Career Services hosted their Summer Camp Fair on Monday, Feb. 10. Many camps from around Texas and surrounding states came in to visit with students who are interested in working at a summer camp.

“The Summer Camp Fair is an exceptional opportunity for students,” Jana Nixon, Student Employment Services Coordinator, said. “The fair enables students to connect with employers who are seeking summer staff at camps across Texas and beyond. In short, the jobs are coming to them.”

Twenty-three camps participated in the fair on Monday. A few camps that were in attendance include Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center, Glorieta Camp and Rocky River Ranch. Wonderland Park, the Don Harrington Discovery Center and Upward Bound were also there seeking employees for summer programs.

Students who attended the fair are encouraged to follow up with camps they spoke with.

“I followed up with Panfork Baptist Encampment and got an interview, so I was really excited to get the job,” Jessica Morrow, senior Theatre Performance major, said. Morrow attended the Summer Camp Fair in 2012.

Contrary to popular belief, summer camps are not just for Education majors and the like. Students majoring in Sports and Exercise Science, Music, Theatre, Nursing, Social Work and more can gain relevant work experience that will enhance their skill set, ultimately helping to prepare them for their future careers after graduation.

“It taught me extremely valuable lessons about work ethic. All the staff lived together, so we really had to work on maintaining good working relationships,” Morrow said. “I think those experiences will be really valuable for the future.”

Summer camps are also a good way for students to earn money while having fun over the summer.

“Many camps pay quite well and provide room and board,” Nixon said. “Students have the potential of realizing significant earnings in a relatively short period of time.”

For students who are interested in working at a summer camp but were unable to attend the Fair, Career Services has a list of participating camps and their websites available in suite 113 of the Classroom Center.

“I’ll get the list because I would like to check the camps out on their websites,” Madison Parkey, senior Elementary Education major, said. “I am just looking to see if there is an option that would be a good fit for me this summer if working at a camp is what I choose to do.”

Alongside the valuable work experience and gaining new skills, summer camps also give students the opportunity to meet new people, get paid to have fun and make long-lasting memories.

“I made some lasting friendships, had some great experiences and learned some amazing skills,” Morrow said. “It was a summer I’ll never forget!”