Top Reasons Why YOU Should be a Camp Counselor This Summer 

Create Lifelong Friendships 

The shared experience of working at camp together connects counselors far beyond summer. Each year, The Fresh Air Fund has a diverse group of staff that learn from each other, support each other and have fun together. 

“I love how camp felt like this secure bubble, where it was a home away from home. Everyone got along, laughed together and shared all the emotions possible. It was hard saying goodbye to the staff, campers and the camp itself,” Camp Junior counselor, Matthew Gold, shared. 

Gain Hands-on Professional Experience  

For many counselors, camp is their first hands-on work experience. To help them prepare, The Fresh Air Fund provides professional training at a hands-on training that includes the foundations of youth development practices, leadership, and diversity, equity and inclusion. The Fresh Air Fund will assist students who wish to earn college credits for their work at camp. Past examples include internships in social work, education, recreation, computer science and art.  

“I learned a lot – my time and team management skills improved drastically while working at camp. I also found that working in an environment with diverse people from different backgrounds taught me effective communication,” Camp Junior counselor, Doğan Can Koyuncu shared.  

Develop Leadership Skills

Counselors become role models and mentors for the campers. They have experience building relationships, gain independence and acquire new skills like communication, problem solving, developing a positive outlook and empathy. These are skills that counselors can take with them as they continue through school and start their career. 

“It can be difficult to get to know kids, but it is so rewarding to see the connections you make. It makes me happy that campers look up to us. I looked up to my counselors. They were my safe space, so it feels great that I can give that back to campers,” 17-year-old CIT, Raymond shares.  

Camp is more than just a summer job – it is transformative 

The impact of a summer working at camp can be transformative – whether it’s making new friends or learning new skills. “I also get to see everyone care for each other. Here, we understand each other. At The Fresh Air Fund, we support each other and just like they say, a summer lasts a lifetime,” a summer 2022 Counselors-in-Training director, Uriel Flores-Garcia, shared.