Junior Counselors

Are you…

• Someone who loved coming to camp here and wants to help others have that much fun?
• Looking to learn and practice new skills that will help you grow?
• Curious about history, museums, the outdoors, and camp programs?
• Looking for a way to earn hours for the Silver Cord program?
• Between the ages of 14 and 18?

If this is you … you could be a Junior Counselor for the Day Camp program!

You will develop and foster your own personal and career skills as you help campers explore our 500-acre outdoor museum and all its environments.

What do Junior Counselors do?

• Foster a positive, inclusive, engaging, fun learning environment.
• Serve as role models for campers, demonstrating camp appropriate behaviors.
• Help campers with activities and crafts.
• Lead games and songs.
• Set up and clean up activities and crafts.
• So much more! Read the job description.

Want to know more?

Watch our virtual information session from February 27, 2024.

Applications for 2025 will open in January

• Both new and returning Junior Counselors must complete the application.
• Your parent or guardian must sign the application.
• You and your parent or guardian must provide email addresses that you check regularly, including in summer.
• You must provide names and email information for two references, who will be asked to complete a reference form. These are adults (other than family) who can speak to your ability to work with children. Examples: Teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, youth group leaders.

Mandatory dates

First-year Junior Counselors must attend the following:

1-hour in-person group interview. Dates and times tba.

3-hour in-person orientation and training. Dates and times tba.

Returning Junior Counselors must attend a 1-hour in-person orientation.

Dates and times tba.

Once you are accepted …

• We’ll send you a link to sign up for the week(s) you can volunteer. (First-year Junior Counselors: We ask that you sign up for no more than 2 weeks.)
• Once you sign up, you are expected to show up. If your availability changes, email us as soon as possible.

FAQs

Am I a camper?

Junior Counselors are not campers. They are assistants, helping staff counselors create a fantastic experience for campers. You will get to do fun things, but you are here to help.

How old must I be?

You must be at least 14 and no older than 18 as of June 1, 2024. If you are or will turn 18 during camp, you will need to authorize a background check.

Will I be outside? I hear there is a creek walk.

Most camps spend a big portion of the day outside. For most camps, the creek walk is a highlight of the week.

How will I know if I have been accepted?

After your interview, we’ll send emails to the addresses you and your parent/guardian provided.

What will my schedule be?

You will be scheduled 8:30 a.m.– 4:15 p.m., Monday–Friday, except June 17 (Juneteenth observed) and July 4–5 (Independence Day observed). Camp runs 9 a.m.–4 p.m. each day. Hours might also be available for spring break and winter break camps.

How many weeks may I volunteer?

First-year Junior Counselors may volunteer up to 2 weeks. Returning Junior Counselors may volunteer for more.

Do these hours count toward the Silver Cord award? Who approves these hours?

Generally yes, but check with your school. At the end of your week of volunteering, the Camp Supervisor or Director will sign off on your hours.

Additional questions?

Email us.

The Day Camp Program at Living History Farms is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), the only nationwide organization that accredits all kinds of camps, ensuring that a program meets and complies with up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality.