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2. The Junior Counselor Leadership program offers teens (ages 13-16) a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills within a dynamic outdoor environment. By assisting Explorers Camp staff, Junior Counselors gain hands-on experience and receive mentorship from Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission staff, focusing on areas like public speaking, confidence, and organization.
6. Applicant First Name*
8. Applicant Last Name*
10. Address*
12. City*
13. State*
14. Zip*
16. Telephone*
17. Email Address*
19. Age*
20. Date of Birth*
21. T-shirt Size*
    -- Select One --SmallMediumLargeX-Large

    Adult sizes only
23. Current School *
24. Current Grade in School*
26. Please check all that apply.*

    1. I am a previous Explorers camper.
    2. I am a previous Teen Venture camper.
    3. I am a previous Adventure camper.

    1. I am a previous Jr. Lifeguard camper.
    2. I have never attended camp before.
    3. I have attended camp before, but not here.
28. Parent or Guardian First Name*
29. Parent or Guardian Last Name*
31. Parent or Guardian Telephone*
32. Parent or Guardian Email *
34. Describe yourself and any activities, hobbies, volunteer work, or other relevant experience.*
36. Are you a new Junior Counselor applicant or a returning Junior Counselor?*

    1. New
    2. Returning
38. What are you hoping to learn by participating in the Junior Counselor Leadership Program?
40. As a Junior Counselor, what are one or two key ways you would help ensure the physical and emotional safety of campers?
42. How did you hear about the Junior Counselor Leadership Program?
46. Junior Counselor Leadership Program Expectations
48. Responsibilities
    • Attend training and leadership development.
    • Meet new ideas with an open mind, accept constructive feedback and make positive changes.
    • Show a willingness to have a positive attitude and adapt to change.
    • Accept and follow all CCPRC policies and camp procedures.
    • Be respectful and responsible for all CCPRC property and equipment.
    • Assist in the creation and maintenance of a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants.
    • Follow the set schedule for service, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
    • Actively participate in weekly meetings.
    • Assist with preparation, execution and cleanup of camp programs and activities as assigned, such as lunch time, cookout, canoeing, crabbing, arts & crafts, biking, etc.
    • Attend all scheduled sessions and participate in all camp activities unless excused by prior arrangement.
50. Supervisors

    Junior Counselors are directly supervised by the Explorers Counselors and Team Leaders. Junior Counselors are not solely responsible for supervising the campers; they are present to assist the camp staff.

52. Dress Code

    Junior Counselors should wear khaki shorts or pants and comfortable closed-toed shoes. Uniform shirts will be provided and should be clean and tucked in. Appropriate water clothing and shoes for canoeing and water park activities is permitted during water-based activities. Single-piece bathing suits should be worn. No bikinis. Personal appearance should be neat and clean. In the event a camp shirt is unavailable, a solid color t-shirt (with no logos, designs, pictures, etc) is permitted.

54. Discipline

    Junior Counselors are not viewed as campers, as they have demonstrated the maturity and responsibility needed to assist with camp operations and are expected to follow camp rules and model good behavior for campers. Instances of inappropriate behavior or policy violations will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the program with administrative approval.

56. Absenteeism

    Junior Counselors requiring a schedule change or needing to be absent should contact the Explorers Camp Supervisor by email, text, or phone.

58. Program Fee

    The fee for our Junior Counselor program is $120 per session.

60. Acknowledgement*

    1. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Junior Counselor Leadership Program Expectations listed above.
64. CHARACTER REFERENCE
66. Please provide the name and contact information of one non-relative who can assess your skills and suitability for this position (for example: a teacher, guidance counselor, or coach).
68. Name*
69. Phone*
70. Relationship to You*
74. CAMP SESSIONS
76. Please check the session(s) you are able to attend this summer.*

    No camp offered at Wannamaker August 3-7.

    1. Alpha: June 1-5 & June 8-12
    2. Bravo: June 15 – June 19 & June 22 – 26
    3. Charlie: June 29 – July 3 & July 6 – 10
    4. Delta: July 13 – 17 & July 20 – 24
    5. Echo: July 27 – 31 & August 3-7
78. Please check the park location(s) you prefer.*

    1. James Island County Park
    2. Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park
    3. North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
82. APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS
84. Early Acceptance

    Early acceptance application deadline is March 16, 2026. You must attend the applicant interview on Thursday, March 19 at Palmetto Islands County Park to be considered for early acceptance. The final application deadline is April 20, 2026.

86. Applicant Interviews

    After your application has been submitted, you will receive an email from camp administration with links to register for one of the following applicant interview sessions:

    • March 19, 4-6 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park (early acceptance interviews) 
    • April 22, 4-6 p.m. at James Island County Park 
    • April 23, 4-6 p.m. at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park.
88. Positions are not guaranteed until confirmed by the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director.*

    1. I understand.
90. Orientation & Registration

    If accepted into the program, Junior Counselors will be required to attend one of two orientations held at James Island County Park from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on either Saturday, May 2 or Saturday, May 9.

    The day will include a series of teambuilding activities and training sessions to help prepare teens for a successful summer as a Junior Counselor. Details on how to register will be included in the acceptance email.

92. Questions?
    • Contact Park & Program Services at 843-795-4386 or by email.
    • Email Assistant Camp Director Julia Browder.
96. RETURNING JUNIOR COUNSELORS ONLY: What aspects of the Junior Counselor Program did you find most valuable, and how have those experiences benefited you in other areas of your life, such as school or extracurricular activities?
98. RETURNING JUNIOR COUNSELORS ONLY: Based on your experience last year, what are some things you learned and how could you apply these to make camp a better experience for everyone?
100. RETURNING JUNIOR COUNSELORS ONLY: If you could go back and change anything from your experience last year as a Junior Counselor, what would it be and why?
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101. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
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