Monthly Archives:May 2025

As June quickly approaches (it’s now May!), you may be wondering how your kid/s will spend their summer this year. While part-time jobs, internships, or travel might come to mind, being part of the Woodland CIT (Counselor-in-Training) experience or working at camp should be at the top of your list of considerations! It’s more than just a summer opportunity/job—camp offers real-world experience in leadership, responsibility, and teamwork that will serve them in future careers (and life!).

Yet, some parents hesitate, wondering if working at camp is just goofing off and playing games. The reality? Here are 5 reasons why camp is serious business:

1. We Invest Heavily in Staff Training and Leadership Development

Unlike many traditional summer jobs, the ecosystem at Camp Woodland is intentionally designed to develop future leaders. We invest extensive time and resources into creating structured leadership programs for CIT’s and staff, ensuring they are prepared to take on decision-making, program development, and mentorship roles.

• CIT Leadership Program: focus on individual and team leadership
• Counselor Position: extensive pre-camp and ongoing training covers everything from child development to group dynamics and emergency preparedness (and more!)
• Certification Opportunities – CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding

We aren’t just hiring seasonal workers—we are shaping future professionals. The Woodland mission of youth development doesn’t stop with the campers. We view our CIT’s and staff—often up to people in their 20s—as part of that developmental mission, investing in their growth just as intentionally. Your young adults would be working in an environment that builds character development into its training. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and leadership training, we foster kindness, resilience, integrity, and gratitude at camp —qualities that will serve them well in any career path. They will feel empowered to make smart choices, try new things, and truly thrive. We can’t think of any other summer job that does this with such intentionality!

2. Summer Camp Experience Stands Out to Future Employers

Camp isn’t just about supervising kids—it’s about managing schedules, leading activities, problem-solving on the fly, and developing emotional intelligence. Employers recognize camp experience as a mark of leadership, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

At camp, emerging leaders gain:

• Responsibility – Being in charge of campers, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Organizational Skills – Managing activities, keeping schedules on track, and planning engaging programs.
• Creative Thinking – Designing new games, team challenges, and camp-wide initiatives.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Handling unexpected situations, from a homesick camper to a change in the day’s schedule.
• Teamwork & Leadership – Learning how to guide a group, resolve conflicts, and inspire others.

Many young people who work at camp go on to successful careers in education, business, healthcare, leadership, and more. The skills gained at camp—initiative, problem-solving, and adaptability—are among the most sought-after traits in today’s job market (and are the very things that robots can’t do!).

3. More Than Just a Job—Camp is a Community

If your child is looking for a meaningful summer experience/job that offers more than just the cost of tuition for CIT’s or a paycheck for staff, camp is a unique opportunity to build lasting friendships, create incredible memories, and be part of a supportive team.

Unlike retail or office jobs, where young workers may have limited opportunities to bond with co-workers, camp is all about community. CIT’s and Counselors work, lead, and laugh together, creating friendships that last a lifetime. They spend their days leading fun activities, developing leadership skills, and having an absolute blast in the process.

Camp is an opportunity to learn all of these essential life skills while playing games, going on an overnight canoe trip, riding horses, or engaging in a rousing game of “Queen of the Court”. Where else can you build leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills while having so much fun?

4. Camp Experiences/Jobs for Various Age Groups

CIT Program: Rising 11th & 12th Graders (16-17 yrs of age)

• First “official” leadership role, guiding younger campers and assisting in activities.
• A stepping stone to becoming a counselor (and just being a really great leader!).
• Develop leadership, communication, and confidence while still enjoying camp activities and cabin life.
• Opportunity to earn community service hours.

Counselor/Support Staff Roles: Rising College Freshman (18+ yrs)

• A paid summer job that builds real leadership, organization, and team management skills.
• Leadership opportunities to run certain aspects of camp program.
• Room, board, and ongoing personal/professional development is provided.

5. Camp is a Summer Job that Prepares Kids for a Lifetime of Success

Unlike retail jobs or internships where young employees may be stuck running errands, camp puts emerging leaders in charge of real responsibilities. They make decisions, solve problems, mentor kids, and create memorable experiences—all while gaining valuable job skills that will set them up for future success.

At Camp Woodland, we’re dedicated to helping children discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate the ups & downs of any given day. Our programs are organized into 10 different studios that balance skill-building, character development, and unforgettable fun, with friendship and personal growth at the heart of every experience.

Guided by our experienced and caring counselors and leadership team, we nurture great qualities in our 5 core values of respect, community, growth, safety and responsibility. We empower young people to make smart choices, try new things, and thrive—all while having the time of their lives!

Apply to be a CIT in 2025  (even if your camper has skipped a few summers!)

Apply to be a Counselor in 2025 (limited positions left for this year, and we start hiring for 2026 in the fall!)

Questions? Email: eaglerivercamps@gmail.com

Reference: Thank you DAC for the inspiration found in this blog!