Say Yes to Standout Staff: Effective Screening Questions for Camp Counselor Interviews

Hiring the right camp counselors isn’t just about filling spots—it’s about finding passionate, responsible, and energetic leaders who will make your campers’ summer unforgettable. One of the best tools in your hiring toolkit? Smart interview questions that reveal the heart behind the resume.

Here are some effective screening questions that help you identify standout staff—plus examples of what to look for in their answers:

💬 1. “What does being a great camp counselor mean to you?”

This question gauges the applicant’s understanding of the role beyond just supervision.

✅ Look for answers that mention leadership, empathy, responsibility, and making a difference in campers’ lives. 

🚫 Red flag answers: Only focusing on having fun or "just being around kids."

🧩 2. “Tell me about a time you had to manage a group or resolve a conflict.”

This situational question gives insight into maturity and problem-solving skills.

✅ Look for stories that show initiative, calm under pressure, and the ability to communicate effectively. 

💡 Bonus if they reference working with children or leading peers in other roles.

🎨 3. “What’s a camp activity you'd love to lead, and how would you make it engaging for all campers?”

This highlights creativity, initiative, and how well they understand inclusive programming.

✅ Look for ideas that include participation for different personalities, abilities, or age levels. 

👀 This also helps you spot potential specialists for art, sports, nature, or music!

❤️ 4. “How would you support a homesick camper?”

This question reveals emotional intelligence and empathy.

✅ Strong responses include acknowledging the camper’s feelings, using distraction techniques, involving them in group activities, and knowing when to seek help from leadership. 

🚫 Avoid responses that minimize the camper’s feelings or suggest ignoring the issue.

🧠 5. “How do you take care of your own mental health or handle stress in high-energy environments?”

Camp can be intense. This question assesses self-awareness and coping strategies.

✅ Look for signs of maturity, such as journaling, asking for help, taking breaks, or using mindfulness. 

💡 Counselors who know how to manage themselves are better equipped to support others.

⭐ Final Tip: Look Beyond the Words

The way candidates answer—tone, body language, and willingness to reflect—can tell you as much as the answer itself. Use these questions as a guide to spark conversation, assess alignment with your camp values, and uncover future rockstar staff.

Because when you ask the right questions, you don’t just hire staff—you build the foundation for a magical summer.