By Lily Krut
Summer jobs might not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things. After all, they’re often temporary, seasonal, and sometimes involve tasks that aren’t exactly glamorous. But my experience as a summer camp counselor has completely changed how I view work, leadership, and even myself. What started as just a fun way to spend my summer has actually shaped how I approach challenges, connect with people, and think about my future career.
For the past few summers, I’ve worked at Elena Victoria Camps in Birmingham, Michigan, helping kids learn jewelry-making and sewing. These creative day camps aren’t just about arts and crafts—they’re about building confidence, teaching patience, and giving kids a space to express themselves. As someone who’s always loved fashion, art, and working with children, it seemed like the perfect fit. What I didn’t expect was just how much I’d learn from the experience—and how those lessons would stay with me long after the camp season ended.
Learning to Lead by Example
One of the first things I discovered as a counselor is that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most authoritative person in the room. It’s about setting a tone—through your actions, your attitude, and your ability to stay calm even when things get chaotic. When you’re responsible for a group of kids, there’s no time to panic. Whether someone’s having a meltdown over tangled string or a project isn’t turning out the way they imagined, your job is to be steady, encouraging, and solution-focused.
This taught me a lot about leading by example. If I stay positive, the kids tend to stay positive. If I show patience, they learn patience. If I make a mistake and handle it with grace, they learn that mistakes are okay. That kind of leadership—quiet, consistent, and compassionate—is something I’ve started bringing into other areas of my life, including my studies at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. Whether it’s a group project or a club meeting, I’ve realized that how you show up matters just as much as what you say.
Developing Real Empathy
Empathy isn’t just about being nice—it’s about truly understanding and caring about what someone else is experiencing. Working with young kids, you get a crash course in empathy every single day. Some kids come into camp feeling shy, anxious, or unsure of themselves. Others are bursting with energy and need help channeling it productively. Every child is different, and being a good counselor means tuning into those differences and adjusting your approach to meet them where they are.
Over time, I learned to read the room, notice when a camper needed extra support, and find small ways to help them feel comfortable and confident. That could mean sitting beside them during a tricky project, cheering them on when they succeeded, or just listening when they needed to talk. These small moments built real trust and connection, and reminded me that empathy isn’t just a “soft skill.” It’s the foundation of strong relationships, whether at camp, in school, or eventually in the workplace.
Time Management and Responsibility
Camp days are busy. From setting up supplies in the morning to cleaning up in the afternoon, there’s always something to do—and usually not enough time to do it all. Add in managing a group of kids, adapting to unexpected changes, and keeping everything running smoothly, and you’ve got a real crash course in time management.
Learning to prioritize, stay organized, and manage my time efficiently at camp has made me better at handling my responsibilities as a student. Juggling classes, volunteer work, and my current internship with Campus Ink in Chicago takes planning and focus—and I credit camp with helping me develop those skills in a fun, hands-on way. Plus, when things go wrong (because they always do at some point), I’ve learned to stay flexible, think on my feet, and not let stress take over.
Building Confidence and Communication
One of the biggest takeaways from my summer job is confidence—both in myself and in my ability to communicate with others. Before I became a counselor, I was a little unsure about taking charge or speaking up in front of a group. But when you’re leading a craft lesson or explaining instructions to a room full of excited kids, you have to find your voice.
Over time, I got more comfortable speaking clearly, answering questions, and handling unexpected situations with confidence. These are skills that transfer directly to business school, job interviews, presentations, and professional life. Knowing that I can lead a group, solve problems, and connect with people of all ages has given me a level of confidence I didn’t have before camp—and that’s something I’ll carry with me into whatever career path I choose.
Purpose Beyond the Paycheck
Yes, summer jobs are about earning money, gaining experience, and building your resume—but they can also be about purpose. For me, working at camp isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to make a difference, even in small ways. Helping a child discover a new talent, build confidence, or simply have a fun and safe summer means something. It reminds me that work can—and should—have meaning.
As I continue through business school and explore different career options, I want to carry that sense of purpose with me. I don’t just want a job that pays well or looks good on paper. I want a career that allows me to lead with empathy, stay grounded in service, and make a positive impact on others—just like I’ve done every summer at camp.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever thought of summer jobs as “just a way to pass time,” think again. They’re opportunities to grow, learn, and discover who you are—and who you want to be. From leadership to empathy, time management to confidence, the lessons I’ve learned as a camp counselor are already shaping my journey, both personally and professionally.
So, whether you’re working in retail, food service, or a summer camp like me, know that every experience is a stepping stone. You’re not just working, you’re building a future. One summer at a time.