4-H Wildlife Stewards Camp Counselor Leadership Program
Our 4-H Wildlife Stewards Camp Counselor Leadership program is designed for young people ages 12-21. Our program is a high quality leadership program that guides, trains, and mentors young people from middle school through college. This leadership journey is progressive and builds leadership, public speaking, and youth development skills each year. At each level, all 4-H camp counselors are carefully screened, trained, and mentored alongside safe, fun, and caring adult staff mentors.
A Leadership Journey
Our 4-H Wildlife Stewards Camp Counselor Leadership program is designed for young people ages 12-21. Our program is a high quality leadership program that guides, trains, and mentors young people from middle school through college. This leadership journey is progressive and builds leadership, public speaking, and youth development skills each year. At each level, all 4-H camp counselors are carefully screened, trained, and mentored alongside safe, fun, and caring adult staff mentors.
The 10-year leadership program is broken down into two-year steps. Camp leadership expectations and role grow with each step. At the beginning of each new step, youth leader applicants must apply and be evaluated before moving into the next two-year program. There is no guarantee that every youth who completes a two-year program will automatically be accepted into the next two-year program. Youth must demonstrate continual leadership improvement, a growth mindset, and an enthusiasm commitment for making camp a fun, safe experience for campers.
Click each section to learn more about application deadlines, eligibility and training requirements, and expectations.
Counselor in Training - 7th and 8th Grade
Counselor in Training
This the first step in the Counselor Preparation Program.
Applications for the Counselor in Training (CIT) is open to any kids who have completed 7th or 8th grade at the time of camp. Space is limited. Priority is given to former 4-H Wildlife Stewards campers.
Cost
Cost to participate is TBD.
Application Process
Applications due January 31st, 2024.
4-H adult staff review applications and select CITs.
Selected CITs are notified early spring 2024.
Selected CITs need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward CIT by June 1st, 2024.
Training
Leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 23rd-27th, 2024.
Expectations
During camp, CIT’s participate in leadership classes and assist with special camp projects.
- Have a willingness to learn and try new things
- Attend camp programs on time
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for camp and help spark a love of camp in others
- Participate in morning Leadership Classes while at camp
- Abide by all 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
Roles
- Help assist campers at the dining hall
- Participate alongside Senior Counselors with evening camp programs
- Lead a small group of campers in a habitat project
Junior Counselor - 8th Grade and Completed CIT
Junior Counselor
This the second step in the Counselor Preparation Program.
Applications for Junior Counselor is open to any kids who have completed 8th grade at the time of camp and the CIT program.
Are you in 8th grade but have not participated in the CIT program? Please see Counselor in Training section for application details.
Cost
Cost to participate is TBD.
Application Process
Applications due January 31st, 2024.
Selected Junior Counselors are notified early spring 2024.
Selected Junior Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward JC by June 1st, 2024.
Training
Selected Junior Counselors must arrive early to camp on July 22nd 2024 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 23rd-27th, 2024.
Expectations
At camp, Junior Counselors will be assigned a tribe of campers and will work in cooperation with Senior and Camp Counselors to help ensure a safe, fun camp experience. Senior Counselors will serve as mentors to Junior Counselors.
- Select a camp name that is related to nature
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of campers
- Encourage and support tribe of campers to participate fully in camp activities
- Help Senior and Camp Counselors in ensuring campers complete daily cabin tasks and self-care
- Seek adult staff help and guidance with campers needing extra support
- Have a willingness to learn and try new things
- Attend camp programs on time
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for camp and help spark a love of camp in others
- Abide by all 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
Roles
- Plan and lead the morning assembly
- Assist with afternoon recreation classes and evening programs
- Support tribe of campers with campfire program which include skits, camp songs and special presentations
Camp Counselor Applicant - 9th-12th Grade as a 1st Year Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor Applicant
This the first step in the Teen Counselor Program.
Applications for Camp Counselor Applicants is open to any teens who have completed 9th-12th grade at the time of camp. Space is limited. Priority is given to teens who have completed CIT and Junior Counselor program.
Cost
Free
Application Process
Applications due January 31st, 2024.
Camp Counselor Applicants are notified early spring 2024.
Camp Counselor Applicants must attend trainings and retreat. Background and reference checks will be collected and processed during training.
Selected Camp Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward Camp Counselor by June 1st, 2024.
Training
Everyone applying for Camp Counselor Applicants must attend trainings and an Outdoor Leadership Retreat. Participation in trainings and the retreat will be used to select this year's Camp Counselors.
Training TBD.
The Outdoor Leadership Retreat for all 4-H camps will be May 17th-19th at the 4-H Center.
Selected Camp Counselor Applicants must arrive early to camp on July 22nd 2024 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 23rd-27th, 2024.
Expectations
At camp, Camp Counselors will be assigned a tribe of campers and will work in cooperation with Senior and other Camp Counselors to help ensure a safe, fun camp experience.
