provide excellent character references, showcasing your reliability and character to prospective employers.

When adding your camp experience to your resume, be sure to use specific examples and achievements to highlight these skills. For example, you might mention that you successfully led a group of 15 campers through a week-long summer camp experience, or your helped prep, and serve a meal for over 200 people. Tailor your resume to emphasize how these skills make you a strong candidate for your future job.