Portage County Counselors: Camp in 2024 will be Saturday July 6th – Thursday July 11th at Camp Whitewood with Portage and Stark County 4-H!
Counselors – Apply online by January 5th 2024 here: go.osu.edu/campcounselorapplication Hard copies of application can be made available upon request to Jesseca at housel.15@osu.edu.
2024 CAMP COUNSELOR INTERVIEWS: Camp Counselor Interviews will be in-person at the Portage County OSU Extension Office or Portage Randolph Fair Office on Monday, January 15, 2024 (Martin Luther King Day). More information will be provided to those who apply.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The 4-H Camp Counselors are a group of 4-H teens selected to assist in being responsible for campers ages 8-14 during 4-H camp. As a result of participation, counselors will develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations needed for adult success, and the Portage County 4-H Program will be strengthened and expanded. Roles and Responsibilities of 4-H Camp Counselors include:
- Attend required trainings prior to camp
- Market and promote camp
- Serve in a leadership and teaching role to other counselors
- Serve on committees or other groups to plan programs at camp
- Conduct self in an appropriate manner before, during, and after camp while serving as a role model to campers and peers
- Assist staff and other counselors with camp activities; work as a team to implement the activities
- Know and understand all safety guidelines, including emergency procedures, associated with the camp and program areas
- Follow and enforce camp rules
- Assure for the safety of campers at all times including in cabins, sessions, and large group activities
- Be aware of child protection regulations and report any child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect in accordance with university policy
- Identify and respond to camper behavior issues
- Ensure campers’ health and hygiene, e.g., brushing teeth, eating meals, taking medication, etc.
- Promote camper participation during camp
- Lead and supervise campers in activities at camp including but not limited to songs, teambuilding challenges, group activities, challenges, etc.
- Teach and lead campers at workshops or during other components at camp (table setting, song leading, etc.)
- Mentor and give guidance to campers to encourage positive youth development and enhancement of life skills
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be at least 16 years old by the start of camp.
- 15 year olds may apply to be a Counselor In Training (CIT)
- Must be a current active 4-H member in good standing.
- Must be able to get transportation to meetings and events as needed.
- Must complete a minimum of 20 hours of training (6 of these hours must be on-sight at Camp Whitewood).
- Must complete Child Abuse Awareness training.
- Must Sign Standards of Behaviors and complete the Code of Conduct form (both are online forms).
- First time applicants must provide contact information for two references, returning counselors must provide one.
- If the individual is 18+ years old at least two months prior to camp, the individual must have their background check conducted.
SELECTION PROCESS:
- Individuals who complete the application must also attend the interview process in order to be eligible.
MEETING DATES/TIME/FREQUENCY
- 4-H Camp Counselors must attend Counselor Zoom trainings, online course trainings, in person meetings, and one 4-H Camp Whitewood counselor weekend (dates of meetings and trainings will be provided later).
- Counselors are expected to notify the Extension Office if an absence is unavoidable.
- 4-H Camp Counselors will be trained on topics such as the camp counselor core competencies; risk management, including active shooter guidelines, emergency protocols, and child abuse recognition.
TO APPLY:
- Complete the application in its entirety.
- Provide two non-family references with contact information (returning counselors must provide one reference).
- Read and sign the Standards of Behavior and Camp Counselor Code of Conduct forms.
- Complete this online application, Standards of Behavior, and Code of Conduct by Friday, January 5, 2024.