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Media Tip from the American Camp Association
July 17, 2008

Tales from Camp: How Camp Jobs Give Young Adults an Experience Unlike Any Other

Unique summer experience even more valuable in this summer’s down economy

It’s common knowledge that summer camps are a place where children can have the time of their lives, but it’s not just the kids who stand to benefit. This summer, 1.2 million young adults across the country have joined the ranks of camp counselors and staff and are developing a pretty impressive – and wide-ranging – set of skills, including: leadership, management, mentoring, administration, nutrition, physical education, psychology, and teambuilding.  And they’re doing all of this while working in the great outdoors.

Says Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO, "Students across the country are realizing that there are a host of benefits to working as a camp counselor.  Over the years, ACA has partnered with camp directors to develop staff training best practices that ensure that young adults are set up to gain critical real-world skills and abilities from this unique job experience.  Indeed, camp is a place for discovery, connection, and growth for campers and counselors alike." 
                 
But don’t take our word for it. Listen to what current and prominent former camp counselors have to say about how camp jobs can change lives.

Francis Ford Coppola, Film Director – "If I have to be remembered for something, I want it remembered that I really liked children and was a good camp counselor."

Michael Eisner, former CEO of the Walt Disney Company – "Much of the success I've achieved can be traced to the direct and metaphorical lessons I learned in building those campfires. I can hardly think of an aspect of my life that wasn't positively affected by my camping experience."

Joy Feeney, current camp counselor, age 20 – "My life was changed and positively impacted by my counselors, and I finally have the chance to give back and change the lives of young girls.  That "it" moment of impacting someone’s life never leaves you.  It truly is an amazing experience!"

Lyon Pyke, current camp counselor, age 21 – "Many people have told me that camp allows children to grow and develop, but I think something happens to the staff here, too.  Looking back now, I can be so pleased about how this journey has allowed me to grow.  I now see how each struggle I have faced has made me a stronger person, how each problem I have faced has made me a wiser person, and how each friend I have met and each camper I have helped has made me a better person."

In a down economy, camp employment has remained strong
There are also practical, dollars-and-cents advantages to camp jobs as well. The national youth jobless rate for this June was reportedly the highest in six decades, but summer camp jobs have been a bright spot, reflecting the strong camper enrollment that ACA has seen across the country this summer.

Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org to interview an ACA spokesperson for more information on the short- and long-term impact of camp staff positions.

Also, for customizable public service announcements or article reprints, visit our Media Center.

Note: Camp counselors Joy Feeney and Lyon Pyke are working this summer at Cheley Colorado Camps.

About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

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