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Free template · Staff

Camp staff application

A job application for camp counselors and other seasonal staff: availability, experience with children, certifications, references and a background check notice.

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What's in it

What the staff application covers

At the top: Thanks for applying to work at [camp name]. Please answer every question. We check references and run background checks on everyone we hire.

About you

  • Full name
  • Phone
  • Email
  • Address
  • Will you be at least [minimum age] by the first day of camp?

Position and dates

  • Counselor
  • Counselor in training
  • Lifeguard
  • Specialty instructor
  • Kitchen
  • Other
  • Dates you can work
  • Dates you can't work (trips, classes)

Experience with children

  • Jobs or volunteering with children (where, when, ages)
  • Why you'd like to work at camp
  • A skill you could teach or lead (sports, arts, music, nature, etc.)

Certifications

  • First aid
  • CPR
  • Lifeguard
  • Water safety instructor
  • Expiration dates
  • Driver's license (if the job includes driving)

School or work history

  • School and year, or current job
  • Past job 1 (employer, dates, duties)
  • Past job 2 (employer, dates, duties)

References

Three people who aren't relatives, including at least one who has seen you work with children.

  • 1. Name, relationship, phone, email
  • 2. Name, relationship, phone, email
  • 3. Name, relationship, phone, email

Background check

Background checks are required for this job. You'll get separate consent and disclosure forms.

  • Have you ever been the subject of a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, or been dismissed or asked to resign from a job or volunteer role with children? If yes, please explain. [Have a lawyer review this question for your state.]

Signature

[Camp name] is an equal opportunity employer.

  • I certify that my answers are true and give permission to contact my references. Applicant signature
  • Date

Free to use and change, but not legal or medical advice. Check your state's licensing rules and your insurer's requirements, and have a lawyer review any consent or waiver language.

Tips

How to use it well

  • Have a lawyer or HR adviser check the form against your state's hiring laws. Some states limit questions about criminal history on applications.
  • Use the separate background check consent forms your state agency or screening company requires.
  • Ask every applicant the same questions so you can compare them fairly.
  • Use this form with a structured interview and reference checks.

Rules on ratios, medication and reporting vary by state. See your state in our state-by-state rules for youth programs.

FAQ

Questions, answered

What should a camp counselor application include?

The applicant's contact details, the dates they can work, experience with children, certifications such as first aid, CPR or lifeguarding, references and a note that background checks are required.

Can a camp ask about criminal history on the application?

It depends on your state and city. Some limit when you may ask. Many states require background checks for people who work with children. Use the consent forms your screening process needs and check local hiring laws.

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