BECOME A COUNSELOR AT SUGAR BAY

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Do you love kids and want a fun way to make some cash during your university vacations,

or maybe get a tan while you work in South Africa?

If you are looking for a gap year opportunity or an au pair job in South Africa, then working at Sugar Bay

as a summer camp counselor is a perfect fit for you!

Are you between the ages of 18 - 26? Do you love kids and want a fun way to make some cash?

Apply Now

Sugar Bay Info

Become a Counselor at Sugar Bay

If you're a young adult (ages 18–26) with energy, compassion, and a love for working with children, our Counselor Teacher Training (CTT) Program is your gateway to becoming a certified counselor and leader at Sugar Bay.

🎯 What Is the CTT Program?

The Counselor Teacher Training (CTT) is a high-energy, fully immersive 2-week live-in course designed to train, equip and inspire young adults to become top-tier camp counselors and youth leaders. You'll learn everything you need to confidently lead, teach, and support children — both at camp and beyond.

But this is not a classroom course. You’ll be:

Living on site in a beautiful coastal setting
Learning hands-on skills in real-life camp environments
Connecting with other passionate young adults from across the country
Mentored by experienced coaches, leaders and a qualified psychologist

💥 Why This Course Is Life-Changing

Fun + Purpose: Combine outdoor adventure, games, leadership, and working with kids.
Boost Your Confidence: Learn to lead activities, speak in front of groups, and build resilience.
Friendships for Life: Train alongside people who’ll become your teammates, cabin-mates, and best friends.
Stand Out: Gain qualifications and real-world experience that sets your CV apart.
Adventure Lifestyle: Surfing. Kayaking. Ziplining. Dancing. Climbing. Campfires. And more.
Give Back: Make a real difference in the lives of kids while discovering your own potential.

What You'll Learn

You’ll be trained in everything you need to become an epic counselor — and a stronger, more capable version of yourself:

🧒 Child Psychology & Behaviour

How different age groups think, feel and behave
Understanding kids' emotional needs
Responding to difficult behavior with empathy and confidence

🎓 Leadership & Teaching Skills

How to run exciting, safe activities that kids love
Leading with confidence, clarity, and presence
Managing groups and maintaining energy and focus

🧯 Safety & Supervision

Emergency procedures
First aid and CPR training
Supervision guidelines (including the “rule of 3” and activity-specific safety)

🤝 Communication & Emotional Intelligence

How to build trust and respect with kids and peers
Giving positive feedback and setting healthy boundaries
Conflict resolution and problem-solving

🏕️ Real Camp Life

Cabin leadership and daily routines
Leading campfire songs, games, and themed evening programs
Getting kids excited about every part of their day

💰 How Much Does It Cost?

To become a counselor at Sugar Bay, you'll first complete a 2-week live-in Counselor Teacher Training (CTT) program. This is a fully immersive course that includes accommodation, food, uniforms, practical experience, and internationally recognized first aid training. We’ve designed the program to be affordable — with payment options and bursaries available.

🎓 What’s Included in the Training?

14 days of full accommodation (all meals, water, electricity, laundry, housekeeping)
Over 56 hours of instruction and workshops
Practical shadow work with experienced counselors
A session with a qualified psychologist
International Emergency First Response (CPR & First Aid) certification
Counselor uniform (rash vest, 3 shirts, shorts, gloves, batteries, certificates, etc.)
Access to optional development courses at an additional cost (like Lifeguarding, Climbing, or Skipper Training)

💵 Pricing & Bursary Options

If you're paying in full, the cost of the training course is R7,000, plus a refundable deposit of R1,000, bringing the total upfront payment to R8,000.

If you're applying with a bursary, the course cost is R7,200. You'll pay only R2,500 upfront, which includes the R1,000 refundable deposit. The remaining R5,700 will be repaid from your internship stipend once you begin working at camp.

🧾 Note: If you already have a valid First Aid or CPR certificate (issued within the last 12 months), the R2,000 certification fee will be deducted from your total. You’ll still attend the training, but you won’t need to purchase the book or receive a new certificate.

🎓 Can’t Afford to Pay Everything Now?

No problem. We offer a bursary program for those who can’t afford the full fee upfront.

Here’s how it works:

Pay a deposit of R2,500 to start your training
The remaining amount is repaid from your internship stipend
Bursary students earn a daily stipend while interning (R260–R450/day)
There is a small bursary admin fee
Bursary repayments continue even if the internship or course is not completed

✅ Final Notes

All trainees pay a refundable deposit (R1,000) which covers key items and uniforms and is returned at the end of the internship (once items are returned and bursary is repaid).
Additional certification courses during the internship may carry extra costs, but these are refunded if you are employed by Sugar Bay for 12 months.

What Happens After Training?

Once you complete your training, you can apply for a seasonal internship as a Sugar Bay Counselor — where the real magic happens.

As a Counselor:

You’ll lead kids through their camp adventures
Gain even more experience while earning daily stipends
Continue growing through CDC certifications (like Lifeguarding, Skipper or Climbing)
Build a powerful, well-rounded resume with hands-on leadership training

Best of all: you’ll be part of something bigger than yourself. A place where fun meets purpose. A community where every day is different. A role where you matter.

🌊 The Sugar Bay Vibe

Picture this:

Waking up to the sound of waves and kids’ laughter
Running your own BMX or beach adventure class
Dancing at themed parties, or coaching a dramatic skit
Building lasting bonds with campers and fellow counselors
Ending your day with a beach bonfire, under a full moon

If you’re into surfing, skateboarding, yoga, paintball, drama, dance, or just being awesome — there’s space for you here.

🤝 Who Can Apply?

We’re looking for young adults who are:

Aged 18–26
Passionate about working with children
Positive, enthusiastic, and full of energy
Ready to learn, grow, and lead

Whether you see this as a stepping stone to a career in education, psychology, sports, arts — or just an unforgettable life experience — the CTT program will shape your future.

🚀 Sound Like You?

Ready to step up and be part of something unforgettable?