Do Christian Summer Camp Jobs Look Good on Your Resume?

Feb 16

The answer is YES. Camp can actually be RESUME GOLD.

And also, we get it, it can be really hard to try and describe your new-found ninja noodle fighting skills you perfected at your Christian camp summer job to a potential employer.

(Okay maybe THIS particular instance isn’t directly boosting your resume BUT if you can find a job that requires ninja noodle skills - APPLY IMMEDIATELY.)

We are here with ALL the tips to help you ROCK your resume.

Putting Christian Summer Camp Experience on Your Resume:

Writing a resume can feel a little bit like trying to balance your way through our high ropes course. Wobbly knees, not knowing what step is next or if you’re even doing it right (seriously, how DO you get across there without falling?!). And unfortunately, there probably isn’t a crowd cheering for you from below. Lame.

But, we’ve got your back, and just pretend this article is the equivalent of us cheering for you and your wobbly knees. YOU CAN DO IT!

Here are some of our best tips:

First, let us just say that at Heartland Camp you can gain SO many skills that can be spun into resume GOLD. Working with a team, leadership, behavior management, resilience, problem-solving, improvisation… the list really does go on.

The key is taking all of those skills that employers consider GEMS and writing them in a way that is not only impressive but will help you stand out from everyone else! So, pull up that resume draft, and let’s get going!

1. Keep your resume on one page - try and make every word be concise and powerful

2. Proof carefully to make sure you didn't leave any template details! Eeek, that’d be embarrassing.

3. Make sure each segment is capitalized; no punctuation at the end; verbs all in the same tense, etc.

Also, make sure you have several people read it over. Our eyes see what they want to!

4. Always go in reverse chronology (most recent events at the top)

If you've graduated and have had 2+ work experiences, work should go above Education.
If you're still in college or just graduated, keep Education at the top.

5. When adding detailed information: As much as possible, use XYZ Format: "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]." [X] is always a verb. (Always start with an action verb!)

OK Example: "Lead Lifeguard at Heartland Camp"
Better Example: "Selected as the only Lead Lifeguard for a 3 month Christian leadership experience helping to manage the pool and mentor fellow staff.”
Best Example: "Selected as the only Lead Lifeguard out of 25 other applicants nationwide for a 3 month Christian leadership experience helping to manage the pool and mentor fellow staff based on leadership potential and management experience.”

6. Adapt to the employer! Think of projects or experiences you have that fit the job you're applying for, and delete the projects/experiences that don't highlight how you're an exceptional candidate.