Junior Counselor Summer Program
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Camp Description
The Junior Counselor ("JC") program at Spartans Sports Camp offers young leaders an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fun and supportive environment. JCs play a vital role in assisting counselors with setting up and cleaning up games, engaging in activities, and providing extra support throughout the day. They also participate in morning meetings with staff, gaining valuable insight into the daily operations and responsibilities of running a successful camp. Throughout the week, JCs will build their skills by working closely with campers and, by the end of the program, take on the challenge of planning and leading their own game! Some fun examples from the past have been an obstacle course, mini soccer tournament, and relay races.
The JC program fee covers a range of benefits designed to enrich the experience and provide meaningful takeaways. It supports the funding of program supplies, special activities, and the hiring of dedicated staff who mentor and guide the JCs throughout the week. In addition to gaining real-world experience, JCs develop valuable life skills, such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, that they can apply beyond camp. Our ultimate goal is to empower JCs with the confidence and skills needed to become future camp counselors, and we encourage them to apply for paid positions in the future!
There will be very limited space in this program to ensure the best experience for each Junior Counselor.
If extended care is desired, it will be provided at no additional charge to JC's.
Prerequisites:
- Must be entering 8th or 9th grade
- Must participate as directed with an enthusiastic and engaging attitude to maintain the Spartans Sports Camp culture
- Junior Counselors should have a goal of working as Counselors in the future (i.e. once they are entering 10th grade)
The Details
This camp will run in eight sessions:
Jun 9-Jun 13, 2025,
Jun 16-Jun 20, 2025,
Jun 23-Jun 27, 2025,
Jun 30-Jul 3, 2025 (no camp Jul 4),
Jul 7-Jul 11, 2025,
Jul 14-Jul 18, 2025,
Jul 21-Jul 25, 2025, &
Jul 28-Aug 1, 2025 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm daily.
The cost of a 5-day session of this program is $575.99 ($460.99 for the Jun 30-Jul 3, 2025 session). This program is open to kids entering grades 8
through 9 in August 2025. Each JC will receive a t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring backpack. Lunch is available for an additional fee (
click here for details). Extended care is available free of charge for Junior Counselors (
click here for details).
Sample Daily Schedule:
- 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM: Check-in
- 8:00 AM - 8:20 AM: Morning Meeting – JCs will join counselors and staff to discuss the day's schedule and improvements as well as recognize counselors who have gone above and beyond
- 8:20 AM - 9:00 AM: Lesson of the Day – Covering essential topics such as leadership qualities, effective communication strategies, conflict-resolution, and goal setting using the S.M.A.R.T. framework. Also may be an opportunity to assist in game setup.
- 9:00 AM - 9:20 AM: Camper Welcome – JCs will greet campers, engage in free play, and practice learning camper names.
- 9:20 AM - 9:30 AM: Camp Kickoff – JCs help organize campers into lines and age groups.
- 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM: Activity 1 – Assist in explaining rules, ensuring fair play, and supporting camper participation.
- 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Activity 2 – Continue to engage and support campers.
- 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM: Free Play – JCs can join campers in dodgeball, the arcade, or swimming.
- 12:20 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Activity 3
- 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM: Snack Break
- 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM: Whole Camp Activity - This often includes exciting team-based challenges, such as campers versus counselors, where JCs can choose which team to join.
- 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Camper Dismissal – Assist with cleanup and end-of-day wrap-up.
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Reflection and JC Dismissal– Discuss positives and challenges of the day, recognize the JC of the Day, and review camper interactions before signing out.