49th annual summer camp fair to offer jobs

In an economic downturn when saving money is vital to college students, the 49th annual Summer Camps Job Fair allows students to explore paid jobs as an alternative to internships.

The Summer Camp Jobs Fair will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Indiana Memorial Union’s Alumni Hall.

The fair has at least 66 different camps registered as of Feb. 16, said Susan Simmons, co-coordinator of the event and coordinator of career placement for the department of kinesiology.

The event, primarily sponsored by the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, will bring in recruiters from all over the country, from California to Maine.
Simmons said there will be recruiters for all kinds of camps, including environmental education, religion, summer day, overnight and specialty camps.  

Julie Knapp, co-coordinator of the fair and internship coordinator in the HPER said summer camp jobs are a way to earn and save money for school.

“It’s a great opportunity experience for college students,” Knapp said. “They get experience with payment (and) leadership in a setting with room and board.”

Knapp said it will be beneficial for students to bring a resume, but it isn’t necessary. She also said any IU student should be able to find a camp that fits his or her professional needs.  

Simmons said IU has a strong presence in recruiting camp counselors, and many recruiters are excited to return every year.

Recruiters will have different ways of dealing with potential employees and their applications.

“Employers will have applications for the camps, and there will be a place for students to fill them out and do an on-the-spot interview as well,” Simmons said.

Simmons suggested that students prepare by reviewing the job fair Web site, www.indiana.edu/~campfair, and looking at the types of camps they are interested in.  
Recruiters aren’t necessarily looking for a resume with a long list of academic accomplishments.

Rasheed Anthony, director of Catalina Island Camps, is looking for someone who has a passion for working with kids.

“I look for people that are able to shine without a resume and that can offer a personable experience,” Anthony said.

Scott Brosman, Camp Tecumseh YMCA associate executive director, said communication skills are also important.

“First impression is very important because you meet new parents every week,” he said. “We look for bright, bubbly personalities.”

Specialty camps will offer more than just a counselor- or waterfront director-type position.  

Jennifer Flick, coordinator of seasonal employment for Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, said the camp offers 300 various positions, from food service employees to cabin counselors and stage services.

She said Interlochen is an environment where various art forms come together, and she hires not just because of skill but also because of the potential employee’s dedication.

“It’s about the level of interest and passion in being at this type of environment,” Flick said. “Either you love or you don’t.”