- Prioritize and monitor the safety and well-being of campers
- Work in teams of 2-3 Senior and Camp Counselors in ensuring campers complete daily cabin tasks and self-care
- Support others in abiding by 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
- Encourage and support tribe of campers to participate fully in camp activities
- Seek adult staff help and guidance with campers needing extra support
- Have a willingness to learn and try new things
- Attend camp programs on time
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for camp and help spark a love of camp in others
- Abide by all 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
Roles
- Plan and organize the evening all camp programs with other Camp Counselors
- Prepare nametags for each camper in assigned camp tribe group
- Help decorate cabins with other Camp Counselors
- Support tribe of campers with campfire program which include skits, camp songs and special presentations
- Assist in camp clean after camper check-out
Second Year Camp Counselor - 9th-12th Grade
Second Year Camp Counselor
This the second step in the Teen Counselor Program.
Applications for Camp Counselor is open to any teens who have completed 9th-12th grade at the time of camp and completed a year of Camp Counselor training. Space is limited.
Cost
Free
Application Process
Applications due January 31st, 2024.
Camp Counselors are notified early spring 2024.
Background checks are required every two years.
Selected Camp Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward Camp Counselor by June 1st, 2024.
Training
Attending an Outdoor Leadership Retreat is strongly encouraged. The Outdoor Leadership Retreat for all 4-H camps will be May 17th-19th 2024 at the 4-H Center.
Selected Camp Counselors must arrive early to camp on July 22nd 2024 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 23rd-27th, 2024.
Expectations
At camp, Camp Counselors will be assigned a tribe of campers and will work in cooperation with Senior and other Camp Counselors to help ensure a safe, fun camp experience.
- Prioritize and monitor the safety and well-being of campers
- Work in teams of 2-3 Senior and Camp Counselors in ensuring campers complete daily cabin tasks and self-care
- Support others in abiding by 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
- Encourage and support tribe of campers to participate fully in camp activities
- Seek adult staff help and guidance with campers needing extra support
- Have a willingness to learn and try new things
- Attend camp programs on time
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for camp and help spark a love of camp in others
- Abide by all 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
Roles
- Plan and organize the evening all camp programs with other Camp Counselors
- Prepare nametags for each camper in assigned camp tribe group
- Help decorate cabins with other Camp Counselors
- Support tribe of campers with campfire program which include skits, camp songs and special presentations
- Assist in camp clean after camper check-out
Senior Counselor - 11th-12th Grade and at least 2 Years as Camp Counselor
Senior Camp Counselor
This is the Experienced Teen Counselor Program.
Applications for Senior Camp Counselor is open to any teens who have completed 11th-12th grade at the time of camp and completed at least two years of Camp Counselor training. Space is limited.
Cost
Free
Application Process
Applications due January 31st, 2024.
Camp Counselors are notified early spring 2024.
Background checks are required every two years.
Selected Senior Camp Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward Camp Counselor by June 1st, 2024.
Training
Attending an Outdoor Leadership Retreat is required. The Outdoor Leadership Retreat for all 4-H camps will be May 17th-19th 2024 at the 4-H Center.
Selected Senior Camp Counselors must arrive early to camp on July 22nd 2024 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 23rd-27th, 2024.
Expectations
At camp, Senior Camp Counselors will be assigned a tribe of campers and will work in cooperation with other Camp Counselors to help ensure a safe, fun camp experience.
- Plan, organize and lead a special project at camp
- Serve as lead Camp Counselor for each cabin group
- Prioritize and monitor the safety and well-being of campers
- Work in teams of 2-3 Camp Counselors in ensuring campers complete daily cabin tasks and self-care
- Support others in abiding by 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
- Encourage and support tribe of campers to participate fully in camp activities
- Seek adult staff help and guidance with campers needing extra support
- Have a willingness to learn and try new things
- Attend camp programs on time
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for camp and help spark a love of camp in others
- Abide by all 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
Roles
- Plan and organize the evening all camp programs with other Camp Counselors
- Prepare nametags for each camper in assigned camp tribe group
- Help decorate cabins with other Camp Counselors
- Support tribe of campers with campfire program which include skits, camp songs and special presentations
- Assist in camp clean after camper check-out
Junior Adult Staff
Junior Adult Staff
This is the Junior Adult Staff Program.
Applications for Junior Adult Staff is open to any young adults who:
- have graduated high school,
- completed one year of post-secondary education at the time of camp,
- served at least three years as a Camp Counselor with one year as a Senior Camp Counselor
Cost
Free
Application Process
Applications due February 15th, 2024.
Junior Adult are notified late spring 2024.
Background checks are required every two years. Volunteer training dates are TBD.
Selected Junior Adult Staff need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward Camp Counselor by June 1st, 2024.
Training
Selected Junior Adult Staff must arrive early to camp on July 22nd 2024 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 23th-27th, 2024.
Expectations
Junior Adult staff must attend the full week of camp and do not stay in camper cabins. Junior Adult Staff take on extra responsibilities at camp.
- Take leadership on special tasks and assignments as needed
- Support others in abiding by 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
- Seek guidance if campers needing extra support
- Have a willingness to learn and try new things
- Attend camp programs on time
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for camp and help spark a love of camp in others
- Abide by all 4-H Wildlife Stewards rules, policies, and procedures
Roles
- Work collaboratively with an adult staff member to provide leadership to a specific component of camp
- Serve as leader and role model to Camp Counselors
- Provide leadership to one of the camp leadership teams
- Assist in camp clean after camper check-out