Joining the Support Staff

If your nervous about working directly with children (because THEY scare you) then don't panic. You can still work at a camp with out being directly involved with the children.
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Support Staff play a very important role at camp, helping to keep camp operations running smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes. Support staff are extremely important to a camps operation and summer camps throughout the US hire international staff members to help fill a wide range of support staff positions.
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Support Staff at US summer camps encompass all of the non-counselor areas of the summer camp operation.

 













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Camps vary in many ways including location, program offerings, facilities and dates of operation. However, there are similarities in all summer camps for the support staff. Following are some of those similarities:

Living Arrangements:
In most cases, support staff are housed together in a bunk-like or dormatory-like arrangement. The bunk conditions will vary on location and will range from wilderness cabins to modern college dormitories, but all staff must understand that they will, in most cases, have one or more roommates. (privacy is at a minimum).

Roles and Responsibilities:
Summer camp support staff roles and responsibilities vary depending on the position offered. Often, staff who work in the kitchen or in grounds and maintenance will regularly begin work at an earlier hour to prepare the camp for the day while staff who work in the office might work on a shift basis where hours vary. Support staff work as a team and may at times of need, help in a variety of areas. Although support staff are not directly responsible for campers, it is usually encouraged that all staff get involved in special events and all-camp activities such as talent shows and international days. During time off, camps typically permit staff members to enjoy the campus and the facilities; to play tennis, play basketball, go for a swim, etc. If you love being around kids and being in the outdoors, working at a summer camp is ideal.
As you go through the application and interview process you will be able to speak with camp directors about their particular camp and your role as a support staff. Information about their expectation, salary, time off, etc. will be outlined for you so you can make an informed decision to accept or decline an offer.

Work Hours/Compensation:
Support Staff work schedules vary depending on the role and the camp.  Most employees work up to 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, which although long, is less than the counseling staff.  The hours may vary and there may be split shifts.  On days off and time off, you will be able to take time to get involved with the campers, to take advantage of the facilities or to relax quietly and enjoy the beautiful landscaping and views.

Please Note: To be a support staff member you must be a student. If you are not a student then you will not be able to apply for a support role, but if you want to still work at camp then you can still apply to become a counsellor.