Camp Types
The American Camp Association (ACA) recently reported that, as it stands, there are around 7,000 overnight camps and around 5,000 day camps open for business in the USA. These camps cater for more than 11 million children and adults across the country so it should come as no surprise that there are several different camp types that make up this number.
Below, we look at each type...
Traditional
These camps are more than likely going to be what you envisage camp to be like when applying for a position with Skilled Summers.
A typical traditional camp will sit on a lake, accommodating its staff and cabins in log cabins and have a central lodge housing the dining hall. Varying in size, they tend to have excellent facilities to support a wide variety of camp activity types from the waterfront, outdoor adventure to arts & crafts and outdoor cooking.
These camps follow a typical daily schedule, expect breakfast, morning sessions, lunch, afternoon sessions then an evening activity where singing around a campfire is a popular way to bring the day to an end.
About These Camps
Privately owned and usually owe their beginnings to a founding family or big organisation like the YMCA.
Places are funded by the campers family (this is normally for a 1, 2 or 4 week period)
Some traditional camps specialise in a certain area, such as performing arts or gymnastics.
An extensive range of activities (watersports, arts & crafts, high ropes, horse riding etc) with high standard facilities
Classic summer camp traditions (campfires, off-camp trips, lower Saturday)
The Campers
Range in age from 7-17 years old
Co-ed (boys & girls)
Come from all over the world, but mainly the USA, Mexico and Canada
Decide what activities they would like to take part in as part of their cabin (normally 6 campers and 2 counsellors)
Usually overnight but some are day camps. Duration of camp is anywhere from 1-8 weeks.
Accommodation & Facilities
Cabins with bunk beds make up the majority of accommodation
Counsellors will share cabins with the campers in cabin groups (normally 6 campers)
Activity/Specialist staff normally share a cabin with other staff rather than campers
Single Gender
These camps are basically traditional camps but with single-gendered staff and campers.
A typical traditional single-gendered camp will sit on a lake, accommodating its staff and cabins in log cabins and have a central lodge housing the dining hall. Varying in size, they tend to have excellent facilities to support a wide variety of camp activity types from the waterfront, outdoor adventure to arts & crafts and outdoor cooking.
These camps follow a typical daily schedule, expect breakfast, morning sessions, lunch, afternoon sessions then an evening activity where singing around a campfire is a popular way to bring the day to an end. These camps follow a typical daily schedule, expect breakfast, morning sessions, lunch, afternoon sessions then an evening activity where singing around a campfire is a popular way to bring the day to an end.
About These Camps
Privately owned and usually owe their beginnings to a founding family or big organisation like the YMCA.
Places are funded by the campers family (this is normally for a 1, 2 or 4 week period)
Some traditional camps specialise in a certain area, such as performing arts or gymnastics.
An extensive range of activities (watersports, arts & crafts, high ropes, horse riding etc) with high standard facilities
Classic summer camp traditions (campfires, off-camp trips, lower Saturday)
The Campers
Range in age from 7-17 years old
Single-gendered
Come from all over the world, but mainly the USA, Mexico and Canada
Decide what activities they would like to take part in as part of their cabin (normally 6 campers and 2 counsellors)
Usually overnight but some are day camps. Duration of camp is anywhere from 1-8 weeks.
Accommodation & Facilities
Cabins with bunk beds make up the majority of accommodation
Counsellors will share cabins with the campers in cabin groups (normally 6 campers)
Activity/Specialist staff normally share a cabin with other staff rather than campers
Girl Scout
The Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA), or simply Girl Scouts, is a youth organisation for girls formed in 1912 as a direct response to the creation of the boy scouting movement in 1911.
Many camps across the USA identify as Girl Scout camps and follow the principles of this organisation, focusing mainly on outdoor living, hiking, waterfront, outdoor cooking, camping and nature.
About These Camps
Camps specifically for girls. Both campers and staff are female.
Their aim is to help campers discover the power of girls being together.
Some are independantly run while others are set up by local Girl Scout divisions.
Like traditional camps, extensive range of activities, all with the aim of helping campers explore leadership, build skills and develop a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
The Campers
Girls, aged 5 – 17 years old
Sessions usually run during the week, from Monday to Friday. It is likely that you will have a new group of campers each week.
Normally local to the area
A variety of different, mainly outdoor-based, activities all with the aim of increasing leadership and team-building skills
Just like the scouts, there is a fun tradition at Girl Scouts camps where campers never know the real name of their counsellor or other staff members, only by nickname!
Accommodation & Facilities
Normally on the rustic side, cabins or even platform tents; really helping the campers feel at one with nature
Counsellors normally stay in separate accommodation to campers
These camps are perfect for those with prior experience in the brownies or girl guides.
Special Needs
Special Needs camps exist to ensure that children and adults with varying mental and physical disabilities have the opportunity to experience an incredible summer at camp, just like anybody else.
About These Camps
Cater for children and adults who require care to support a learning, emotional , physical or mental disability.
Some camps specialise in severe physical disabilities while others will be for campers with behavioural disorders such as ADHD or autism.
Act as respite for parents who care for the campers from day to day.
The Campers
Male and female, of all ages (some campers are in their 80’s!)
Camper: counsellor ratio is higher compared to other camp types as personal care and attention is required
Sessions normally run from 1-2 weeks, with campers tending to return time and time again for many years
Normally local to the area
Cabin accommodation
Counsellors live with their assigned campers
A variety of different, activities, with adaptable equipment, that focus on giving campers a thoroughly rewarding, social, happy experience
A more in-depth staff training will take place in order to thoroughly prepare you for the campers and the different support required
No previous experience is needed to work at a special needs camp, just a desire to really make a difference. This can be a challenging role, however, you will be well supported throughout