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
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 $495.
Application Process
Applications due February 17th, 2025.
4-H adult staff review applications and select CITs.
Selected CITs are notified early spring 2025.
Selected CITs need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward CIT by June 1st, 2025. Specific CIT registration link will be provided when selected CITs are notified.
Training
Leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp either July 22nd-26th or August 5th-9th, 2025.
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 $295.
Application Process
Applications due February 17th, 2025.
Junior Counselors must attend an interview, trainings and obtain a cleared background check to be eligible to attend camp.
Junior Counselors will be interviewed by Camp Leadership on March 1st. Interview will include role-playing scenario, group dynamic activities, and panel interview. The March 1st training will be held at OSU Food Innovation Center from 1-4 pm.
Background and reference checks will be processed during training. Parents and guardians will need to sign their teen's background check if they are under 18 years old. It takes on average 2-4 weeks for background checks to be processed. The deadline to obtain a cleared background check is July 15th, 2025.
Selected Junior Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward JC by June 1st, 2025. Specific Junior Counselor registration link will be provided when selected Junior Counselors are notified.
Training
After the interview, selected Junior Counselors are required to attend a training at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (formerly 4-H Center) on June 7th.
The Outdoor Leadership Retreat for all 4-H camps will be May 2nd-4th at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (4-H Center). Junior Counselors are encouraged, but not required, to attend the Outdoor Leadership Retreat.
Selected Junior Counselors must arrive early to camp either on July 21st or August 4th 2025 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp either July 22nd-26th or August 5th-9th, 2025.
Expectations
At camp, Junior Counselors will be assigned a cabin 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 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 the CIT and Junior Counselor program.
Cost
Free
Application Process
Applications due February 17th, 2025.
Camp Counselor Applicants must attend an interview, trainings and obtain a cleared background check to be eligible to attend camp.
Camp Counselor Applicants will be interviewed by Camp Leadership on March 1st. Interview will include role-playing scenario, group dynamic activities, and panel interview. The March 1st training will be held at OSU Food Innovation Center from 1-4 pm.
Background and reference checks will be processed during training. Parents and guardians will need to sign their teen's background check if they are under 18 years old. It takes on average for 2-4 weeks for background checks to be processed. The deadline to obtain a cleared background check is July 15th, 2025.
Selected Camp Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward Camp Counselor by June 1st, 2025. Specific Camp Counselor registration link will be provided when selected Camp Counselors are notified.
Training
After the interview, Camp Counselor Applicants must attend all required trainings, at least one optional training, and the Outdoor Leadership Retreat. Participation in trainings and the retreat will be used to select this year's Camp Counselors.
Optional trainings will be March 15th and April 12th at Bethany Public House from 1-4 pm.
Trainings will be held either at the OSU Food Innovation Center in Portland, or the Oregon Outdoor Education Center in Salem, or at a 4-H volunteer's restaurant in Beaverton.
The Outdoor Leadership Retreat for all 4-H camps will be May 2nd-4th at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (4-H Center).
June 7th will be a required training for all camp counselor applicants. The training will be held at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (4-H Center).
Selected Camp Counselor Applicants must arrive early to camp either on July 21st or August 4th 2025 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 22nd-26th or August 5th-9th, 2025.
Expectations
At camp, Camp Counselors will be assigned a cabin 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 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 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.
Cost
Free
Application Process
Applications due February 17th, 2025.
Camp Counselor Applicants must attend required trainings and obtain a cleared background check to be eligible to attend camp.
Background checks are required every two years.
Selected Camp Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward Camp Counselor by June 1st, 2025. Specific Camp Counselor registration link will be provided when selected Camp Counselors are notified.
Training
Attending an Outdoor Leadership Retreat is strongly encouraged. The Outdoor Leadership Retreat for all 4-H camps will be May 2nd-5th 2025 at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (formerly known as the 4-H Center).
June 7th will be a required training for all camp counselors. The training will be held at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (4-H Center).
Selected Camp Counselors must arrive early to camp either on July 21st or August 4th 2025 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 22nd-26th or August 5th-9th, 2025.
Expectations
At camp, Camp Counselors will be assigned a cabin 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 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 February 17th, 2025.
Senior Camp Counselors must attend required trainings and obtain a cleared background check to be eligible to attend camp.
Background checks are required every two years.
Selected Camp Counselors need to register for 4-H Wildlife Steward Camp Counselor by June 1st, 2025. Specific Camp Counselor registration link will be provided when selected Camp Counselors are notified.
Training
Attending an Outdoor Leadership Retreat is strongly encouraged. The Outdoor Leadership Retreat for all 4-H camps will be May 2nd-5th 2025 at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (formerly known as the 4-H Center).
June 7th will be a required training for all camp counselors. The training will be held at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center (4-H Center).
Selected Camp Counselors must arrive early to camp either on July 21st or August 4th 2025 for an all-day training. Further leadership training and skill development occurs at 4-H Wildlife Stewards camp July 22nd-26th or August 5th-9th, 2025.
Expectations
At camp, Senior Camp Counselors will be assigned a cabin 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 campers with campfire program which include skits, camp songs and special presentations
- Assist in camp clean after camper check-out