Junior Day Camp Counselors

Are you…

Someone who has come to Living History Farms Day Camp and wants to take that next step?
Someone who wants to help others have fun at camp?
Looking to learn and practice new skills that will help you grow?
Interested in history, museums, the outdoors, or camps?
Looking for a way to gain hours for your high school’s Silver Cord program?
Age 14 to 18 and entering grade 9 or above in the fall?

If this sounds like you, then you could be a Day Camp Junior Counselor!

You will develop and foster your own personal and career skills as you help campers explore Living History Farms’ 500 acres of history and all its different environments!

What can you expect? What will you be doing?

Helping to foster a positive, inclusive, engaging, fun learning environment.
Being a role model for campers, demonstrating camp appropriate behaviors.
Helping campers with activities and crafts.
Leading games and songs.
Setting up for, and cleaning up from, activities and crafts.
So much more! Read the full volunteer description.

Want to know more?

Watch our virtual informational session.

FAQs

What is the purpose of Junior Counselors? Am I a camper?

Junior Counselors are not campers. They are assistants, helping the staff counselors create a fantastic camp experience for those who come to camp. Yes, you will get to do some fun things, but you are here to help the campers and the counselors.

What is expected of me?

You bring your best self every day. You are reliable and dependable. You show up when you are scheduled. You let us know in advance if you have a conflict with your schedule. You treat everyone with respect, and you follow the policies of the camp program.

How old must I be?

Age 14 by June 1, and no older than 18. If you will turn 18 during 2025 Summer Day Camp, you will need to complete a background check.

Will I be outside? I hear a lot about a creek walk.

Yes. Most camps spend a big portion of the day outside. And yes, for most camps, that nature walk through the creek is a highlight of the week.

Do returning junior counselors need to fill out an application?

Yes, both new and returning Junior Counselors must complete the application.

Who signs the application?

Besides the prospective Junior Counselor, a parent or guardian must also sign the application.

How do I become a Junior Counselor?

NEW applicants:

Thanks for considering us for your volunteering time. We have closed applications for 2025.

RETURNING Junior Counselors:

Step 1: Fill out the application.

Step 2: If accepted, attend one of the mandatory training sessions.

Step 3: Sign up for the weeks that you can volunteer.

How will you contact me?

You must include 2 email addresses: one for yourself and one for your parents/guardians. These emails must be checked regularly, including throughout the summer, because it is how we will contact you. It is your responsibility to check this email regularly.

Do I need references?

Yes, you need to submit the names and email information for two references. These are adults (non-family members) who can speak to your abilities to work with children. They will be asked to complete a reference form for you. Examples of people who might be a reference include:

Teachers, counselors, or other school officials
Coaches, mentors, etc.
Adult youth group leaders (such as a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop leader, 4H of FFA leader, church youth group leader, etc.)
Any other adult not related to you who can speak to your abilities to work with children.

How will I know if I have been accepted?

After your interview, you will be contacted via the email you provide in the application. You must provide an email both for yourself and for one of your parents/guardians.

What will my schedule be?

You will be scheduled for 8:30–4:15, Monday–Friday. Summer camp runs 9–4 Monday–Friday, June through August. Hours may be available at spring break and winter break camps.

No camp on Friday, July 4 (Independence Day holiday).

How many weeks may I volunteer?

New Junior Counselors: We ask you to start by signing up for two weeks of volunteering to see how it goes and if you like it. If all goes well, you may sign up for more.

Returning Junior Counselors: You may volunteer for more than two weeks.

Do these hours count towards my school’s Silver Cord award? Who approves these hours?

Generally, yes. But check with your school. It is your responsibility to follow all guidelines and to keep all records as required by your school.

At the end of your week of volunteering, you may have the Camp Coordinator or Program Director sign off on your hours.

Additional questions?

Email us.

Application Process and Mandatory Dates

Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, February 3 until April 15.

New applicants and returning Junior Counselors will be expected to attend the following:

New applicants and Junior Counselors who have volunteered for one year:

Sign up for ONE of the following 1-hour group interview options. Dress casually for this; jeans and a nice shirt are just fine.
- Saturday, April 12, 9–10 a.m.
- Saturday, April 12, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, April 15, 5–6 p.m.
If you are accepted, you will need to register for an Orientation & Training Session, which lasts 3 hours. Options are:
- Saturday, May 3, 1–4 p.m.
- Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m.–noon
- Saturday, May 17, 1–4 p.m.
Sign up for the weeks that you can volunteer. You will receive an email with instructions to do this.

Returning Junior Counselors who have volunteered for two years or more:

Attend a 1-hour IN-Person orientation session. Options are:
- Saturday, May 10, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10, 3–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 13, 5–6 p.m.
Sign up for the week(s) that you can volunteer. You will be sent a link to sign up.
Once you sign up, you will be expected to show up. If your availability changes, email us as soon as possible and let us know.

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.