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Junior Counselor Leadership Program

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 at James Island, Palmetto Islands, or Wannamaker County Parks, 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. The Junior Counselor Leadership Program is perfect for teens who like working with kids and being outside and want to grow as an individual and as a leader. It's also great for those looking to fulfill community service or volunteer hours.

Junior Counselor Responsibilities
  • Attend training and leadership development sessions.
  • 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 Charleston County Parks' policies and camp procedures.
  • Be respectful of and responsible for Charleston County Parks' 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 daily lunch time, cookout, canoeing, crabbing, arts & crafts, biking, etc.
  • Attend all scheduled sessions and participate in all camp activities unless excused by prior arrangement.
Camp Sessions 
  • Alpha: June 1-5 & June 8-12
  • Bravo: June 15 – June 19 & June 22 – 26
  • Charlie: June 29 – July 3 & July 6 – 10
  • Delta: July 13 – 17 & July 20 – 24
  • Echo: July 27 – 31 & August 3-7*

*No camp offered at Wannamaker County Park August 3-7.

Program Fee

$120

Applicant Information

inquiry_inquirydate calendar

03/09/1994

Adult sizes only

Previous Camp Experience 







Parent or Guardian Information

Describe Yourself!

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Junior Counselor Leadership Program Expectations

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Absenteeism

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

 

Program Fee

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

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Character Reference

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).

Camp Sessions

Camp Sessions





Camp Locations



Application & Interview Process

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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Returning Jr Counselors

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Application Process

Positions are not guaranteed until confirmed by the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director.

  1. Apply Online starting February 1 at 7 p.m.
    • 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.)
    • Final application deadline is April 20, 2026. 
  2. After your application has been submitted, you will receive an email with links to register for applicant interviews. Three interview sessions will be offered: 
    • 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.
Questions?