Volunteer Camp Counselor

Camp Sunshine counselors are inclusive and caring individuals (age 17+) who serve as volunteers for our summer overnight camp sessions (4 days). As a counselor, you will be paired 1:1 with a camper for the entire camp session, participating alongside them in a wide range of camp activities while ensuring their safety, dignity, and joy.

Counselors are the heart of Camp Sunshine! In this role, you’ll create life-changing experiences for campers—and often for yourself, too.

Qualifications:

• Must be 17 years of age or older.
• Commitment to attend all 4 full days of camp, including overnights.
• Completion of all required counselor training (virtual and/or in person).
• Ability to pass a background check (required for volunteers age 18+).
• First time counselors must provide 3 references.
• Embrace and agree to model Camp Sunshine’s Community Conduct policy.
• Willingness to listen, learn, and grow, and to create an environment of inclusion and joy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Foster a friendship based on respect, dignity, and inclusion with your camper, offering both assistance and encouragement while promoting independence where appropriate.
• Provide direct support to your camper for all 4 days of camp, including during meals, activities, personal care times, and rest times.
• Engage in all camp programming such as creative and recreational experiences, swimming, lessons, campfire songs, outdoor physical activities, and more.
• Ensure camper safety and wellbeing at all times, including physical, emotional, and psychological safety, with support from the Camp Sunshine staff and leadership team.
• Commit to confidentiality and respectful care of campers’ personal information and dignity.
• Follow all Camp Sunshine policies and guidelines as outlined in the Volunteer Manual and training sessions.
• Embrace a mindset of learning and transformation, recognizing that Camp Sunshine is a place of growth for both campers and volunteers.

Additional Expectations:

• Limit personal use of mobile devices during camp programming.
• Follow guidelines for medication storage and management (if applicable).
• Wear appropriate and respectful clothing per camp guidelines.
• Report any incidents, concerns, or safety issues immediately to your Professional Alumni Leader (PAL), a leadership team member, or Camp Sunshine staff.
• Demonstrated compassion, patience, and flexibility.
• Must have the physical and emotional stamina to actively support a camper throughout camp activities and overnight stays.
• Strong interpersonal skills: able to communicate effectively, receive and apply feedback, and work as part of a team.