How To Write a Camp Counselor Resume
Crafting a strong resume is your first step to landing a camp counselor job, where you can make a profound impact on the lives of campers. Whether it’s leadership, team-building, wilderness expertise, or creativity, your resume must highlight how you plan to bring value to the camp and its participants. In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a detailed resume that leaves a lasting impression on camp directors and hiring managers.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
In a brief paragraph at the top of your resume, describe your key strengths and experiences as a camp counselor. Before writing, study the job posting and pull keywords matching your qualifications. Incorporate these words into your profile as you outline your years of experience and relevant skillset. Your profile should highlight your capacity to foster personal growth, engage with campers, and create a positive and enriching camp experience.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
Youth camp counselor with over 11 years of advancement and experience. Engage campers in safe, fun, challenging activities suited to their interests and abilities. Supervise and motivate other camp counselors to uphold the camp’s mission and values at all points.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Camp counselor with strong experience leading youth and adult retreats. Committed to advancing team goals and upholding camp mission and values. Thrive in dynamic and fast-paced work environments. Experienced and confident public speaker.
2. Add a detailed professional experience section
Use your professional experience section to give examples of your success in key areas like camp leadership, team-building, or conflict resolution. Try to quantify each point – for instance, mention the number of campers you led or the rate of increased camper participation in your program. If you organized events or activities, specify the number of successful programs you led. This strategy helps differentiate you from candidates with a similar work background.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Head Camp Counselor, Sherwood Forest, Denver, CO | October 2013 to present
- Direct daily activities for youth camp dedicated to teaching children life skills, with an average enrollment of 75 students
- Conduct age-appropriate wilderness survival training for campers
- Mentor new camp counselors, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to excel
- Maintain and update database on camper demographic information, including health records and behavior assessments
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Camp Counselor, United Methodist Youth Camp, Central Park, FL | June 2021 to August 2021
- Co-led groups of 12 on weeklong camping excursions
- Helped develop and plan various engaging group activities
- Oversaw waterfront station with three other camp counselors
- Provided emotional support to youth attendees as needed
3. Include relevant education and certifications
An academic background shows you’ve gained specific knowledge and training in areas essential for the role. It reflects your commitment to professional development and readiness to take on duties as a camp counselor. Starting with your highest level of education, list the degree or diploma name, institution, location, and graduation date.
Many camps seek certified counselors in CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, wilderness safety, or leadership. These credentials assure employers that you can handle emergencies and prioritize camper safety. Create a separate certification section, providing the certificate name, issuing organization, and date received.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Recreation, Hospitality & Park Management
California State University, Chico, CA | 2020
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
Example:
Lifeguard Certification, American Red Cross | 2020
4. List key skills and proficiencies
With a key skills section, you can show your ability to create a positive and transformative camp experience. When listing your skills, ensure each one aligns with the specific demands of the camp counselor position. For instance, the role may require skills in certain sports, arts and crafts, or outdoor activities. Camp counselors also need soft skills like empathy and active listening to engage with campers, build trust, and create a nurturing environment. See the list below for examples of skills you might include on your resume.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Active listening | Camp safety |
| Conflict resolution | CPR/first aid |
| Group facilitation | Leadership |
| Lifeguarding | Outdoor adventure |
| Positive reinforcement | Problem-solving |
| Program planning and implementation | Sports and recreational activities |
| Team building | Time management |
| Wilderness survival | |
How To Pick the Best Camp Counselor Resume Template
A well-designed template should enhance your content, making it easy for employers to review your strengths and experiences. Avoid complex designs or visual elements which can distract from your information. A simple layout ensures that your skills and highlights shine through. Because camp counseling often involves working with children and young adults, consider a template that conveys vibrancy and positivity. A playful yet professional design can capture the spirit of a camp setting and align well with the job.
Camp Counselor Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Nicole Hickons
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 First Street, Carol City, FL 33055
Profile
Camp Counselor with strong experience leading both youth and adult retreats. Committed to advancing team goals and upholding camp mission and values. Thrive in dynamic and fast-paced work environments. Experienced and confident public speaker.
