Why College-Aged Athletes Should Become a Camp Winaukee Counselor: A Life-Changing Experience

As a college-aged athlete, you’ve dedicated years to mastering your sport, building discipline, and honing leadership skills. But have you ever considered how spending a summer as a camp counselor and coach could take those skills to the next level, while also offering unique personal growth opportunities? At Camp Winaukee, a traditional all-boys sports sleepaway camp located on the stunning shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, we offer college-aged athletes the chance to do just that.

Our camp is not only about providing an incredible experience for our campers but also about creating an environment where our staff can thrive. Being a counselor and coach at Camp Winaukee allows college students to grow both professionally and personally in a fun, dynamic, and supportive environment. Here’s why college-aged athletes should consider spending their summer at Winaukee.

Develop Leadership and Coaching Skills

As a counselor and coach at Camp Winaukee, you’ll take on a leadership role that challenges you to inspire, guide, and mentor young boys, ages 7 to 15, while also coaching them in sports like basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, and more.

This experience will push you to step up and lead in ways you may not have encountered in your academic or athletic career.

Teaching young athletes the skills and techniques you’ve mastered while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship will strengthen your ability to communicate, motivate, and inspire. Whether you’re coaching a team or enjoying the lake with your boys, you’ll be responsible for helping boys develop both their athletic abilities and their personal character. This hands-on experience allows you to refine your coaching style, improve your communication skills, and gain confidence in your leadership abilities—qualities that will serve you well in any career, especially those in education, sports, or management.

Build Strong Bonds and Networking Opportunities

Being a part of the Camp Winaukee staff isn’t just about working with the boys—it’s also about being part of a tight-knit team of counselors and coaches. Here, you’ll work alongside like-minded individuals who share your passion for sports and mentorship. The friendships you build with your fellow counselors will last long past the summer. These relationships will be based on shared experiences, collaboration, and mutual respect, and can turn into a strong professional network as you move forward in your career.

Working with a diverse group of talented and passionate individuals will expose you to different coaching styles, perspectives, and backgrounds. This will help you grow as a coach and leader, as you’ll be able to learn from your peers and refine your own approach to teaching, guiding, and inspiring young athletes.

Gain Real-World Experience in Coaching and Child Development

For college athletes, a summer at Camp Winaukee offers valuable hands-on experience in coaching and child development. While you may have gained technical expertise in your sport, teaching young athletes requires a different set of skills. You’ll learn how to break down complex movements, teach fundamentals in an engaging way, and tailor your approach to kids of different skill levels.

Beyond just coaching, you’ll also be responsible for guiding boys in their social and emotional growth. This experience in youth development—helping boys navigate challenges, make decisions, and learn life lessons through sports—will set you apart as a future leader in any field. Whether you’re considering a career in sports, education, counseling, or business, the ability to connect with young people and foster their development is a highly valuable skill.

Strengthen Your Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills

In sports, success depends on teamwork. At Camp Winaukee, you’ll be part of a larger team of counselors and coaches who work together to ensure the camp runs smoothly and the boys get the most out of their experience. You’ll collaborate with other counselors to plan activities, manage camp logistics, and ensure that every camper is safe, engaged, and having fun.

This team-oriented environment will help you develop strong problem-solving and collaboration skills. Working together with a group of counselors to manage challenges like scheduling conflicts, team dynamics, or even unexpected changes in weather will give you real-world experience in leadership, flexibility, and conflict resolution—skills that are invaluable both on and off the field.

Be a Positive Role Model and Make a Real Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a counselor and coach at Camp Winaukee is the opportunity to be a positive role model for young boys. At this stage in their lives, campers are looking for guidance, inspiration, and someone they can look up to. As a college athlete, you have the opportunity to impart not just athletic skills, but also life lessons about hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, and how to handle both success and failure.

You’ll teach boys the importance of teamwork, respect for others, and how to set goals and work toward achieving them—both in sports and in life. The impact you make on these young boys can last a lifetime, helping them develop a love for sports, build self-confidence, and grow into respectful, grounded individuals. The bonds you form with your campers can be incredibly rewarding, as you’ll see them grow and succeed throughout the summer and beyond.

Take Advantage of the Picturesque New England Setting

Camp Winaukee is located on the breathtaking shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, one of New Hampshire’s most iconic natural landmarks. The picturesque setting of the camp offers a truly unique living and working environment. Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to be outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and immerse yourself in nature while coaching and guiding campers in sports and waterfront activities like swimming, sailing, and kayaking.

This stunning location provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation when you’re off-duty. Whether you’re taking a break after a busy day or enjoying a peaceful evening by the lake with friends, the natural beauty of the area will make your experience even more memorable.

Enhance Your Resume and Build Your Future Career

Being a counselor and coach at Camp Winaukee is more than just a summer job—it’s a career-building experience. The skills you develop in coaching, leadership, teamwork, and communication are highly transferable and will enhance your resume. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in sports, education, healthcare, or business, the practical experience gained at camp will set you apart from others in the job market.

Employers value individuals who have leadership experience, the ability to mentor others, and the skills to work as part of a team. At Camp Winaukee, you’ll gain these skills while making a lasting impact on the boys you coach.

A Summer of Growth, Leadership, and Impact

For college-aged athletes, becoming a counselor and coach at Camp Winaukee offers a unique opportunity to grow as both an individual and a leader. Whether you’re looking to gain coaching experience, build lifelong friendships, or simply spend the summer immersed in sports and nature, Camp Winaukee offers an unparalleled experience.

By spending the summer at camp, you’ll develop crucial life skills, make a meaningful impact on young athletes, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re a college athlete looking to take your leadership and coaching abilities to the next level, there’s no better place to do it than at Camp Winaukee, where you can inspire, mentor, and grow in a community that values fun, growth, and sportsmanship.

Apply today and experience the transformative power of being part of the Camp Winaukee team!