For many stay-at-home moms, school holidays mean activities with the kids, such as sports, cooking, baking, and crafts. Did you know they can also mean a chance to make money doing those activities you love? If you’re interested in working with kids, then teaching summer or holiday camp is a great way to earn some extra money. With so many moms working these days, camps have sprung up in almost every school and community center. Best of all they often offer a discount for teachers’ kids to attend.
Like technology and cars, camp has evolved in the last 30 years. No longer is it a drop-off at the local public school for generic games and crafts. Camps have gone high-tech and high quality, offering specialized classes for interests ranging from archery to photography to organic gardening, with a wide variety of technological choices as well. There are literally camps to suit everyone’s interests.
How do you go about finding work teaching at a camp?
1. Decide what you’d like to teach and assess your level of expertise. Are you an expert baker, or a robotics maker? Do you paint, cook, sew or knit? Can you hit a home run or slam dunk the ball? Chances are some kids out there who would love to learn what you already know how to do. However, you don’t have to be a Wimbledon champ or Food Network star to teach. Perhaps there’s something you’d like to learn that doesn’t have a steep learning curve. Often the best way to learn how to do something is to teach it. Remember, you’re teaching kids, so depending on their ages, you can specialize in something that’s not too complicated.
2. Consider what ages you’d like to teach. For younger kids, you might be teaching them how to shape and bake clay ornaments, while for tweens and teens, you’ll be expected to provide a higher level of instruction and knowledge. Need a refresher before camp starts? Never fear. Some research online and practice can help bring you up to speed on the latest techniques.
3. Apply everywhere you can. Contact your local public and private schools, as well as any community centers or specialty shops (for example, quilting shops, cooking schools). Ask about their summer or holiday camp programs. Many school websites have a link for gathering employment information. You can either pitch yourself and your skills verbally or follow an application procedure.
4. Polish your plan. Have a well thought out instruction plan you can offer them, including the length of class. This will give you credibility and a better chance of getting the gig. Be prepared to offer your credentials and experience in the subject area. Most camp programs have a set rate they pay their teachers, so don’t expect to be able to charge what you want. Inquire about whether you can enroll your own kids in your class or another class at a discount.
5. Gather supplies. Get your supplies early, once you accept your position. Check your local area for teachers’ resources, where you can often buy supplies at a discounted rate. Depending on the class you teach, thrift and dollar stores can also be inexpensive sources for supplies like utensils, pans and other items.
6. Have a Backup Plan. Keep the ages of your students in mind regarding abilities and interests, and always have “extra” activities to keep children busy, such as games, books or toys. There will always be some kids who get done early with the activity at hand, and you don’t want them to be a distraction to the ones who are still engaged. Remember that some kids aren’t at camp by choice, but out of necessity, and they won’t be as interested as those who chose to attend.
Have a party at the end of camp to display the students’ creations for parents and friends. Knowing there’s an audience for their hard work gives kids a sense of purpose and achievement. Adding refreshments makes it festive.
Most importantly, enjoy what you are doing and your students will too!
Karin E. McLean is a mom, freelance writer and camp enthusiast.
