Junior Counselors (JCs) are teens that are at least 16 years old and in 11th or 12th grade for the 2023- 2024 school year. They submit an application and go through an interview process to be hired and placed at a camp. JCs work 3-4 weeks and receive a stipend. They work alongside counselors. Ideally the campers can’t tell who the JCs are, however because they are underage there are some guidelines that they have to follow. JCs may live in a cabin/tent separate from counselors and campers. JCs can’t handle chemicals, carry the first aid kit, or administer first aid (except in emergencies). JCs can however use the camp wide walkie-talkies. JCs must also leave camp on the weekend and bus transportation may be provided. Junior Counselors will spend their first couple of days at camp in an abbreviated pre-camp training.
Applicants will be able to indicate on their applications if they are interested in specializing in a program area. Opportunities vary by camp, but may include target sports, lifeguarding, boating, arts & crafts, and program. Certain specializations may require specific training. Junior Counselors who specialize will still be assigned to a group of campers, but they will also facilitate sessions for their activity. There is a limited number of spaces for these positions.
The initial application deadline is January 8, but applications will be accepted after that time if spaces remain. Applicants will be contacted about interviews and we hope to have placements done by mid-March.
Junior Counselor Time Off
Junior counselors will have time off like regular staff. On Sundays they will have an hour off. Mondays through Thursdays, JCs will have three hours off a day except for when it’s their night off. The JC night off is supervised by a full member of staff, and they have the opportunity to go into the nearby town.
I will have graduated from high school by the summer, but won’t yet be 18.
Unfortunately, we can’t hire anyone who is under 18 as a regular counselor. Teens who will have graduated, but aren’t 18 should apply to be a junior counselor. If they turn 18 during the summer, there may be the opportunity to transition to being a regular counselor. If it will be there second summer as a Junior Counselor, they are referred to as a Senior Junior Counselor (SJC), and have some additional privileges around camp.
