My name is Parker Evans, and I’m a senior at Indiana University studying Parks and Recreation.
My passion for recreation has been a huge part of my life, from playing sports in school to experiencing the magic of summer camp. Being at camp has always been my favorite weeks of the year — getting the chance to create lifelong friendships in an outdoor environment, and engaging in activities I could only dream of during the school year. These experiences shaped my future and led me to where I am today, preparing to further my career with a master's program in campus recreation.
Where I Started
Looking back, I can see how my path in recreation began long before I made the decision to pursue it academically. As a camper, I loved the sense of community, the outdoor activities, and the memories created during those magical summers. That’s what drew me into working at summer camps. When I turned 18, I became eligible to be an employee at my hometown camp — the same one I had attended for years. My first summer as a camp counselor and lifeguard was an eye-opening experience. I was responsible for ensuring the safety of my campers, guiding them through different activities, and creating fun, meaningful moments. The responsibility was huge, but it was a rewarding challenge.
Year Two: Expanding My Horizons
The next summer, I decided I wanted to push myself further and chose to leave the comfort of working at a familiar camp and challenge myself in a completely new environment. I made the bold decision to drive 14 hours away to work at a different camp, where I didn’t know anyone. While this decision was scary, it turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Not only did I gain a new set of skills, but I was able to learn from different staff, discover new camp cultures, and connect with people from different backgrounds.
Because I was so out of my comfort zone, I believe it has had a positive change on my personality and outgoingness. Growing up I wasn’t overly extroverted. I liked hanging out with my friends and didn’t expand much outside of them. When I put myself in this different situation with not a single person I knew, I relearned how to build friendships and pushed past my introverted ways. I connected with multiple staff members and still keep in contact even though they live all over the world. This helped me see that when I went back to my local camp, it was so important to create a welcoming environment for the new staff members so they could have a great first-year experience. This opportunity helped me grow both personally and professionally, expanding my understanding of camp operations, teamwork, and leadership.
Year Three: Leadership Role at Potawatomi
After two summers of gaining experience and growing in my skills, I returned to my hometown camp, Potawatomi, as the Waterfront Supervisor. This was my first leadership position, and it marked a pivotal moment in my career. As the Waterfront Supervisor, I was responsible for overseeing safety and operations at the lake, managing staff, and providing support to counselors and campers. My role expanded beyond the daily management of activities — I was now responsible for leadership, communication, and decision-making that affected the camp as a whole. This experience taught me the value of trust, adaptability, and the importance of creating an inclusive, fun environment for both campers and staff.
Skills Growth: From Counselor to Leader
For three summers, I’ve had the opportunity to develop and refine a wide range of skills, and it’s been exciting to reflect on how far I’ve come. In my first year, I was focused on learning the ropes and gaining confidence in my responsibilities as a counselor and lifeguard. This would set the basis for me in the future. I learned how to work with the kids and create the same environment that I had when I was a camper.
By my second year, I had developed stronger communication and problem-solving skills, and I was able to build relationships with both campers and fellow staff members. This year my connection with staff members and how to work with coworkers developed a strong sense of teamwork and created an ecosystem of growth for youth.
When I moved into a leadership role in my third year, my skills grew exponentially. I learned how to manage teams, resolve conflicts, and provide effective feedback. I also learned how to plan and execute programs that were both engaging and safe. My final year of camp as a seasonal staff member taught me how to manage others. This experience was scary for me due to the fact that I was younger or the same age as most of the staff members I was managing. I learned how to navigate the lines between friendship and supervisor while also creating a safe and enjoyable environment for the campers in the waterfront setting.
Leveraging Skills Beyond Camp Experiences
While working at camp has been an invaluable experience in its own right, the skills I’ve developed over the past three years are transferable to many other areas of life. Effective communication, team collaboration, leadership, conflict resolution, and time management are just a few of the transferable skills I will carry with me as I transition into my career. Managing relationships between staff members is a skill at the top of the list.
When living in the same area with the same people for three months, it is inevitable that problems will arise. By creating a trustworthy relationship between me and the staff, I was able to listen to challenges that staff members were having. With the guidance of the director of staff, I was able to manage these situations and create healthy relationships between staff members. I have already used these problem-solving skills that I learned in my job at school and plan on continuing to use them when I start my career as a campus recreation professional.
Heading to Graduate School
As I finish my undergraduate degree in Parks and Recreation, I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned into my next chapter — graduate school for sports and recreation. My experiences at camp have developed my passion for recreation, and I’m eager to dive deeper into the field. The leadership, organizational, and communication skills I’ve gained have prepared me as I pursue a career in campus recreation. I hope to continue creating engaging and inclusive spaces for students to thrive, just as I did at camp.
The Advantages of Committing to Multiple Summers at Camp
Looking back, I see how valuable my commitment to working at summer camps for multiple years has been. Each summer brought new challenges, new opportunities, and new ways to grow. It’s an opportunity to not only develop a deeper understanding of the camp’s mission and operations, but also to foster stronger connections with both staff and campers. The continuity allows you to take on more responsibility and develop leadership skills by passing on tips and tricks that you have learned over time. When you come back for a second or third summer, others are going to look to you for help. You are able to pass on traditions or create new traditions that align with the camp’s values to create camp magic. Returning staff have such a big role during staff training. When you welcome and help support the new staff, it can create a sense of place that people have never felt before.
For me, committing to multiple summers at camp has been a huge piece of my development. It’s helped me build a network of mentors, learn from different experiences, and shape my professional aspirations. If you’re considering a career in recreation or leadership, I highly recommend taking the leap and returning to camp year after year. It’s a journey that not only teaches you practical skills, but also offers opportunities to make lasting memories and friendships.
Where I Am Today
Today, with only a few months left of my undergraduate journey, I can look back with pride at how far I’ve come. From a camper to a counselor to a leadership role, each step has been crucial in shaping who I am today. I’m excited about what lies ahead in my career in campus recreation, and I know that the lessons I’ve learned from summer camp will continue to help guide me in everything I do.
This blog was written on behalf of ACA's Project Real Job, whose goal is to support camps in their efforts to recruit, hire, and retain staff.
Parker Evans is a huge believer that summer camps provide a place for the youth to relax and not worry about anything except for having fun. Parker grew up going to camp for 13 years until he became a staff member at YMCA Camp Potawatomi for two years and Timber Lake Camp for one. He is studying Parks and Recreation at Indiana University and looking to go to graduate school for Sport and Recreation. He believes that summer camp has shaped the person he is today and helped him find his career interest. Feel free to reach out to Parker at Pevans3388@outlook.com.
The views and opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.