Camp Career Accelerator

Are you passionate about making a difference in young lives and ready to transform your enthusiasm for summer camp into a thriving career? Look no further than our Camp Career Accelerator Program, a unique opportunity designed to help you gain real-world experience, develop expert leadership skills, and establish your path forward in the summer camp industry.

Program Overview

This 15-month program is meant to jump start your camp career by providing comprehensive experience, skill-building, and connections that will help you secure a full time summer camp job at the end of the program.

Participants will engage in hands-on professional development in four different camp environments, including a short-season overnight camp, a long-season overnight camp, a day camp, and a top tier outdoor education progam. You will see these programs in both on-season and off-season settings, and finish the accelerator by serving in a leadership role in one of the four programs.


Key Program Features

Hands-On Experience

This program is not about sitting on the sidelines—it’s about doing. You’ll be fully involved in day-to-day camp operations, leading activities, supervising staff, and building strong connections with campers. Every day brings a new challenge that will help you grow your leadership abilities and expand your skill set.

Expert Advisors

Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with three well-established advisors:

Through direct mentorship, you’ll receive personalized guidance, honest feedback, and career advice. These mentors share a passion for youth development and bring decades of collective camp experience to help you flourish.

Curated Speaker Series

Our robust speaker series introduces you to leading voices in camping, outdoor education, and youth development. These interactive sessions are led by some of the most knowledgeable camp owners and directors in the country, and cover topics such as:

  • Critical camp leadership skills
  • Financial management and budgeting for camps
  • Recruitment, training, and retention of staff
  • Marketing and building a camp community

Stipend & Support

While you’re immersing yourself in camp life and focusing on your professional growth, you’ll receive a $1,500 monthly stipend. This financial support ensures you can dedicate your energy to building the skills and experiences needed for your next career step in the world of summer camps. Housing and most meals are also provided throughout the program.


Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for motivated individuals looking to:

  • Transition into a leadership role within the camp industry
  • Explore different types of camps and styles of programming
  • Develop hands-on experience in youth education, leadership, and camp operations
  • Work hard in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Connect with a network of industry professionals committed to mentorship and growth

A Year of Transformation

From mid-May 2025 to early September 2026, you’ll fully immerse yourself in camp culture across multiple sites and age groups. Expect to leave this program with an impressive portfolio of skills, experiences, and a deep understanding of how to craft unforgettable summer experiences for campers.

By working alongside seasoned camp leaders, educators, and fellow Accelerator participants, you’ll develop a supportive professional community. Beyond the day-to-day experiences, you’ll have multiple avenues to build lasting connections and discover new opportunities to level up your career.


Take the Leap

If you’re ready to invest in your future and lay a solid foundation for a long-term career in the summer camp world, the Camp Career Accelerator Program is your launchpad. Come prepared to learn, work hard, and create meaningful experiences for young people—while boosting your own leadership and camp management credentials.

Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape the future of the summer camp industry—and your own career!

Apply Now