How to Become a Camp Counselor in 2026
It's that time of year again. Summer is on the horizon, and you're already dreaming about warm days outdoors, working with kids, and doing something that actually matters. If you're a college student or young adult thinking about being a summer camp counselor, here's your roadmap.
Step 1: Know Why You Want It
The best camp counselors aren't just looking for a summer paycheck — they're motivated by something deeper. Maybe you have incredible memories of being a camper yourself. Maybe you're an education, psychology, or social work major looking for real-world experience (many schools offer internship credit for camp work). Or maybe you just want a summer that means something.
Whatever your reason, lean into it. Camps can tell the difference between someone who's passionate and someone who's just filling a summer gap.
Step 2: Apply Smart
Gone are the days of cold-emailing individual camps and hoping for the best. There are over 12,000 camps in the U.S. alone, and most need to replace 40–60% of their staff every year. That's a huge opportunity for you — but only if camps can actually find you.
That's exactly why CampGig exists. Create one profile, and hundreds of camps can discover you. It's free for staff, and camps are actively searching right now. Think of it as the Common App for summer camps.
Pro tip: Camps start searching for staff as early as October for the following summer, with hiring ramping up through spring. The earlier you get your profile up, the more opportunities you'll see.
Step 3: Build a Standout Profile
Camp directors review a lot of candidates. Profiles start to blend together. Here's how to stand out:
Make it multimedia. Upload a friendly photo of yourself. Add pictures of you doing camp-y activities — hiking, crafting, playing sports, working with kids. Show your personality.
Record a video intro. This is your secret weapon. Most candidates skip this step, which means the ones who do it instantly stand out. A 60-second video where you're natural, enthusiastic, and genuine goes a long way.
Be specific about your skills. Don't just say “I like kids.” List your certifications (lifeguarding, first aid, WSI), your activity skills (archery, guitar, rock climbing), and any relevant experience.
Step 4: Pick the Right Camp
When camps reach out, do your homework. Not every camp is the same, and finding the right fit matters. Ask about the camp's philosophy, what a typical day looks like, how they handle time off, and what the living situation is like.
Check out our full guide on how to choose the right camp for more.
Step 5: Go Make a Difference
With the right camp and the right mindset, you're about to have the most meaningful summer of your life. You'll build skills that transfer to any career, make lifelong friends, and genuinely change kids' lives.