Training with Purpose: How SLC Staff Members Get Camp-Ready

Counselors: The Heart of Surprise Lake Camp

As you prepare to send your child to Surprise Lake Camp for a summer of adventure, growth, and friendship, we know one question matters the most: Who will be caring for my child? We understand the importance of that question and take that responsibility seriously. Our staff aren’t just supervisors—they’re mentors, role models, and the magic-makers behind every meaningful camp moment. And, above all, they are protectors.

From the moment we begin recruiting to the final days of staff training, we are laser-focused on ensuring our team is ready to give campers the safest, happiest, and most enriching experience possible. We thoughtfully select and prepare every counselor to step into camp with confidence, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of each camper.

A Diverse Team with a Shared Purpose

Each summer, Surprise Lake Camp welcomes a team of over 200 staff members, each bringing their own unique background, personality, skillset, and passion to camp. Roughly half our staff members come from the United States, and the other half join us from countries around the world, including a large contingency from Israel. This blend creates a vibrant, inclusive environment where campers are exposed to a beautiful tapestry of cultures and perspectives.

What sets our staff apart isn’t just their credentials—it’s their heart. Many of our counselors grew up as Surprise Lake Camp campers themselves. They know firsthand how powerful the camp experience can be, and they return each summer eager to give that same gift to the next generation. Many counselors are graduates of SLC’s Leadership Program. Learn more about the Leadership Program here.

Before campers arrive, our counselors participate in an immersive, week-long training that prepares them for every aspect of camp life. Training covers the essentials—and then goes deeper—so that each counselor is not just equipped but empowered to care for your child with confidence, empathy, and skill. Training topics include:

• Safety and Well-being: From waterfronts to overnights, our counselors learn detailed safety protocols to ensure campers are well cared for in every setting.
• Inclusivity and Respect: We emphasize the importance of inclusive language and celebrating individual differences to foster a safe and welcoming camp environment for all.
• Empathy and Emotional Support: As part of our MESH training, staff are trained to recognize emotional needs, actively listen, and offer comfort when a camper is struggling or opens up.
• Understanding Camper Behavior: We go beyond surface-level behavior, teaching counselors to understand the “why” behind actions and meet each camper with patience and care.
• Positive Discipline: Clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and respectful guidance help campers grow and thrive.
• Communication and Relationship Building: Staff members learn how to build trust with campers and form the strong, respectful bonds that make camp feel like a second home.
• Living Our SLC Values: At SLC, our core values—community, compassion, courage, gratitude, and grit—are part of everything we do. Staff are trained to model and reinforce these values in daily camp life. Check out our SLC Values page to learn more.
• Self-Care: We teach our counselors to care for themselves, too. When they are rested and supported, they can give their best to your children every single day.

Of course, training also includes the fun side of camp! Staff learn camp songs, games, and activities that bring bunkmates together and create the joyful energy that defines the SLC experience. To build camaraderie and immerse themselves in our culture, staff participate in a full overnight experience and celebrate Shabbat together before campers arrive. These moments give them a true sense of what campers will experience—and ensure they’re ready to lead with authenticity and enthusiasm. They also learn all the camp prayers and songs so they can help guide your children through these meaningful traditions.

And with an excellent staff-to-camper ratio—1:4 for our youngest campers (grades 1–4), 1:6 for grades 5–6, and 1:8 for grades 7–10—you can rest assured your child will be seen, known, and supported every step of the way.

Support That Doesn’t Stop After Training

Our commitment to staff growth continues all summer long. Our leadership team and SLC’s Camper Care Team provides ongoing coaching and support, helping counselors navigate challenges and continuously improve. To this end, we host confidential camper group meetings each session—without counselors present—so campers can share private feedback about their experience at camp. This helps us make real-time adjustments to provide the best support for every camper. Read more about group meetings in our blog: Group Meetings: A Safe Space for Campers.

Counselors are the backbone of Surprise Lake Camp. They are deeply committed to your child’s happiness and safety, and we’re incredibly proud of the warmth, maturity, and leadership they bring to every bunk, every group, and every activity. We can’t wait for your child to meet our amazing summer staff!

First-Time Campers Are In Good Hands With Surprise Lake Camp

Surprise Lake Camp is a nonprofit organization that provides a home away from home for generations of young people. We believe in the value of community and friendship. Our Jewish values and identity shape our connection to nature. We’re dedicated to helping young people unplug, grow, and develop values, confidence, and skills to last a lifetime, adding to SLC’s storied history as the nation’s longest-running Jewish sleepaway camp.

Take the next step: Explore our first-time camper experiences and request more information.