Working as a Summer Camp Counselor happens on a seasonal basis, but the planning and organizing stage of this job generally begins before the start of the summer. If you're interested in taking on this rewarding and sometimes challenging position, there are some prerequisites like education and certification to consider.  
  
There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a Summer Camp Counselor in the United States. However, many camps prefer hiring Counselors who have completed high school and are at least eighteen. Some may require that you have completed some college coursework. Depending on the camp demographics, aspiring Counselors must have a background in teaching, early childhood education, social work, and psychology. Summer camps offering specific skill or learning opportunities, like space and drama camps, require their Counselors to have some background in the area of expertise.  
  
There are also no specific experience requirements for becoming a Summer Camp Counselor in the United States. However, many camps prefer to hire Counselors with prior experience working with children, either through another job or volunteer work. 
  
As for certification, the same rule applies to specific camp types mentioned above. Experience is the caveat for working in camps offering opportunities to learn a new skill. Take hockey camp, for example. Safety certification is also critical. The camp's administration provides some equipment and safety training. First aid instruction is almost always required, without exception.  

What can help you become a Summer Camp Counselor
Being a Summer Camp Counselor requires individuals to have certain skills in order to be successful. Some of these include: 

• Excellent physical condition and stamina:   

Summer Camp Counselors must be able to participate in physical activities and sports, enduring days of constant activities. These skills will benefit counselors in staying focused and engaged throughout the day, which is especially important when working with children.  
  

• Strong observational and awareness skills:   

This group of skills is necessary for monitoring the activities of several campers simultaneously. If you've ever heard the phrase "I could use a second pair of eyes," you'll know that the first to use it likely had childcare duties in mind. Observation and awareness skills will help Summer Camp Counselors identify and respond to each camper's individual needs, look out for possible hazards or safety violations, and notice emergencies as soon as they happen.   
 

• Excellent teamwork, conflict-resolution, and leadership skills:   

If they don't have these skills already, Summer Camp Counselors will quickly pick them up on the job. In any job with multiple staff working as a team, it helps (and pays) to be a mediator between campers in case of conflict and other staff. Being capable of calling out infractions respectfully and with authority will be a huge benefit, as is the courtesy of jumping into action to assist other staff members as needed.