When a B.A. or B.S. is required, the usual field of study is within recreation, with an emphasis on camping, group work, liberal arts education, or outdoor or physical education.
Camp counselors with previous camping experience have an edge over those who never attended camp before. Campers who get promoted to CIT (counselor-in-training), then on to junior counselor (both are usually unpaid positions, but might offer a break in or waiver of camp fees) would often have a better shot at a full-fledged counselor position within their camp if an opening occurs than someone from the outside. But because many camps have age requirements for counselors--some will hire eighteen-year-olds, others prefer twenty-year-olds or older--a period of a few years might have to pass before moving from a junior counselor position to a full, paid counselor level.
Full-time career professional positions in recreational settings other than camps usually require a college degree with a major in parks and recreation or leisure studies, but a bachelor's degree in any liberal arts field may be sufficient for some jobs in the private sector.
In industrial recreation, or employee services as it is more commonly called, companies prefer to hire persons with a bachelor's degree in recreation or leisure studies and a strong background in business administration.
Graduates of associate degree programs in parks and recreation, social work, and other human services disciplines also enter some career recreation positions. Occasionally high school graduates are able to enter career positions, but this is not common. Some college students work part-time as recreation workers while earning degrees.
Specializations
A background with specialized training or experience in a particular field, such as art, music, drama, or athletics, is an asset- and even a requirement-for many jobs.
Some jobs also require a special certificate, such as a Red Cross Senior Lifesaving or WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certificate when there are water-related activities involved.
Advancement
Persons with academic preparation in parks and recreation, leisure studies, physical education, fitness management, and related fields generally have better prospects for career advancement, although this varies from one employer to another. In some organizations it is possible to reach the top of the career ladder without a college education, but this is becoming increasingly difficult.
Supervisory Positions
A bachelor's degree and experience are preferred for most recreation supervisor jobs and required for higher level camp administrator jobs. However, increasing numbers of recreation workers who aspire to administrator positions are obtaining master's degrees in parks and recreation or related disciplines.
Also, many persons in other disciplines, including social work, forestry, and resource management, pursue graduate degrees in recreation.
Professional Development Programs
The American Camping Association has developed a curriculum for camp director education. They offer workshops and seminars in the following areas:
Basic Camp Director Course
Camp Director Institute Program
Director Course
Site Manager Course
Here are examples of what some of the programs cover:
New Directors Orientation: A special two-and-a-half-day session for new camp directors, assistant directors, or people who have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing camp in future summers. The program provides an overview of all the aspects of the director's job. It also helps identify the human and material resources needed to direct a camp.
Basic Camp Directors Course: This is a five-day course for camp directors with less than five years experience. The course is designed to present specific content in fourteen management areas:
Child and youth development risk management
Health care
Special populations
Site and facilities
Role of the camp director
Staffing
Philosophy and objectives
Organizational design
Program
Business and finance
Marketing and public relations
Food service
Evaluation
Learning sessions focus on real situations, problems, and solutions.
Camp Director Institute
This is a five-day course for experienced camp directors. Participants must have completed the BCDC (Basic Camp Director Course) and have at least three years experience as a director with overall responsibility for the operation and management of a camp or conference center, or six years experience as a director.
CDI participants examine, refine, and demonstrate consistency between their camp or conference center philosophy and operational components through small group presentation and a critique process.
Program Director Course
This is a five-day course for new and experienced program directors that explores areas such as: philosophy and objectives, camper growth and development, program activities and organization, evaluation, special populations, and health and safety.
Outdoor Living Skills Instructor Course
Outdoor Living Skills Instructor Course (OLS) is for camp specialists, agency staff, or volunteers who have documented experience in outdoor living skills and wish to become an instructor for program leaders that will be teaching the OLS program to campers.
The purpose of the OLS program is to help campers and program leaders gain the skills and attitudes needed for meaningful outdoor experiences with minimum impact on the environment.
For information on these programs contact Director of Professional Development American Camping Association, North Martinsville, IN 46151-7902
Many national youth associations offer training courses for camp directors at the local and regional levels. Contact the individual groups for more information.
Programs leading to an associate or bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, leisure studies, or related fields are offered at about 350 colleges and universities. Many also offer masters or doctoral degrees in this field.
In 1996 approximately ninety bachelor's degree programs in parks and recreation were accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in cooperation with the American Association for Leisure and Recreation (AALR). Contact the NRPA for a list of these programs.
Accredited programs offer broad exposure to the history, theory, and philosophy of park and recreation management. Courses offered include community organization, supervision and administration, recreational needs of special populations such as older adults or the disabled and supervised fieldwork. Students may specialize in areas such as therapeutic recreation, park management, outdoor recreation, industrial or commercial recreation, and camp management.
Certification
Certification for this field is offered by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) National Certification Board and the American Camping Association. The NRPA, along with its state chapters, offers certification as a Certified Leisure Professional (CLP) for those with a college degree in recreation, and as a Certified Leisure Technician (CLT) for those with fewer than four years of college. The American Camping Association offers a certification program for camp directors. Continuing education is necessary to remain certified in either field.
Certification is not usually required for employment or advancement in this field, but it is an asset. Employers choosing among qualified job applicants may opt to hire the person with a demonstrated record of professional achievement represented by certification.
Personal Qualities You'll Need
People planning recreation careers should be outgoing, good at motivating people, and sensitive to the needs of others. Good health and physical fitness are required.
Activity planning calls for creativity and resourcefulness. Willingness to accept responsibility and the ability to exercise good judgment are important qualities because recreation personnel often work without close supervision.
Part-time or summer recreation work experience while in high school or college may help students decide whether their interests really point to a human services career. Such experience also may increase their leadership skills and understanding of people.
Individuals contemplating careers in recreation at the supervisory or administrative level should develop managerial skills. College courses in management, business administration, accounting, and personnel management are likely to be useful.
Preparing For a Career in Camping
The American Camping Association offers a professional development calendar that lists programs and courses throughout the country that can help prepare you in addition to any college training you participate in. Courses run the gamut from CPR and first aid; archery instruction; health and safety management; and adapting environmental education materials for students with physical, developmental, and behavioral disabilities; to low ropes and climbing walls courses.
As mentioned earlier, experience as a camper is invaluable to prepare you for a job or career in camping. College students can opt for camp jobs to fulfill internship or field work requirements and some may qualify as work-study positions.
As you work your way up the ladder in a camping career it is a good idea to work in as many different types of camps under different sponsorships as possible, each serving a different clientele.
