LOS ANGELES SUMMER CAMPS BLOG

Summer camp is an unforgettable experience for many children, filled with outdoor adventures, lasting friendships, and valuable life lessons. Behind these memorable moments are the dedicated camp counselors who work tirelessly to create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for your child. 

The 2023 summer camp season hasn't even started yet, but it's once it arrives, it'll be gone in a flash. And when the  camp season comes to an end, you may wonder if tipping your camp counselor is the right way to show your appreciation for their efforts.

Tipping Culture and Camp Counselors

Tipping is a common practice in many service industries, such as restaurants, hotels, and taxis. However, tipping camp counselors is generally not as customary.  In fact, many camps have specific policies in place regarding staff compensation and gratuities. Before deciding whether to tip your camp counselor, it's important  to consider these two factors:

In this blog post, we will discuss the tipping culture and explore alternative ways t

1. Camp Policies

Many camps have strict guidelines when it comes to tipping their staff. Some camps include a service charge in your camp fees, which is then distributed among the counselors. Others may prohibit tipping altogether to promote fairness among the entire staff. Before you consider tipping your camp counselor, make sure to consult the camp's policies and follow their guidelines. It never hurts to ask the camp director what the camp's tipping policy is. This way you can be sure you are following all the guidelines.

2. Job Expectations and Compensation

Camp counselors are typically paid a salary or stipend for their work. Although they may not usually  receive tips like other service industry workers, camp counselors are generally aware of their financial arrangements before accepting their positions, as it's usually clearly spelled out in their employment agreement with the camp. Therefore, tipping may not be necessary or expected, however, many parents and families want to show their gratitude to their child's camp counselors!

Alternatives to Tipping Your Camp Counselor

If the camp's policies don't allow tipping -- or you'd rather  show your appreciation in other ways -- here are some alternative ideas to consider.

Write a heartfelt letter or note

Expressing your gratitude through a thoughtful, handwritten letter is a powerful and lasting gesture. Share specific examples of how your camp counselor impacted your child's experience, and thank them for their dedication and hard work. You can even have your child write a note as well!

Create a personalized gift

Consider making or purchasing a small, meaningful gift that captures the spirit of the camp experience. Custom  photos, friendship bracelets, or a framed collage of camp memories will make every counselor happy!

Organize a group gift

If other parents are also interested in showing their appreciation, consider pooling resources to purchase a group gift. This could be a gift card to a popular restaurant, tickets to a local event, or a spa day to help them unwind after a busy camp season. 

Provide a recommendation
A strong recommendation can go a long way in furthering a camp counselor's career. Offer to write a testimonial for the camp's website, or provide a reference for future job opportunities. Sending a letter to the camp director praising your child's camp counselor would be much appreciated by them both.

Final Verdict? Tip, or Don't Tip?

While tipping your camp counselor may not be customary or necessary, there are many other ways to express your gratitude for their hard work and dedication. Remember that a heartfelt note or thoughtful gift can have a lasting impact, and the most important thing is to show your appreciation in a genuine and meaningful way. But if tipping is your primary way of saying thanks, just make sure it's appropriate and within camp rules before doing so.

It's probably no surprise the best camp counselors generally share similar traits. We've learned a lot about what makes up the best camp counselors over the years. When you sign up for summer camp, it's crucial to discuss with the camp director his or her strategies for hiring camp staff, and how he or she determines who to hire and who not to.

A simple question like, "who are your camp counselors?" will go a long way in determining whether you feel comfortable choosing that particular camp.

There are many characteristics that can make a camp counselor effective and successful. Some of the most important characteristics of a good camp counselor include:

1. Strong communication skills: A good camp counselor should be able to communicate effectively with campers, parents, and other staff members. This includes being able to listen actively and respond to the needs of others.
   
2. Patience and flexibility: Camp counselors often work with a wide range of individuals, including children and teenagers with different backgrounds, interests, and abilities. A good camp counselor should be patient and flexible in order to work effectively with a diverse group of campers.
3. Leadership skills: A good camp counselor should be able to take the lead and guide campers through activities and experiences. This includes being able to provide direction, set expectations, and manage behavior.
4. Knowledge of child development: A good camp counselor should have a strong understanding of child development and be able to adapt activities and experiences to meet the needs of campers of different ages.
5. Positive attitude: A good camp counselor should have a positive attitude and be able to create a fun and supportive environment for campers. This includes being enthusiastic, encouraging, and supportive of all campers, regardless of their abilities or interests.

In conclusion, when you are deciding which camp to send your child to this year, one of the more crucial parts of your decision-making process should include learning about the camp staff and who the counselors are. Camps with great camp counselors can often be the difference in a great camp experience for kids or an unsatisfactory one.