A lot of high school and college students are using part of their spring break to explore summer job opportunities as camp counselors or counselors-in-training (CIT).
Whether at a local day camp or a sleep-away camp, these jobs let young people get sunshine and exercise. Working as counselors also gives them supervisory experience that they can use when they begin working in their chosen field. For those interested in becoming a teacher, child psychologist or social worker, this experience with children can be a valuable training ground.
Many counselor injuries are preventable
Fortunately, reputable camps place an emphasis on safety for their young charges as well as their counselors. These safety measures, along with proper training, can go a long way to preventing the leading causes of injuries suffered by camp counselors. These causes include:
- Tripping/slipping hazards
- Inappropriate footwear or protective gear
- Improperly maintained equipment
- Fatigue
- Horseplay
While “horseplay” is usually considered a disqualifying factor for workers’ compensation benefits, that isn’t necessarily the case in a job that involves playing with children. The important thing is that the counselor didn’t start or encourage the unsafe behavior that resulted in their injury.
Teens’ rights to workers’ compensation
While a working teen can be injured in any type of job, the risk of injury can certainly be higher in a job where they are active for much of the time. That’s why it’s crucial for teens and their parents to understand that those under 18 have the same rights to workers’ compensation benefits as adults under California law. That includes teens working in seasonal and temporary jobs.
Knowing their rights can help prevent teens from being taken advantage of by employers who either intentionally or unintentionally give them inaccurate information. Having experienced legal guidance can also help teens and their parents protect those rights and get the medical care they need if they’re injured on the job.