Anonymous asked: Hey, so I am after some advice. I am planning on applying to my camp that I worked at for three summers, but I also want to open my options this year and apply at a couple other camps that have really interesting programs. But they ask for references, and I don't know how to show that I have camp experience, but not put my camp director down as a reference. I don't want her to think I dont want to return to my old camp at all, I just want to keep my options open. Advice?

Tell your director exactly that. I would make it clear that you’re not unhappy with your old camp but these other have programs that appeal to you, it’s not a better/worse situation, it’s a different than situation. There’s also the fact that in most places in the US (if you’re from there), potential employers aren’t allowed to ask that many questions to your previous employers.

oncehappyturquoise asked: If you have people looking for summer camp jobs, send them to the URJ camping website and apply to URJ Camp George! We're looking for excitable new staff members in many different areas around camp. Thanks!

First one!

(via freedomoftheforest)

We’ve been receiving lots of asks about camp jobs. I will do my best to publish any open jobs that are submitted ASAP but this is something I do on the side so instantaneous responses are not to be expected. The following information is always posted under our FAQ.

Do you have advice for new counselors?

We have recieved a lot of information about being a counselor and would like to continue to do so. Here and here are follower responses about their favorite tips. Be sure to read both the answers and the reblogs for comments. This is a fantastic guide that a follower suggested. You can now pop over to our forumand participate in conversations about tips and first years there. 

Do you know of any camp related jobs?

Yes, we do have some information but it comes directly from other followers. The information we have received was tagged with camp jobs. As of May 20th, all conversation about jobs that we receive will be posted on the forum to better facilitate making connections.

We also suggest that you start looking early because a lot of camps ask for applications starting in January. If you’re seriously interested, we suggest both the American Camp Association and Campstaff.com because they have entire departments of people dedicated to filling staff positions at a number of camps.

Anonymous asked: Do you have any tips on applying for a camp counseling job?

Start early and don’t be afraid to talk about your experience. The world of camp is really vast and application processes are equally different. Having said that, I think that camp might be one of the few times it’s better to not “fancy up” your language about what you can do. If you have experience leading large group activities, say that. If you’re good at cooking over a fire, say that. If you’re a very intuitive person who can calm children down, say that. If you’re a quick learner or up to try new things, say that.