The Art of Camp Counselor Interviews: Spotting Red Flags Early

Hiring the right camp counselors can make or break your summer program. Beyond the polished resumes and well-rehearsed answers, it’s important to know what subtle signs might be pointing to potential issues down the line.

Here are a few red flags to keep an eye out for during your interviews—and tips for how to dig deeper.

🚩 Vague or Overly General Answers If a candidate struggles to provide specific examples when asked about past experiences with children, teamwork, or conflict resolution, it may suggest a lack of hands-on experience.

Tip: Try follow-up prompts like, “Can you walk me through a specific moment when you handled a difficult camper?”

🚩 Too Focused on ‘Fun’ We all want counselors who bring energy and excitement—but if a candidate only talks about the fun aspects of camp and avoids discussing responsibilities, it could indicate they’re not prepared for the demands of the role.

Tip: Ask questions about handling tough situations or how they stay organized during a busy camp day.

🚩 Trouble with Feedback If a candidate becomes defensive or vague when asked about how they’ve responded to feedback in the past, it may be a sign they’ll struggle with supervision or team collaboration.

Tip: “Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism—how did you respond?”

🚩 Inconsistent Availability or Commitment If they’re unsure about their schedule, hesitant about the camp duration, or seem to be juggling other opportunities, this could lead to last-minute cancellations or low commitment.

Tip: Be upfront about expectations and ask directly about summer availability and potential conflicts.

Final Thought: Red flags don’t always mean you should walk away—but they’re worth exploring further. With the right questions and an open, observant approach, you can find counselors who are not only fun and energetic—but also dependable, thoughtful, and ready to lead.