The content for this post was taken from a Q and A email round table that I ran. The question was, “What are the top resources you use to find quality summer staff?”. These 10 come from a variety of camp professionals, including Bonnie Haire, Marcia W, Sharon C, Chris P, Blake E and Abbie P.
BABYSITTING WEBSITES
Try recruiting from babysitting websites like Care.com or Sittercity.com.
ADS IN CHURCH BULLETINS
Placing ads in church bulletins for faith-based camps is usually worthwhile. This often reaches students headed ‘home’ from college for the summer through parents and grandparents, but occasionally a retired teacher might respond, which is great!
WINTER RESORT STAFF
Contact nearby winter resorts that have kid’s programs; these people will be looking for summer work. Resorts will usually be glad to put out job listings for you.
COLLEGES WITH EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS
Contact nearby colleges, especially ones that have Early Childhood or Education Degree programs; these programs are full of young people who love to work with children and need summer jobs.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGES
Local Christian colleges are always excited about posting jobs on their boards and online forums.
RECREATION CENTERS
Post flyers at nearby recreation centers (YMCA, bowling alleys, soccer facilities, ice rinks, etc.) where there are programs for youth to attract either staff and/or campers.
TEACHERS
Use the public school system. Some teachers are looking for part time jobs in the summer.
REFERRALS
Ask returning staff to share employment opportunities with their friends and family.
JOB BOARDS
Consider outdoor specific job boards like jobtrekker.
START EARLY
Our most successful tools for staff recruitment is starting early and being where your potential staff are. We post monthly on student job boards, visit college campuses starting in October/November, and utilize our past summer staff to help get the word out. We not only utilize job fairs, but set-up tables in student unions or education buildings to help spread the word. If I have a past summer staff member who goes to that college I have them come help. A familiar face helps draw in new faces! Starting early has definitely been key to our success. Students have a lot of opportunities so getting in their minds early helps them commit later.
Do you have better ways of finding quality camp staff? Let us know about it in the comments section below.
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