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Camp counselor resume example

A one-page resume for a college student applying to return as a camp counselor or move up to unit leader. Camp directors hire for safety, energy and judgment with kids, so the page shows age groups and numbers supervised, activities taught and the certifications that let you run them.

Camp counselor resume example, page 1 of 1Theo AbramowitzCamp Counselor and Education Studenttheo.abramowitz@example.com · (802) 555-0126 · Burlington, VTSummaryUniversity of Vermont sophomore studying elementary education, with two summers on staff at an overnight camp:first as a junior counselor, then as a cabin counselor for 10 boys aged 9 to 11. Red Cross lifeguard and WildernessFirst Aid certified. Applying for a cabin counselor or unit leader role for summer 2027.ExperienceCabin Counselor and Canoeing InstructorJun 2026 – Aug 2026Camp Northwind · Greensboro, VT•Lived with and supervised 10 campers aged 9 to 11 for two 3-week sessions, running cabin routines, rest hour andbedtime.•Taught canoeing to about 60 campers a session; 45 passed the camp’s canoe safety test.•Planned and co-led 2 overnight canoe trips for 12 campers each, including meals, gear checks and a rain plan.•Helped homesick and struggling campers settle in with daily check-ins; 8 of my 10 first-session campers signed upagain for next summer.Junior CounselorJun 2025 – Aug 2025Camp Northwind · Greensboro, VT•Assisted in the arts and crafts program for 80 campers a day and ran evening games for groups of 30.•Wrote and performed in 4 campfire skits; asked back as a full counselor.LifeguardJun 2024 – Aug 2024Champlain Community Pool · South Burlington, VT•Supervised up to 150 swimmers on busy days, with 2 water assists and no injuries all summer.EducationB.S. in Elementary Education, expected 20292025 – 2029University of Vermont · Burlington, VT•Dean’s List, fall 2025 and spring 2026.CertificationsLifeguarding with First Aid, CPR and AED2026American Red CrossWilderness First Aid2026SOLO Wilderness MedicineActivities•Reading buddy at a Burlington elementary school, 2 hours a week since fall 2025.•Club ultimate frisbee team, 2025 to present.SkillsChild supervision · Behavior guidance · Group games and activities · Canoeing instruction · Trip planning ·Waterfront safety · Arts and crafts · Conflict resolution · Talking with parents
Camp counselorUse this example

What recruiters look for

  • Experience with the right age group: how many children, how old, for how long. Overnight camp and day camp are different.
  • Safety certifications: lifeguard, first aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid. Some roles cannot be filled without them.
  • Activities you can teach: swimming, canoeing, climbing, arts, sports, drama. Camps staff their program around them.
  • Judgment with kids: homesickness, conflicts, behavior. A specific example beats “good with children”.
  • Returning staff: being asked back, campers re-enrolling and promotions show the camp trusted you.

Writing the summary

Say where you are in school, your camp or childcare experience with the age group and numbers, and your certifications. Finish with the role and summer you are applying for.

The summary in this example

University of Vermont sophomore studying elementary education, with two summers on staff at an overnight camp: first as a junior counselor, then as a cabin counselor for 10 boys aged 9 to 11. Red Cross lifeguard and Wilderness First Aid certified. Applying for a cabin counselor or unit leader role for summer 2027.

First-time counselor with babysitting and coaching experience

High school senior with three years of babysitting for four families and two seasons as an assistant coach for an under-10 soccer team. Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified. Applying for my first counselor job at a day camp for summer 2027.

Applying for a unit leader or program director role

Education student with four summers at an overnight camp, the last as unit leader for 6 counselors and 60 campers aged 10 to 12. I plan the schedule, train and support new counselors, and handle parent calls. Lifeguard and Wilderness First Responder certified.

Bullet points that work

Strong lines for this role, beyond the ones in the example. Borrow the shape and put in your own numbers.

  • Supervised a group of 12 day campers aged 6 to 8, 8 hours a day for 8 weeks, with no safety incidents.
  • Taught swimming lessons to 40 campers; 28 moved up at least one swim level by the end of the summer.
  • Ran a daily drama elective that put on 3 shows for 200 parents.
  • Planned a camp-wide color war for 150 campers with 20 events across 2 days.
  • Led a 3-day backpacking trip for 8 teenagers in the Green Mountains with a co-counselor.
  • Supported a camper with autism one-on-one for 4 weeks, working with the camp nurse and the family.
  • Trained 6 junior counselors on cabin routines and supervision rules.
  • Wrote weekly notes to 10 families about their camper’s week, praised by the director in staff training.
  • Handled 2 medical situations with first aid and called the nurse in under 2 minutes.

Skills to list

Hard skills

  • Child supervision and ratios
  • First aid and emergency procedures
  • Waterfront or pool safety
  • Activity instruction (sports, arts, outdoor skills)
  • Trip planning and packing
  • Behavior guidance
  • Program planning

Soft skills

  • Patience
  • Energy and enthusiasm
  • Calm in emergencies
  • Teamwork with other counselors
  • Clear communication with kids and parents

Certifications and licenses worth listing

  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding (or equivalent): required for waterfront and pool roles, and a big advantage everywhere.
  • First Aid, CPR and AED: expected by most camps.
  • Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder: needed to lead trips away from camp.
  • Activity certifications: climbing, canoeing, archery or swim instruction certifications let you run those programs.

Length and format

One page. Put your most recent camp or childcare job first with its age group and numbers, then other jobs, education and certifications. Certifications should be easy to spot, because directors check them first.

Common mistakes

  • Writing “good with kids” without saying how many, how old and for how long.
  • Leaving out certifications or their expiry year.
  • Listing activities you only watched. Only claim what you could teach.
  • Forgetting school, sports and volunteer experience with children.
  • Silly or overly casual wording. Camp is fun, but the resume should still be professional.

Questions and answers

What should I put on a camp counselor resume with no experience?

Babysitting, coaching, tutoring, sports, scouting, youth groups, siblings you regularly care for and any certifications. Give ages and numbers. Use the first alternative summary above as a model.

Do I need lifeguard certification to be a camp counselor?

Not always, but it makes you much more useful, and waterfront jobs require it. First aid and CPR are expected almost everywhere.

Should I list a camp job on my resume after college?

Yes, especially for teaching, youth work, outdoor education and any job that values leadership. Describe the responsibility, not the fun.

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