Stop the Summer Scramble: Proven Tips for Hiring Reliable Camp Staff

Finding qualified, dependable camp staff can feel like a race against the clock. If you’re scrambling to fill last-minute roles every summer, you’re not alone. But what if you could secure a strong team early, avoid the stress, and focus on delivering an incredible camp experience?

Here are proven strategies to help you hire reliable camp staff—without the last-minute panic.

1. Start the Hiring Process Early ⏳

The best candidates are often snatched up months before summer, so waiting until spring puts you at a disadvantage.

✅ Example: Some camps start hiring as early as September, giving returning staff the option to sign early contracts for next season. This locks in experienced team members before they explore other opportunities.

💡 Pro Tip: Offer early sign-on incentives, such as priority scheduling, a camp swag pack, or even small retention bonuses for counselors who commit early.

2. Expand Your Recruiting Pool 🎯

If you’re relying on the same hiring methods each year, it’s time to cast a wider net.

✅ Example: One camp director partnered with local colleges and universities, offering camp positions as internships for education, psychology, and recreation majors—making it an attractive career-building opportunity.

💡 Pro Tip: Post jobs on niche platforms like the American Camp Association (ACA) job board, Handshake (for college students), and even social media groups where potential staff might be looking for summer opportunities.

3. Make the Application Process Engaging 🚀

You’re competing with other summer job opportunities, so your hiring process needs to be exciting and inviting.

✅ Example: Instead of a standard interview, one camp hosts virtual group interviews where applicants solve camp-themed challenges together—giving directors a real-time look at teamwork and problem-solving skills.

💡 Pro Tip: Make applying easy. A long, complicated application might turn away great candidates. Consider a two-step process: a short initial form, followed by a deeper dive for those who move forward.

4. Focus on Culture Fit, Not Just Skills 🤝

Experience is great, but a passion for working with kids and a positive attitude are even more important.

✅ Example: A camp director revamped their interview questions to focus on real-life scenarios, asking applicants how they’d handle homesick campers, team conflicts, or unexpected weather changes.

💡 Pro Tip: Hire for character and enthusiasm—you can always train hard skills, but you can’t teach attitude!

5. Keep Staff Engaged Before Camp Starts 📢

A long gap between hiring and the first day of camp can cause drop-offs. Keep counselors connected before the season begins.

✅ Example: Some camps create private staff Facebook groups or group chats where counselors can introduce themselves, share excitement, and start bonding early.

💡 Pro Tip: Send pre-camp check-ins with fun updates, staff training schedules, and sneak peeks of what’s in store for the summer to keep engagement high.

Final Thoughts

Hiring camp staff doesn’t have to be a last-minute struggle. By starting early, expanding your search, making the process engaging, and building a strong camp culture, you can secure an incredible team—without the summer scramble.