Virginia offers a wide variety of opportunities for teens, college students, and young adults seeking meaningful summer employment. From arts and STEM camps to lakeside overnight programs and community day camps, becoming a camp counselor is one of the most rewarding seasonal jobs available. This guide explains how to find openings, what qualifications help you stand out, and why camp counseling is an exceptional life and résumé-building experience. Read on for our expert tips on how to get a summer camp job in Virginia and learn the benefits of becoming a camp counselor.
Summer camps operate in every region of the Commonwealth, and many hire dozens of counselors each year. Whether you’re searching in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Central Virginia, Shenandoah, or Southwest, you’ll find strong opportunities across a wide range of program types.
To explore programs actively hiring, you can browse these internal resources:
These pages help job-seekers discover the types of camp environments where their strengths will shine.
Most camps begin posting their openings from December through March. VirginiaSummerCamp.com is a dependable starting point for applicants. Candidates can search programs statewide through your central directory:
College and community college students should check career boards at UVA, Virginia Tech, JMU, VCU, W&M, GMU, Radford, and local community colleges. Many camps recruit directly through these channels.
A brief email expressing interest, along with a résumé and availability notes, often leads to an early interview. Many camps appreciate proactive communication.
Competition can be strong, especially for positions involving specialty skills. Applying between January and March gives candidates the best chance to secure interviews and preferred roles.
Compensation varies based on region, training, and role type.
Wages depend on certifications, leadership skills, and prior experience working with children.
While not all camps require formal certifications, those who pursue training often stand out and qualify for higher-paying roles.
Understanding what makes the camp unique—whether arts-focused, nature-driven, STEM-based, or community-centered—helps candidates articulate why they are the right fit.
Directors often ask candidates to describe:
Camps want counselors who bring energy, kindness, and reliability. A positive, warm demeanor goes a long way.
A coach, teacher, mentor, or former supervisor helps strengthen credibility and demonstrates readiness to work with children.
Camp counselors grow through hands-on experiences in responsibility, communication, problem-solving, and group management—skills employers highly value.
This is especially meaningful for those pursuing:
Camp roles demonstrate character, adaptability, teamwork, initiative, and maturity—assets hiring managers across all fields respect.
Camp friendships and mentorships often last years. Many counselors return summer after summer because of the strong sense of belonging and purpose.
Becoming a camp counselor is far more than a summer job—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, grow as a leader, and gain experiences that strengthen your résumé for years to come. With opportunities in every region of the Commonwealth, VirginiaSummerCamp.com helps job-seekers discover the best fit by offering a statewide directory of day camps, overnight camps, and specialty programs. Start your search early, prepare thoughtfully, and embrace a role that can shape your future in powerful ways.
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