If you’re applying for a summer camp counselor position, chances are you care about creating safe, fun, and meaningful experiences for kids. Whether you’re returning for another season or stepping into the role for the first time, a strong resume should show what you bring, and not just say it.
Summer camp hiring managers see a lot of applications. What makes yours stand out? Energy, effort and real-life examples.
Even if you don’t have formal job experience, you likely already have transferable skills, from school, babysitting, volunteering, coaching, or extracurriculars. The right action phrases can help you:
- Highlight leadership and initiative
- Show you’re responsible and ready to work with kids
- Reflect the energy, values, and teamwork camps are looking for
In this post, you’ll find 25 detailed, resume-ready action phrases and statements to help you stand out as a great summer camp counselor. They’re specific, and easy to adapt to your own experience, whether you’re brand new or coming back for another summer.
Resume Action Phrases for a Camp Counselor (With or Without Previous Camp Experience)
Leadership & Supervision
- Led and supervised daily activities for a group of up to 12 campers, maintaining a balance of structure and fun throughout the day.
- Oversaw cabin responsibilities and bedtime routines, helping campers adjust to being away from home in a supportive, structured environment.
- Chaperoned off-site field trips and managed camper transitions with a focus on safety, organization, and positive behavior.
- Coached campers through interpersonal conflicts by teaching them communication tools and modeling empathy and fairness.
- Served as a positive role model by demonstrating patience, enthusiasm, and reliability every day—even during high-stress moments.
Creativity & Activity Planning
- Planned and led hands-on games, crafts, and challenges designed to engage a wide range of ages, interests, and abilities.
- Developed themed days such as “Nature Explorers” or “Sports Olympics,” complete with custom activities and costumes to build excitement.
- Modified activities on the fly based on group energy, camper feedback, or weather, keeping things flexible and inclusive.
- Worked with fellow counselors to brainstorm new games that promoted teamwork and laughter while encouraging outdoor play.
- Designed age-appropriate learning stations that combined creativity with problem-solving and critical thinking.
Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborated with co-counselors to maintain a safe and welcoming environment where every camper felt seen and included.
- Regularly updated parents and guardians about their child’s progress and behavior in a professional and supportive tone.
- Actively contributed to daily debrief meetings with staff to discuss camper needs, activity feedback, and ideas for improvement.
- Communicated clearly and calmly during group transitions, making sure everyone stayed on task and understood the schedule.
- Built positive relationships with both campers and colleagues through active listening, encouragement, and humor.
Safety & Responsibility
- Implemented and enforced camp safety procedures, including water safety rules, sun protection reminders, and first-aid protocol.
- Supported campers with allergies or medical needs by following individualized care instructions and checking in regularly.
- Stayed alert to physical and emotional cues in campers, stepping in early to prevent potential issues or injuries.
- Responded quickly and calmly to minor injuries and behavioral concerns, always putting camper well-being first.
- Participated in all required staff training, including CPR/First Aid certification and emergency preparedness drills.
Initiative & Support
- Jumped in to assist during high-energy moments—like rainy day schedule changes or lost-and-found chaos—without being asked.
- Created “get-to-know-you” icebreakers for the first day of camp, helping nervous campers feel comfortable and connected.
- Volunteered to take on extra responsibilities, such as managing camp gear or organizing end-of-week camper awards.
- Stepped up to lead quiet activities during downtime, helping manage energy levels and avoid camper boredom or misbehavior.
- Provided emotional support to homesick campers, offering reassurance and helping them build new friendships and confidence.
How to Make These Summer Camp Counselor Resume Action Phrases Yours
Each of these phrases is meant to inspire your own resume content, not be copied word-for-word. When writing your resume:
- Swap in the actual age range, number of campers, or activities you led
- Include specific themes, skills, or outcomes (e.g., “helped campers complete a trust-building ropes course”)
- Don’t be afraid to show your personality, your care and energy are part of the job!
Even if you haven’t worked at a summer or day camp before, you likely have relatable experience from:
- Tutoring or babysitting
- Coaching or refereeing youth sports
- Volunteering at schools, libraries, or community events
- Being a peer leader, RA, or student ambassador
In Closing
If you love working with kids and aren’t afraid to jump into the chaos of camp life with a smile, you’re already on the right track. Being a camp counselor is more than just supervising kids, it’s about showing up, being present, and helping young people grow. The way you write your resume should reflect that.
These expanded action phrases will help you build a resume that shows presents you with confidence, humanity, and a full heart, just like a great summer camp counselor should be.
Best of luck as you apply for your next summer camp counselor opportunity.
Related Posts
How to Write a Resume for a Summer Camp Counselor Job (With No Related Experience)
Sample Resume for an Experienced Summer Camp Counselor
What You Really Learn as a Summer Camp Counselor (That Translates to Any Career)
10 Examples of Using the STAR Method for a Summer Camp Job Interview
Tips to Identify Your Accomplishments and Achievements in Preparation for Writing a Resume
How to Conduct a Self-Assessment to Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
