March 22, 2021
Benefits of being an Activity Leader at Camp Aranzazu
Written by: Amanda Praet, Assistant Camp Director
I know there are so many opportunities to choose from as you start looking for ways to spend your summer. But, take it from someone who lives, dreams and breathes Camp Aranzazu, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! I’m proud of all our team has to offer and want to share the benefits of being an activity leader at Camp Aranzazu with you!
Financial
- New staff start at a $225 weekly stipend with opportunities for raises if you continue employment past one summer
- Free housing, utilities, and laundry May – August
- All meals provided while in session, no need to buy groceries!
- Opportunity to continue making money by working in the off-season and helping recruit new staff
- LOTS of free t-shirts and camp swag
Social
- Making close, potentially life-long friends from all over the country
- Celebrating a diverse staff and camper populations – learning to work with people of all backgrounds
Location, Location, Location
- Located in Rockport, TX – hang out at the beach and enjoy paradise on your time off
- Located a 30 minute drive from the beautiful beaches of Port Aransas
- Located close to several major Texas cities including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi – explore Texas on your time off
*Summer 2021 activity leaders may have potential limitations placed on travel dependent upon COVID-19 case count and other health factors.
Professional Development/Advancement
- Networking with a large variety of staff from non-profit organizations, schools and hospitals – meeting CEOs, physicians, child life specialists, physical therapists, nurses, teachers, etc.
- Networking opportunities with other staff and connections to camp alumni can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities
- Working with a variety of different special populations, including children and adults effected by kidney disease, severe asthma, epilepsy, type 1 diabetes, muscular dystrophy, developmental disabilities, cancer, heart disease, autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, as well as victims of domestic violence and those grieving the loss of a loved one
- Managed by young professionals who white great letters of recommendation because they get to know you on a more personal level and see you in action on a daily basis
- Connection to the American Camp Association (ACA) job hub
Certifications
- Opportunity to earn a lifeguard certification through the American Red Cross – includes CPR and first aid training; good for two years, can take it with you to other jobs!
- Opportunity to earn a site specific challenge course certification facilitating our high and low challenge courses
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Angler Education Certification
- Food Handlers Certification – good for 3 years
Education
- Potential to fulfill internships, fieldwork hours and practicum hours for college credit in various fields – ask your advisor or talk to a professor at your school about how the skills you will learn directly relate to your major and will make you a stronger job candidate
- Gain knowledge of various fields, majors, and ways to advance in your education and professionally
Skills
- Learning how to participate in and facilitate activities including archery, fishing (fresh water and salt water), kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, environmental education, handling animals, sports and games, arts and crafts, pottery, etc.
- Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and contribution that are critical for success in today’s world are developed and practiced at camp; they are skills and traits that can draw employers’ attention to your resume
- Practice writing lesson plans, and behavioral goals and objectives
- Practice creating and designing new lesson plans and programs
- Learning to adapt activities to suit the needs and abilities of our varying populations
- Opportunities to learn basic, conversational ASL and Spanish
Holistic
- Physical activity and finding joy in nature
- Leisure education for YOU – learning about camp recreation and learning how to participate in these activities on your own! Find a new hobby or passion at camp!
