There are similarities in every counselor, whether they work expressly with depressed children or with relationship-struggling adults. A counselor’s schooling is important—a bachelor’s degree in psychology or some related field is necessary. But almost more than the education, a counselor must have a desire to make a difference, and enjoy working very closely and intimately with a variety of different people.
Most counselors work in offices—either part of a larger firm or a more private business. In any event, they are office jobs, and their different cases are their only variety. While this is not a bad thing, the work atmosphere might be enough to drive away many people that have looked into the work of counseling. But what if the office was not your only option as a counselor? What if you could have a chance to not only counsel with many different children, but work directly with them for a longer period of time? If you would like to work in an upbeat atmosphere as a counselor and you enjoy your time spent outdoors, you may want to seriously consider the work of a camp counselor.
A camp counselor is specifically tailored to help children. A camp counselor could be hired by many different private or government funded camps. A camp director does not need the higher education specified above, but salary would probably increase if you did hold a degree. (Many separate counselors work summers as camp counselors to bring in extra money.) Most professional camp directors make around $25,000, to $30,000. Generally the children are around for the summer, and the rest of the year the camp counselor plans activities that will benefit children. A camp counselor oversees most of the activities and also meets individually with the children at the camp. A camp counselor can be a depression counselor or a much needed friend. Kids want adults that they can identify with—adults that will take a real interest in them, and not only advise, but listen.
Learning to become a counselor is a very difficult endeavor. A counselor must have certain in-born qualities that can not simply be learned. The ability to care, to communicate, to listen; these are things that are extremely important in a counselor’s work, and though you can nurture these talents they are almost impossible to learn. Good, happy, successful counselors were born to be counselors. And if you have these traits and an interest in helping children, becoming a camp counselor may be a smart job move.
A camp counselor does not only deal with psychological things. A camp director is also expected to love the outdoors. They must be knowledgeable about nature and camping. They will be teaching a wide variety of camp safety rules, and will also be a highly important part in teaching different camping/survival skills. Fire building techniques and safety, hiking tips, and outdoor cooking skills. You will be a teacher, friend, and example to the children with whom you associate. So you will need to be a person with strong moral values and a positive attitude. And of course you need to be ready for the fresh air in the great outdoors.
