The Camp Counselor
Camp Counselors are part of a team that help create a fun, safe and rewarding experience for the campers. Their main duty is to coordinate, conduct, and lead all activities for children and young teenagers during their stay at the camp. Camp counselors also have responsibilities within the cabin. A camp counselor typically shares a cabin with a group of campers. They must ensure their safety and act as a role model during this time.
From the U.S. Department of State CFR 62.30: In order to promote diverse opportunities for participation in educational and cultural exchange programs, the Department of State designates exchange sponsors to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals to serve as counselors in U.S. summer camps. These programs promote international understanding by improving American knowledge of foreign cultures while enabling foreign participants to increase their knowledge of American culture. The foreign participants are best able to carry out this objective by serving as counselors per se, that is, having direct responsibility for supervision of groups of American youth and of activities that bring them into interaction with their charges. While it is recognized that some non-counseling chores are an essential part of camp life for all counselors, this program is not intended to assist American camps in bringing in foreign nationals to serve as administrative personnel, cooks, or menial laborers, such as dishwashers or janitors.
⭐ Your Role as a Camp Counselor
Camp counselors are the heart of American summer camps. You guide, support, and inspire campers while enjoying an unforgettable cultural exchange experience.
## 🎒 General Counselor Duties
* **Supervise and Mentor:** Supervise and mentor a cabin group.
* **Daily Support:** Live with campers and support their daily routines.
* **Health and Safety:** Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing.
* **Activity Leadership:** Lead group activities and games.
* **Transitions:** Assist during meals, clean-up, and daily transitions.
* **Inclusion and Problem Solving:** Help campers adjust, solve problems, and feel included.
* **Special Events:** Participate in evening programs, campfires, and special events.
## 🎨 Activity Specialist Roles
Use your skills to lead exciting camp activities!
### **Sports**
Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Gymnastics, Archery, Horseback riding, Swimming / Lifeguarding
### **Outdoor Adventure**
Hiking & nature walks, Camping skills, High ropes / low ropes course, Climbing wall, Canoeing / Kayaking, Survival skills
### **Arts & Creativity**
Arts & crafts, Drawing / painting, Pottery & ceramics, Dance, Drama & theater, Music, Photography / videography
### **STEM & Discovery**
Science workshops, Nature & ecology, Coding / robotics (varies by camp), Environmental education
### **Waterfront Activities**
Lifeguard, Swimming instructor, Paddleboard / kayak / canoe instructor, Sailing (where available)