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Camp Counsellor Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Camp Counsellor interview questions and answers.

  1. Do you have any experience working with children in particular age groups, and if so, which age groups? See answer
  2. What skills do you have that equip you to work with children of a young age? See answer
  3. Some camp counsellor positions double as instructor positions in a sport or activity, so do you have any specialised experience or certifications? See answer
  4. How would you rate your ability to share information with large groups? See answer
  5. What programmes at our camp excite you? See answer
  6. What would you do if a camper experienced an injury while under your supervision? See answer
  7. How has your educational background prepared you to supervise children in a camp setting? See answer
  8. Please describe a time in the past when you were able to encourage a camper to take part in an activity they were initially scared to do. See answer
  9. How do you respond to feeling overwhelmed while leading a group of campers? See answer
  10. Do you have any suggestions for improvements we can make to how we run our camp? See answer
  11. Have you ever attended camp as a camper? If so, what did you enjoy about it? See answer
  12. How would you respond to a situation where two campers want to use the same piece of equipment? See answer
  13. Please identify any safety certifications you have and describe how you have used them in the past. See answer
  14. Please describe any apprenticeships or training programmes you have participated in.
  15. What would you say to a parent who is unsatisfied with how you led their child?
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Hire your next Camp Counsellor today.

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Hire your next Camp Counsellor today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Camp Counsellor Interview Questions and Answers

Do you have any experience working with children in particular age groups, and if so, which age groups?

Some camps cater to children of specific age groups. For example, a camp that offers full-time child care with overnight stays might be designed for children between the ages of 8 and 12, while a day camp might primarily take children of younger ages, like 6- to 8-year-olds.

What to look for in an answer:

  • specialised experience with a certain age group
  • Ability to work with children of varying ages
  • Experience caring for children full time

Example:

"Throughout high school, I worked at a day camp for kindergartners and led them through daily activities and excursions, like going to the museum and playing outside. I also worked at an overnight summer camp during my undergraduate study, where I gained experience supervising 10-year-old children full time and instructing them in outdoor activities, including kayaking and identifying plant species."

What skills do you have that equip you to work with children of a young age?

Making sure candidates have excellent child care skills can verify that your camp counsellors are prepared to work with children and supervise them, which can offer comfort to parents by confirming that their children will be safe.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Patience when working with children
  • Empathy
  • Strong communication skills

Example:

"I have been taking care of my younger siblings for my entyre life, which has helped me develop strong patience and the ability to speak with children compassionately and effectively. I also have excellent interpersonal and disciplinary skills that allow me to be firm but kind when correcting a child who has been misbehaving or not getting along with their peers."

Please describe any apprenticeships or training programmes you have taken part in.

If your camp requires its counsellors to complete an apprenticeship or formal training before they apply for an open position, you can use this question to confirm that candidates have the proper qualifications.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Mention of a specific apprenticeship
  • Certificate from a training programme
  • Previous experience as a camp counsellor

Example:

"I have worked as a camp counsellor in training for the past two summers at my local summer camp, where I learned about best practises to use when working as a camp counsellor and developed my child care and outdoor survival skills. I also have an active certificate in CPR that I earned through a CPR training programme."

Some camp counsellor positions double as instructor positions in a sport or activity, so do you have any specialised experience or certifications?

You might need to hire camp counsellors with speciality certifications to lead activities that involve advanced skills. This can be especially valuable if your camp offers activities like rock climbing, archery, swimming, or other types of aquatic sports that need close supervision or specialised equipment.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Activities candidates have led before
  • Mention of specific certifications
  • Details about the training process

Example:

"The last summer camp I worked for had horses, so I obtained a certificate in equestrian care and handling before I started work. I also earned lifeguard certification, which makes me qualified to supervise a number of aquatic activities, including swimming, canoeing, and water skiing."

What would you say to a parent who is unsatisfied with how you disciplined their child?

Because communicating with parents who might have concerns or complaints can be a common responsibility for camp counsellors, it can be helpful to make sure all candidates for a camp counsellor position have strong interpersonal skills. 

What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Developed interpersonal skills
  • Previous experience responding to parents

Example: 

Example:

"I think it's important to prioritise respect and understanding in these cases, as speaking with parents professionally can help reach a solution effectively. My response would be to listen to what the parent has to say and then provide them with all the details surrounding the situation to ensure everyone receives accurate information about what occurred."

How would you rate your ability to share information with large groups?

Working as a camp counsellor often involves supervising several children at once, so making sure your candidates feel prepared to manage large groups can help confirm that they can handle leading activities for groups of any size.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to give instructions to large groups
  • Public speaking skills

Example:

"I love working with big groups of children, and my strong communication skills allow me to give instructions and share announcements with everyone at camp in a way that everyone can understand. I also emphasise to my campers that they can always come up and ask me a question if they ever need help or want more information about instructions for a particular activity or set of announcements I give."

