Junior Camp Counselor Volunteer Program
The junior camp counselor volunteer program is a great way for teens to gain valuable job experience working with children and animals in an education environment. Teens ages 15-17 accepted to the program will assist Lollypop Farm camp staff in providing fun and engaging week-long sessions of camp to children in grades 2 – 9. Junior camp counselor responsibilities include helping facilitate and assist children through camp activities—crafts, games, lessons, and animal interactions.
Junior Camp Counselor volunteer hours will count towards any required community service hours for schools or clubs. Candidates should feel comfortable handling animals. Past experience working with children is preferred, but not required. Junior Camp Counselors are expected to be enthusiastic self-starters, with a positive attitude, and should be able to follow rules and directions with limited supervision.
Applications are submitted electronically, using the form on the bottom of the page.
Junior Camp Counselor Applicant Requirements
- Applicants must be between the ages of 15 – 17 at the time of the camp session.
- Application is to be completed by the teenager, not the parent/guardian.
- Applicants may be required to interview in-person onsite during the month of May. Please note that not all applicants will be invited to move forward to the interview stage. Interviews are scheduled based on applications.
- Applicants need to be available to work at least 2 camp sessions during the summer.
- Applicants can only apply to work camps that they are at least 2 grade levels beyond.
- Applicants must be available to work every day from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the sessions they committed to.
- All selected Junior Camp Counselors must be available to attend the mandatory volunteer training on Friday, 6/30/23 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lollypop Farm main campus location.
Tasks and Expectations
- Take the initiative to help staff, clean up, and interact with campers.
- Help care for education classroom animals.
- Assist with camper-animal interactions.
- Be aware of the campers and help to monitor their safety.
- Maintain a clean classroom and educational environment.
- Lead ice breakers, read stories, facilitate games, etc.
- Assist campers on an individual basis and help them whenever needed.
- Set an example, model good behavior and follow directions.
- Other duties as assigned by camp staff.
Application Process
Step 1: Complete and submit an Online Camp Counselor Application. This application is to be completed by the teenager, applying to volunteer. Applications must be completed and submitted by April 30, 2023. All applications will be reviewed after the deadline.
Step 2: Check your email. All applicants will be notified via email about the status of their application. Selected applicants will be invited to a face-to-face interview. Please note that not all applicants will be invited to move forward to the interview stage. Interviews are scheduled based on applications. Junior Camp Counselors will be selected based on their qualifications, interview, availability, and on the need of the program.
Step 3: Junior Camp Counselor selection is based on the merit of the application and the face-to-face interview. Successful applicants will be notified of selection by the end of May.
Step 4: If selected to be a Junior Camp Counselor, you must attend the mandatory Junior Camp Counselor Training on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Note: There will be a non-refundable $40 supply fee for all accepted applicants for the Junior Camp Counselor program. This includes the cost of two Junior Camp Counselor shirts, ID badges, and training materials. If this will be a financial hardship, please let the Humane Education Manager know in your application.