Why college students should work at summer camp

Junior human development and family science major Allie Gassner spends her summer on staff at WinShape Camps working as the performing arts and crafts assistant. 

“My college experience has been molded by my experience with summer camp,” she said. “And I absolutely agree that college students should spend at least one summer working at camp.” 

WinShape Camps was established in 1985 in Mount Berry, Georgia, to provide a camp experience that would enable campers to sharpen their character, deepen their Christian faith and grow in their relationships with others, according to its website. The camps are part of the WinShape Foundation, founded in 1982 by the late Chick-fil-A founder and chairman, Truett Cathy.

‘Opens the gate’

Summer opens the gate for countless jobs and internships for college students, but serving on summer staff is by far the best for four reasons. 

• Friendships with staff last a lifetime. 

You arrive at staff training not knowing anyone, but end the summer with a second family. Camp becomes your home away from home. 

“WinShape, for example, is the place where I have found my lifelong friends because I know they love me for who I am and they consistently encourage me to be the best version of myself,” Gassner said.

• Being a leader and role model is rewarding. 

Your campers look up to you. They see you engaging in camp activities and want to jump right in. Campers come to you with questions and it is rewarding as your job to be a mentor to them through their camp experience. 

• You learn the gift of patience.

 “Because of the way WinShape approaches developing leaders, I feel confident and extremely equipped to handle responsibilities and challenging situations,” Gassner said. 

• You make endless memories. 

After a summer of laughs, adventures, staff bonding and unforgettable camper moments, you are bound to take away memories.

EDITOR’S NOTE — Katie DiQuollo is a junior Samford University student studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in sports and recreation ministry. She is serving in the Chickasaw Tribe at Mount Berry’s WinShape Camp this summer.