Become a Camp Counselor at Sugar Bay
Leadership Training & Holiday Camp Jobs
Sugar Bay is one of South Africa’s leading children's camps. We recruit young adults who want to work as camp counselors supporting both our school tour programmes during the school term and our holiday camps during the school holidays. Our Counselor Teacher Training (CTT) program prepares you to lead children, assist with activities and develop leadership skills while working at an adventure camp on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Many trainees go on to work as counselors at Sugar Bay camps throughout the year, gaining valuable experience working with children in a structured and supportive environment.
What Does a Camp Counselor Do at Sugar Bay?
Camp counselors play an important role in creating the experience campers remember for the rest of their lives.
Counselors live at camp with the children and help guide them through the daily program of activities. They supervise campers, lead games, assist instructors, and help create a safe and supportive environment where children can grow in confidence and independence.
Typical responsibilities include:
• supervising campers
• assisting with activities and adventure sports
• supporting children who may feel homesick
• encouraging teamwork and friendships
• helping run the daily camp program
Working as a counselor is an opportunity to gain leadership experience while being part of a positive and energetic team.
Counselor Teacher Training (CTT)
Before working as a Sugar Bay counselor, applicants complete the Counselor Teacher Training program.
This is a two week residential training course held at Sugar Bay where trainees learn the skills required to work with children in a camp environment.
But this is not a classroom course. You’ll be:
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Living on site in a beautiful coastal setting
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Learning hands-on skills in real-life camp environments
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Connecting with other passionate young adults from across the country
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Mentored by experienced coaches, leaders and a qualified psychologist
Why Become a Camp Counselor at Sugar Bay
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Fun + Purpose: Combine outdoor adventure, games, leadership, and working with kids.
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Boost Your Confidence: Learn to lead activities, speak in front of groups, and build resilience.
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Friendships for Life: Train alongside people who’ll become your teammates, cabin-mates, and best friends.
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Stand Out: Gain qualifications and real-world experience that sets your CV apart.
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Adventure Lifestyle: Surfing. Kayaking. Ziplining. Dancing. Climbing. Campfires. And more.
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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
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How different age groups think, feel and behave
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Understanding kids' emotional needs
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Responding to difficult behavior with empathy and confidence
Leadership & Teaching Skills
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How to run exciting, safe activities that kids love
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Leading with confidence, clarity, and presence
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Managing groups and maintaining energy and focus
Safety & Supervision
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Emergency procedures
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First aid and CPR training
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Supervision guidelines (including the “rule of 3” and activity-specific safety)
Communication & Emotional Intelligence
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How to build trust and respect with kids and peers
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Giving positive feedback and setting healthy boundaries
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Conflict resolution and problem-solving
Real Camp Life
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Cabin leadership and daily routines
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Leading campfire songs, games, and themed evening programs
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Getting kids excited about every part of their day
Certifications and Training Included
The Counselor Teacher Training program includes over 50 hours of workshops and practical learning.
Participants receive training in:
• International Emergency First Response First Aid and CPR
• child behaviour and emotional intelligence
• leadership and mentorship
• team building and group management
Additional certifications may also be available depending on the camp program, such as lifeguarding, climbing or boating certifications.
Who Can Apply?
The program is designed for young adults who enjoy working with children and want to gain leadership experience.
Applicants should:
• be between the ages of 18 and 26
• enjoy working with children
• have a positive attitude and strong sense of responsibility
• be willing to live at camp during training and camps
• enjoy outdoor activities and teamwork
Many applicants are university students looking for meaningful holiday work or individuals taking a gap year.
Why Work at a Children's Holiday Camp?
Working at a camp like Sugar Bay is a unique experience that helps young adults grow personally and professionally.
Counselors develop valuable skills such as:
• leadership and communication
• responsibility and problem solving
• teamwork and mentoring
• confidence working with children
Many former counselors describe the experience as one of the most rewarding and memorable periods of their lives.
What Is Included in the Training Program?
The Counselor Teacher Training program includes:
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14 days of full accommodation (all meals, water, electricity, laundry, housekeeping)
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Over 56 hours of instruction and workshops
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Practical shadow work with experienced counselors
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A session with a qualified psychologist
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International Emergency First Response (CPR & First Aid) certification
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Counselor uniform (rash vest, 3 shirts, shorts, gloves, batteries, certificates, etc.)
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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:
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Pay a deposit of R2,500 to start your training
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The remaining amount is repaid from your internship stipend
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Bursary students earn a daily stipend while interning (R260–R450/day)
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There is a small bursary admin fee
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Bursary repayments continue even if the internship or course is not completed
Final Notes
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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).
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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:
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You’ll lead kids through their camp adventures
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Gain even more experience while earning daily stipends
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Continue growing through CDC certifications (like Lifeguarding, Skipper or Climbing)
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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:
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Waking up to the sound of waves and kids’ laughter
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Running your own BMX or beach adventure class
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Dancing at themed parties, or coaching a dramatic skit
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Building lasting bonds with campers and fellow counselors
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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:
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Aged 18–26
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Passionate about working with children
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Positive, enthusiastic, and full of energy
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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?
FAQ SECTION
Do you need experience to become a camp counselor?
No previous experience is required. The Counselor Teacher Training program prepares participants with the skills needed to work with children in a camp environment.
Is accommodation included in the training?
Yes. The training program is residential and includes accommodation and meals for the full duration of the course.
What qualifications do counselors receive?
Participants receive First Aid and CPR certification along with practical leadership and youth supervision training.
Can university students apply?
Yes. Many of our counselors are university students who work at camp during school holiday periods.
Where is Sugar Bay located?
Sugar Bay Holiday Camp is located in Zinkwazi Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast of South Africa.
What age do you need to be to become a camp counselor at Sugar Bay?
Applicants must typically be between the ages of 18 and 26. The Counselor Teacher Training program is designed for young adults who are ready to take on responsibility and leadership while working with children.
Is the Counselor Teacher Training program residential?
Yes. The training takes place at Sugar Bay and participants stay at camp for the full duration of the two week program. Accommodation and meals are included.
Do camp counselors live with the campers?
Yes. Counselors stay in the same cabins as campers to provide supervision, support and guidance throughout the camp experience.
What skills do you learn during the training?
The program focuses on leadership, communication, child supervision, teamwork, problem solving and camp safety. Participants also receive First Aid and CPR certification.
Can international applicants apply to become counselors?
Yes. International applicants may apply depending on visa requirements and available positions during camp periods.
Is the training physically demanding?
Camp life is active and includes outdoor activities, sports and adventure programs. Participants should enjoy an energetic environment and working with children throughout the day.
Do counselors get paid after training?
Many participants go on to work as seasonal counselors during Sugar Bay holiday camps. Counselors receive compensation while working at camp.
What makes Sugar Bay different from other camps?
Sugar Bay offers a structured camp environment with trained staff, a wide variety of activities and a strong focus on leadership, safety and personal development for both campers and counselors.
How long do counselors typically work at camp?
Sugar Bay operates throughout the year with both school tour programmes during the school term and holiday camps during the school holidays. Counselors may work across multiple camp sessions depending on availability, and many return for several camps throughout the year.
Is the Counselor Teacher Training program recognised internationally?
The program includes internationally recognised First Aid and CPR certification, along with practical leadership and youth supervision training.
Are you between the ages of 13 - 17?
Then you are invited to do our Indigo Warrior Course: