Personality...initiative...common sense. Clean police record. Sense of humour. Willingness to pitch in Likes kids and can communicate well with them Can take instruction from supervisors Knows all the words to Koombaya

I spent two summers as a Boy Scout camp counselor - two of my best summers. The two most important qualities are spirit and stamina. You have to be cheery - always - and have stamina, not only to physically be on your game, but to stay cheery and motivated. You have to like to sing goofy songs, even if you can't carry a tune. If you play a portable instrument, esp. guitar, that will be good. You have to be willing to behaving goofy at the drop of the hat... not immature or irresponsible, but goofy. You need to be comfortable leading in an amicible way. The kids are there for fun, not to be your personal military unit. You want to show a willingness to volunteer for nearly any task. You have to like to be outdoors... Camping/hiking/nature-related experience good (boy/girl scouts). Experience and training in swimming, canoeing, rowing, etc also great. Certified First Aid training, Certified Lifesaving training, and CPR training may be required, depending on the job, but are definitely helpful. A willingness to "unplug" from the world... I think the most "advanced" piece of electronics I ever had at camp was our electric fan! - so, no cell phones, laptops, text messages, internet, video games, etc. It's not to say that they will be forbidden, but it will be helpful if you can demonstrate that you are not addicted... Unless it is specifically a computer camp or similar, life at camp is analog. Depending on the features the camp offers, proficency in responsible archery, fire-arms, fire-building, survival, pioneering (ropes and things), cooking, etc are all helpful. In my experience, being a counselor is hard work. It can also be some of the most enjoyable time you spend. I would love to be able to take a summer off and work at camp again... maybe after I retire!