Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools recruiters use to sort resumes. They scan resumes for keywords, dates, locations, and clear section headers. If your Day Camp Counselor resume misses key words or uses odd formatting, ATS can skip it.

You should use standard headings like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Keep layout simple and choose readable fonts such as Arial or Calibri. Save as a clean .docx or a text-safe PDF and avoid images.

Include role-specific keywords naturally. Use terms such as "child supervision", "activity planning", "behavior management", "CPR", "first aid", "lifeguard certification", "group leadership", "outdoor education", and "safety protocols".

Best practices:

• Use exact keywords from job listings without stuffing.
• List certifications with dates and issuing organizations.
• Write clear bullet points showing actions and outcomes.

Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, headers, footers, text boxes, or embedded images. These elements can confuse the ATS and remove text. Also avoid creative section titles like "What I Do" or "My Story".

Common mistakes include swapping keywords for synonyms, hiding dates in graphics, and dropping certifications. Don’t rely on headers or footers to store critical info.

When you write bullets, lead with a strong action verb. Show measurable results when you can, such as camper safety rates, group sizes you supervised, or number of activities you ran.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights activity plans and child-care experience. Use a reverse-chronological layout if you have steady seasonal work. Use a functional layout only if you need to hide gaps.

Keep it short. One page works for most day camp counselor roles. Use two pages only if you have many seasons, certifications, or program leadership roles.

Choose an ATS-friendly font like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers. Keep margins around 0.5–1 inch and add space between sections so readers can scan fast.

Use standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, Certifications, Education, Volunteer. Put certifications and first-aid details near the top if they matter for the job. Bullet recent duties and include quick, measurable wins like camper retention or program size.

Avoid heavy design. Don't use columns, fancy icons, or images that break applicant tracking systems. Use plain bullets and standard dates formatted consistently. Save color for a single accent if you really want it.

Common mistakes to avoid: cluttered text with tiny margins, inconsistent date formats, and long paragraphs instead of bullets. Don’t list every duty; focus on what matters for running safe, fun activities. Spell out certifications and list expiry dates when relevant.

Final tip: proofread for tense and verb form. Use past tense for old roles and present tense for current roles. Keep each bullet short and active so hiring managers see your impact fast.

Writing a tailored cover letter helps you show why you fit the Day Camp Counselor role. It complements your resume and shows you care about this specific job.

Header: Include your contact details, the date, and the camp's contact or hiring manager if you know it. Keep this simple and clear.

Opening paragraph: Start strong. State the Day Camp Counselor role you want. Say why you like the camp and name your top qualification or where you found the opening.

Body paragraphs: Connect your experience to the job. Talk about camper supervision, activity planning, basic medical training, and behavior guidance. Use one or two short stories about a project or a challenge you solved. Give numbers when you can, like number of campers supervised or percent improvement in retention.

• Mention key skills like first aid or CPR certification.
• Note activity skills like canoeing, arts and crafts, or daily lesson planning.
• Highlight soft skills like communication, patience, and teamwork.

Use job-description words. Match phrases the camp uses, like "camper safety," "curriculum planning," or "team leadership." That helps show fit.

Closing paragraph: Re-state your interest in the Day Camp Counselor role and the camp. Say you can help the team and ask for an interview or conversation. Thank the reader for their time.

Tone and tailoring: Stay friendly, confident, and professional. Make every letter specific to each camp. Avoid generic templates and repeat only what your resume shows.

Write like you talk to a coach. Keep sentences short and clear. Show enthusiasm, not buzzwords.

Your Day Camp Counselor resume must show you can keep kids safe, lead games, and solve problems. Small mistakes can cost interviews, so you should focus on clarity, relevance, and proof of skills like CPR, activity planning, and behavior management.

Below are common pitfalls campers' hiring teams see. Use these tips to tighten your resume and make your experience easy to scan.

You're preparing a resume for a Day Camp Counselor role. These FAQs and tips help you highlight child-care skills, safety training, and activity planning. Use them to make your experience clear, practical, and easy for hiring staff to scan.