Key Skills
- Camp Activity Planning
- Lifeguarding
- Public Speaking & Presentations
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
Professional Experience
Retreat Leader, Gainesville Methodist Retreat Center, Gainesville, FL | September 2021 to Present
- Support logistics for weekend youth and adult retreats with ~75 participants
- Facilitate expert panel discussions during breakout sessions
- Oversee small groups of 6 students during youth retreats
Camp Counselor, United Methodist Youth Camp, Central Park, FL | June 2021 to August 2021
- Co-led groups of 12 on weeklong camping excursions
- Helped develop and plan various engaging group activities
- Oversaw waterfront station with 3 other camp counselors
- Provided emotional support to youth attendees as needed
Education
Counseling Coursework, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | September 2021 to Present
Graduate, Central Florida High School, Orlando, FL | 2021
Certifications
CPR, American Red Cross | 2022
Lifeguard Certification, American Red Cross | 2020
Jason Hart
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 My Street, San Francisco, CA 12345
Profile
Dedicated Camp Leader with 8+ years of experience. Organize enriching, high-quality education and leisure activities for diverse children age 10-17. More than 3 years’ leadership experience guiding large and small teams to provide fun experiences for all campers.
Key Skills
- Child Health & Safety
- Positive Behavior Management Strategies
- Reporting & Documentation
- Team Leadership & Motivation
- Time Management
Professional Experience
Camp Leader, Camp Galileo, San Francisco, CA | January 2020 to Present
- Co-develop and plan a broad program of athletic, educational, and extracurricular activities to cater to a range of needs, including children with SEN
- Train and manage staff members charged with overseeing enrollment of up to 300 children each session
- Promptly address and resolve queries and concerns from parents and students
- Ensure children’s safety and wellbeing at all points
Camp Counselor, Camp Tawonga, San Francisco, CA | January 2015 to January 2020
- Devised and led sport activities for children age 10-14
- Created a safe and inclusive environment for camp participants of varying ability levels
- Monitored each child’s wellbeing and progress, reporting any concerns to management
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Recreation, Hospitality & Park Management, California State University, Chico, CA | 2020
CPR and First Aid, American Red Cross
John Martinez
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
1010 Blake Street, Denver, CO 12345
Profile
Youth Camp Counselor with 11+ years of advancement and experience. Engage campers in safe, fun, challenging activities suited to their interests and ability level. Supervise and motivate other camp counselors to uphold the camp’s mission and values at all points.
Key Skills
- Conflict Management & Resolution
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Program Administration
- Team Leadership & Motivation
- Wilderness Survival
Professional Experience
Head Camp Counselor, Sherwood Forest, Denver, CO | October 2013 to Present
- Direct daily activities for this youth camp dedicated to teaching children life skills, with average enrollment of 75 students
- Conduct age-appropriate wilderness survival training for campers
- Mentor new camp counselors, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to excel
- Maintain and update database on camper demographic information, including health records and behavior assessments
Assistant Summer Camp Counselor, Sunnybrook Camp, Boulder, CO | June 2011 to September 2013
- Helped ensure children’s wellbeing and engagement at all points
- Facilitated setup of various activities, directing children to their respective classes
- Provided weekly updates to campers’ parents and guardians
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Recreation & Camp Management, The University of Colorado, Boulder | 2011
Certifications
CPR and First Aid, American Red Cross
Entry-Level Program Staff Certificate, American Camp Association
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Frequently Asked Questions: Camp Counselor Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for camp counselor resumes?+
Strong action verbs vividly describe your impact in past positions. They help elevate your resume and accurately reflect your experience. Consider using some of the verbs below to transform bland and passive sentences into engaging statements that capture employers’ attention.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Adapted | Assigned |
| Collaborated | Created |
| Developed | Directed |
| Empowered | Facilitated |
| Guided | Improved |
| Mentored | Organized |
| Planned | Played |
| Prepared | Prevented |
| Ranked | Solved |
| Supervised | Taught |
| Won | |
How do you align your resume with a job posting?+
Between 2021 and 2031, employment for recreation workers is expected to increase by 10% (or about 28,000 jobs).
Aligning your resume with the job posting is a great way to stand out to employers. Start by thoroughly analyzing the job description for the skills and qualifications the camp seeks. Then emphasize your past work that directly relates to those requirements. Focus on your experiences leading similar activities, age groups, or program areas. If the camp is known for a particular program or philosophy, highlight achievements that align with its mission. For instance, if the camp focuses on environmental education, show your experience leading nature hikes and conservation initiatives.
What is the best camp counselor resume format?+
In nearly all cases, use a combination (or hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience – it’s also best for you to align with your job goals.
In the combination format, you present your most relevant skills and highlights in your experience and intro sections. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also add a career highlights or awards section. By carefully choosing intro details, you can position yourself for your target job and give hiring managers a clear, quick view of what you offer.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
A persuasive cover letter increases your chances of an interview during your job search. It’s important to tailor your letter to each camp you apply to. See our comprehensive cover letter guide for valuable insights on how to write your own. For other related cover letter examples, see our guides for tutors and student teachers.