What programmes at our camp excite you?

Knowing that a candidate took the time to research your business can be a great indicator that they have a passion for the job and a genuine interest in working for your company.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Specific examples of programmes you offer
  • Insight about what they enjoy about camp
  • Focus on building fun experiences for campers

Example:

"My favourite aspect of your camp is the archery programme because I think it's an exciting and creative way to encourage kids to have fun outside and to help them learn a new skill."

What would you do if a camper experienced an injury while under your supervision?

Because many activities that take place at camp can pose potential hazards, like falling or tripping, it can be important for candidates to know how to respond to injuries and accidents.

What to look for in an answer:

  • First aid training
  • CPR certification
  • Ability to provide comfort and emotional support

Example:

"As I'm trained in first aid, I know how to examine campers for injuries after an accident and can perform tasks like bandaging, wrapping, and creating splints and supports. I also always try to make the person I'm helping laugh to relieve some of their stress and redirect their attention from the injury."

How has your educational background prepared you to supervise children in a camp setting?

Some camps require their counsellors to complete undergraduate degrees that can provide them with information and skills that can help them succeed in the field before they apply to open positions. If your camp doesn't ask for a college degree, you can also use this question to verify that a candidate has finished high school, which is a requirement for most camps in Canada.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Degree in physical education, recreation, or athletics
  • High school diploma
  • Explanation of how education aligns with role

Example:

"I have a bachelor's degree in recreation and leisure, and I took courses in athletics, kinesiology, and first aid training that would help me in this role."

Please describe a time in the past when you were able to encourage a camper to take part in an activity they were initially scared to do.

Camp counsellors often have to respond to situations in which children feel uncomfortable or need support, so this question can tell you about a candidate's ability to help campers who might benefit from some extra encouragement.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to be encouraging and compassionate
  • Focus on helping campers feel comfortable and have fun

Example:

"Last summer, one of my campers was nervous to swim out to the raft with his friends where he couldn't touch the bottom of the lake. To help him get more comfortable, I encouraged everyone to wear life jackets as a way to feel safer."

How do you respond to feeling overwhelmed while leading a group of campers?

Working at a camp can involve a number of potentially stressful situations, such as campers with different personalities and plans that change due to unforeseen weather, so knowing how a candidate typically responds to such instances can tell you about how they might be as an employee.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Patience
  • Positive attitude
  • Ability to remain calm and continue working

Example:

"When I feel overwhelmed while working at a camp, I like to take a small break to gather my thoughts and try to look at the situation in a positive way so that I can keep doing what I need to do."

Do you have any suggestions for improvements we can make to how we run our camp?

Asking how a candidate would improve your organisation can tell you about how thoroughly they have researched the company before attending an interview.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Specific details about company policies or programmes
  • Creativity
  • Understanding of best practises in running a camp

Example:

"While I'm very impressed with your camp's programmes and facilities, one suggestion I would offer that could improve your camp even more would be to add a music programme so that children can explore activities like singing, making instruments, and playing songs together."

Have you ever attended camp as a camper? If so, what did you enjoy about it?

This question can inform you about a candidate's personal experiences with camp, which might also provide insight into why they want a job as a camp counsellor.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Positive memories from their camp experience
  • Details about how they have succeeded at camp activities
  • A fun and engaging personality

Example:

"I went to summer camp every year growing up and had the best time. My favourite things to do were swimming and canoeing, as I love being in the water, but I also really enjoyed taking nature hikes and learning about the different wildlife that lived in the area."

How would you respond to a situation where two campers want to use the same piece of equipment?

One of the most common responsibilities for camp counsellors is conflict resolution, so this question can help to determine whether a candidate can effectively manage conflict between campers or staff.

What to look for in an answer:

  • Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to think creatively
  • Communication skills

Example:

"If two campers were trying to use the same piece of equipment, I would likely try to redirect both campers to a different activity that they might both enjoy and suggest that one of them try the new activity while the other uses the original piece of equipment, then they could trade activities after a set period of time."

Please identify any safety certifications you have and describe how you have used them in the past.

Because working at a camp can involve activities that take place outdoors or using specialised equipment, it's helpful for camp counsellors to have one or more safety certifications to ensure they can respond to any potential emergencies.

What to look for in an answer:

  • First aid certification
  • CPR certification
  • Lifeguard certification

Example:

"I have completed training and certification programmes in first aid and CPR that are both currently active. I also have a speciality certification as a diving instructor that permits me to supervise and lead scuba diving expeditions."

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