Resources
Camp Staff Evaluation Form
A one-page end-of-season evaluation for counselors and seasonal staff: six rated areas, a specific-example line under each, and a rehire recommendation you will actually use next spring.
Insights for evaluating camp staff
Rate behavior, not personality
Every row on this form names an observable behavior. "Follows protocols" can be rated. "Good attitude" cannot, and it is where bias hides.
The example line is the form
A rating without a specific example is an opinion. Make evaluators write the moment they are thinking of. It is what makes the rehire call defensible in March.
Fill it out before the last day
Staff leave fast and memories fade faster. Complete evaluations in the final week of the session, while the specific examples are still specific.
sample
Camp Staff Evaluation Form
What is on the form
The form fits on one page so it actually gets filled out. Each area is rated on a four-point scale: E for exceeds expectations, M for meets, D for developing, and N for needs improvement. A four-point scale has no middle to hide in.
Six rated areas, each with a specific-example line:
Safety and judgment. Follows protocols, sound decisions under pressure, escalates appropriately.
Camper relationships. Connects with campers, including the tough ones, and builds belonging.
Teamwork. Supports co-staff, handles conflict directly, makes others better.
Three narrative prompts: greatest strength this season, one area to develop next season, and standout moments worth remembering.
Rehire recommendation: Enthusiastically, Yes, With reservations, or No, plus a recommended role for next season. This is the field that pays for the whole form. Come spring, you will know who to call first.
Signature lines for evaluator and staff member close it out.
The thinking behind each row, and how to run the end-of-season conversation itself, is in Summer Camp Staff Evaluation Form: How to Evaluate Seasonal Staff. For the leadership-level version, see the Executive Director Performance Evaluation Template. If you are hiring for next summer, Seasonal Recruiting is where the rehire recommendations go to work.
sample
Camp Staff Evaluation Form
What is on the form
The form fits on one page so it actually gets filled out. Each area is rated on a four-point scale: E for exceeds expectations, M for meets, D for developing, and N for needs improvement. A four-point scale has no middle to hide in.
Six rated areas, each with a specific-example line:
Safety and judgment. Follows protocols, sound decisions under pressure, escalates appropriately.
Camper relationships. Connects with campers, including the tough ones, and builds belonging.
Teamwork. Supports co-staff, handles conflict directly, makes others better.
Three narrative prompts: greatest strength this season, one area to develop next season, and standout moments worth remembering.
Rehire recommendation: Enthusiastically, Yes, With reservations, or No, plus a recommended role for next season. This is the field that pays for the whole form. Come spring, you will know who to call first.
Signature lines for evaluator and staff member close it out.
The thinking behind each row, and how to run the end-of-season conversation itself, is in Summer Camp Staff Evaluation Form: How to Evaluate Seasonal Staff. For the leadership-level version, see the Executive Director Performance Evaluation Template. If you are hiring for next summer, Seasonal Recruiting is where the rehire recommendations go to work.
What is on the form
The form fits on one page so it actually gets filled out. Each area is rated on a four-point scale: E for exceeds expectations, M for meets, D for developing, and N for needs improvement. A four-point scale has no middle to hide in.
Six rated areas, each with a specific-example line:
Safety and judgment. Follows protocols, sound decisions under pressure, escalates appropriately.
Camper relationships. Connects with campers, including the tough ones, and builds belonging.
Teamwork. Supports co-staff, handles conflict directly, makes others better.
Three narrative prompts: greatest strength this season, one area to develop next season, and standout moments worth remembering.
Rehire recommendation: Enthusiastically, Yes, With reservations, or No, plus a recommended role for next season. This is the field that pays for the whole form. Come spring, you will know who to call first.
Signature lines for evaluator and staff member close it out.
The thinking behind each row, and how to run the end-of-season conversation itself, is in Summer Camp Staff Evaluation Form: How to Evaluate Seasonal Staff. For the leadership-level version, see the Executive Director Performance Evaluation Template. If you are hiring for next summer, Seasonal Recruiting is where the rehire recommendations go to work.
FAQ
Frequently
asked questions
What should a camp counselor evaluation form include?
Observable behaviors in the areas that matter at camp (safety, camper relationships, teamwork, reliability, program quality, coachability), a rating scale without a neutral middle, a line for a specific example under each rating, and a rehire recommendation. One page is enough. Longer forms get filled out less.
When should camp staff evaluations happen?
In the final week of each session or the summer, before staff leave. Many camps also run a short mid-season check-in using the same areas so the end-of-season rating is never a surprise.
Should camp staff see their evaluation?
Yes. Review it with them in a short conversation, have both parties sign, and give them a copy. Staff who see their evaluation return as better staff, and the signature protects the camp if a rehire decision is ever questioned.
Can this form be used for staff other than counselors?
Yes. The six areas apply to unit leaders, specialists, lifeguards, and kitchen staff. Adjust the "program quality" row to match the role, or swap it for a role-specific skill.