Junior Counselor (Grades 5-8)
Camp Details

(Registration will be sent after a video interview)

Calling all rising 5th-8th grade students who are interested in learning how to work with younger campers. During each week of camp Junior Counselors (JC’s) will work with a team leader as well as be assigned to help in classrooms throughout the week. JC’s will hone their leadership skills working with a group, and will get a letter of recommendation from the Auxiliary Director at the end of the summer.

What is a Junior Counselor?
MS students who are interested in learning about working with younger campers, leading the campers in games and activities on the playground, and supporting campers in the classroom.

Who can apply to be a Junior Counselor?
Rising G5-G8 students are invited to apply to be a Junior Counselor for PKS Mandarin Summer Camp 2024.

Application Process:
1. Student fills out Interest Form.
2. Student sets up video interview.
3. Registration link sent to parent email after student video interview.

Cost: $400 5-day camp, $320 4-day camp

Hours: 8:30 am drop off, 4:00 pm pick up, extended care options

Week 1: June 17-21 (No camp Wednesday, Juneteenth)
Week 2: June 24-29
Week 3: July 1-3, 5 (No camp Thursday July 4)
Week 4: July 8-12
Week 5: July 15-19
Week 6: July 22-26
Week 7: July 29-Aug 2
Week 8: August 5-9
Week 9: August 12-16

Junior Counselor FAQ

What does a typical day look like for a Junior Counselor? 

  • Arrive: 8:30 am and support with helping students get to their classrooms

  • 9:00-10:30 JC Meeting (all JC’s combined)

  • 10:30-12:00 pm Classroom and Recess Activities with assigned classrooms

  • 12:00-1:00 pm Lunch and Lunch Support

  • 1:00-2:00 JC Activities (all JC’s combined)

  • 2:00-4:00 Classroom and Recess Activities with assigned classrooms

  • 4:00 pick up 

  • 4:00-5:30 pm Extended Care support (for families who need to pick up their JC later)

What happens during the JC Meeting each morning?

  • JC’s meet with their assigned JC Mentor each morning.

  • JC’s collaborate on supporting campers both in the classroom and on the playground.

  • The JC Mentor helps support the JC’s with best practices for how to help campers with conflicts, creating a welcoming space, inviting kids to play with the group, how much support kids need at each age, and other teachable moments as they arise.

  • JC’s collaborate in teams to lead activities for campers both during recess and in the classroom with the support of the camp teachers.

  • JC’s learn health and safety practices for working with campers.

What happens during the JC Activities each afternoon?

  • JC’s have an opportunity to expand their passions for creating projects each afternoon. 

  • JC’s can work independently or with partners.

  • The JC Mentor is available to support passion projects as needed. 

  • Free Time.

Does the JC need to have Mandarin Knowledge?

  • Yes, JC’s will need to be able to speak to the campers in Mandarin as well as understand the Camp teacher’s instructions in Mandarin. English may also be used among the JC’s during their free time and breaks.

What does a JC need to be successful? 

  • Desire to learn how to work with younger campers both in a classroom setting and during recesses.

  • Desire to be a positive role model for younger students.

  • Open to feedback from the Camp teacher, JC Mentor, peers, and the Auxiliary Program Director.

  • Desires to be part of the program.

  • Shows up every day of camp (unless they are sick) and are ready to engage with their assigned responsibilities.

  • Will share and collaborate with all members of camp including campers, peers, JC Mentor, Camp teacher, Auxiliary Program Director/Associate, Specialists, Front office team, Security team, and the Janitorial teams.

  • Will leave their personal phones, ear pods/headphones, and other technology devices in the JC room and only use during their “free times”.

Does a JC need prior experience working with kids?

  • Prior experience is not required but is helpful.

  • A desire to learn to work with kids is required.

What are the additional benefits?

  • Summer Camp T-shirts (general camp shirt/Junior Counselor shirt)

  • Pizza Fridays (please let us know if your JC has dietary restrictions)

  • Daily Snacks in the JC room