5 Reasons Summer Camp Should Be Your Child’s First Job (And One of the Best They’ll Ever Have!)

Parents, as summer approaches, you and your kids may be wondering how to spend their time this year. While part-time jobs, internships, or travel might come to mind, working in a camp setting should be at the top of your list of considerations. It’s more than just a summer job—camp offers real-world experience in leadership, responsibility, and teamwork that will serve them for life.

In today’s tight job market, camps are always looking to hire great staff, with recruiting running strong from January through June. Whether your child is a rising ninth or tenth grader looking for a CIT (Counselor-in-Training) program, an 11th or 12th grader seeking their first junior counselor role, or a college student looking for a meaningful summer job, camp offers invaluable experience that will set them apart in their future careers.

Yet, some parents hesitate, wondering if working at camp is just goofing off and playing games. The reality? Here are 5 reasons why camp is serious business:

1. Camps Invest Heavily in Staff Training and Leadership Development

Unlike many traditional summer jobs, camp is intentionally designed to develop future leaders. Camp directors and HR teams invest extensive time and resources into creating structured leadership programs for staff, ensuring they are prepared to take on decision-making, program development, and mentorship roles.

Many camps offer:

• CIT Leadership Programs – For rising high schoolers learning team leadership, activity planning, and problem-solving.
• Extensive Staff Training – Covering everything from child development to group dynamics and emergency preparedness.
• Certifications – CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, and conflict resolution training that will help in any career path.

Camp directors aren’t just hiring seasonal workers—they are shaping future professionals. A camp’s mission of youth development doesn’t stop with the campers. Camps view their young staff—often up to people in their 20s—as part of that developmental mission, investing in their growth just as intentionally. Isn’t it great to have your young adults working in an environment that builds character development into its training? Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and leadership training, camp fosters kindness, resilience, integrity, and gratitude—qualities that will serve them well in any career path. They will feel empowered to make smart choices, try new things, and truly thrive. I can’t think of any other summer job that does this with such intentionality.

2. Summer Camp Experience Stands Out to Future Employers

Camp isn’t just about supervising kids—it’s about managing schedules, leading activities, problem-solving on the fly, and developing emotional intelligence. Employers recognize camp experience as a mark of leadership, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

At camp, young leaders gain:

• Responsibility – Being in charge of campers, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Organizational Skills – Managing activities, keeping schedules on track, and planning engaging programs.
• Creative Thinking – Designing new games, team challenges, and camp-wide initiatives.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Handling unexpected situations, from a homesick camper to a change in the day’s schedule.
• Teamwork & Leadership – Learning how to guide a group, resolve conflicts, and inspire others.

Many young people who work at camp go on to successful careers in education, business, healthcare, leadership, and more. The skills gained at camp—initiative, problem-solving, and adaptability—are among the most sought-after traits in today’s job market.

3. More Than Just a Job—Camp is a Community

If your child is looking for a summer job that offers more than just a paycheck, camp is a unique opportunity to build lasting friendships, create incredible memories, and be part of a supportive team.

Unlike retail or office jobs, where young workers may have limited opportunities to bond with co-workers, camp is all about community. Counselors work, lead, and laugh together, creating friendships that last a lifetime. They’ll spend their days leading fun activities, developing leadership skills, and having an absolute blast in the process.

Camp is an opportunity to learn all of these essential life skills while playing games, baking cupcakes, riding bikes, or engaging in a rousing game of gaga. Where else can you build leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills while having this much fun?

4. You Can Find Camp Jobs for Various Age Groups

Rising 9th & 10th Graders: Look for CIT Programs

• A stepping stone to becoming a counselor.
• Helps develop leadership, communication, and confidence while still enjoying camp activities.

Rising 11th & 12th Graders: Apply for Junior Counselor Roles

• First official leadership role, guiding younger campers and helping run activities.
• Often includes a stipend or community service hours.

College Students: Assistant Counselor & Leadership Roles

• A paid summer job that builds real leadership, organization, and team management skills.
• Many camps offer room, board, and professional development workshops.

5. Camp is a Summer Job that Prepares Kids for a Lifetime of Success

Unlike retail jobs or internships where young employees may be stuck running errands, camp puts young leaders in charge of real responsibilities. They make decisions, solve problems, mentor kids, and create memorable experiences—all while gaining valuable job skills that will set them up for future success.

At DEAN Adventure Camps, we’re dedicated to helping children discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures. Our programs are organized into 10 different studios that balance skill-building, character development, and unforgettable fun, with friendship and personal growth at the heart of every experience.

Guided by our experienced and caring counselors, we nurture great qualities like resilience, focus, integrity, perseverance, and gratitude, empowering young people to make smart choices, try new things, and thrive—all while having the time of their lives.

Learn more about working at DEAN and how your child can join the adventure at DEANAdventureCamps.com/jobs. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for a closer look at what we do!