Job fair offers students options for alternative employment

A college student’s summer usually consists of summer school, internships or working extensive hours at a boring job. This summer, students can add another option to that list. \nThe 48th annual Summer Camp Jobs Fair will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Indiana Memorial Union’s Alumni Hall. \nThe camps are located nationwide. Camps are seeking students for summer positions such as counselors, lifeguards and activity specialists. \nWorking at a camp can be a valuable experience for students interested in a career that entails working with children, sports or recreation, said Doug Hanvey, the director of the fair and counselor in the Career Development Center.\n“I knew I wanted to work at a camp because I was an elementary education major, and it’s a great opportunity to work with kids,” junior Ashley Back said. “I will really use (this experience) when I become a teacher.”\nThe fair will offer jobs at different camps, whose specialties range from science to sports. There is something for everyone, Hanvey said.\n“There are camps that work with people with disabilities, religious camps, camps that deal with different sporting activities, rafting, horseback riding and etc.,” Hanvey said. “Some aren’t only looking for counselors, some are even looking for cooks, wranglers and secretaries.” \nMost students who had worked at one of the camps agreed that it was a great experience. \n“I met people from all over the world – people from Spain and England,” Back said. “It was really cool getting to meet them. I was working close to home and still got to experience different cultures.” \nThe students not only receive experience in their career fields, but they also have fun, Hanvey said.\n“I was a counselor in charge (of) a cabin with fifth- and sixth-gradersr,” said junior Chris Clerc. “It was an overall fun experience. I met people from IU, and I didn’t expect that, and I still hang out with them here.” \nAlthough Backsaid camp was a fun experience, some aspects of camp life presented challenges. \n“You should be prepared to live in a place without electricity,” Back said. “Not all camps are without electricity, but mine was. And be prepared not to be able to take a shower every day.” \nDespite the frustration, the lack of electricity and the missed showers, Back and Clerc said they would love to experience it all over again. \n“Just go to the job fair – you don’t have anything to lose,” Clerc said. “It’s nice to have different options when you are thinking about your summer.”