Volunteer Application for Junior Counselor The 2010 summer marks the first year that The Catherine Cook School is hosting a summer camp, and CCS is looking for applicants who can help shape the Junior Counselor position and the future of the summer camp experience at CCS. Junior Counselor Description The volunteer Junior Counselor assists a lead teacher (singularly or in cooperation with up to two other Junior Counselors) in creating a fun and energetic atmosphere for week-long summer camp experiences from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day for students ranging from 4-11 years old. Applicants must fit the following requirements: Must be available for an entire one-week camp, including the additional pre-planning and break down times (Preference will be given to applicants who can attend more than one camp.) o June 14-18: School’s Out Camp! (required preplanning June 7-8, 3:30-6:00 p.m.; June 18 post-camp breakdown, 3:30-6:00 pm) o August 16-20: Extending Summer Camp I (required preplanning August 11 & 12, 8:00-11:30 a.m.; August 20 post-camp breakdown, 3:30-6:00 p.m.) o August 23-27: Extending Summer Camp II (required preplanning August 11 & 12, 8:00-11:30 a.m.; August 27 post-camp breakdown, 3:30-6:00 p.m.) Must meet age/grade requirement (12 years old and/or completion of the 6th grade up through 18 years old) Must be able to work a digital camera and computer Submit application by May 1 Mornings will consist of field trips around the city using public transportation or bus services on which Junior Counselors will assist in documenting the trip through digital recordings. Junior Counselors will also assist in other duties, such as navigating the city, helping campers open their lunches, making sure campers are physically and emotionally safe, leading small group activities, and participating in other activities as requested. They must juggle the needs of the lead teacher by using their own leadership skills to excite and manage their group of campers. Afternoons will consist of downloading the morning's digital documentation and creating a DVD for campers to take home by the end of the week as a token of their memories from summer camp. Junior Counselors will be in charge of making sure all campers are recorded in an equal and representative fashion. In the afternoon, Junior Counselors may also be asked to accompany campers to and from enrichment classes and/or participate in them as well. The Catherine Cook School is looking for Junior Counselors who have the following traits, abilities and/or experience: Enjoy the company of younger students Demonstrate good decision-making skills on a daily basis as a mentor for young children Have an energetic personality to encourage positive relationships and motivation for young children (could mean embarrassing oneself in skits, songs, or dances!) Want to learn leadership skills and be a part of a growing summer camp initiative Take direction for immediate implementation from an adult and is comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas with an adult teacher Comfortable expressing ideas in large and small group settings Comfortable with change and the ability to adapt easily to changing circumstances Babysitting experience and/or CPR training preferred **Please read the entire application carefully. Preference will be given to thoughtful applications devoid of spelling and grammar errors or mistakes in availability. Please type responses or write legibly. Applications that can’t be read won’t be considered! Contact Information for Junior Counselor Name Street Address City, ST, ZIP Code Home Phone Cell Phone E-mail Address Parent Name(s) Parent Cell Phone(s) Parent E-Mail Address(es) Person to Notify in Case of Emergency ___ Check here if same as above Name Street Address City, ST, ZIP Code Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone E-Mail Address Availability During which weeks would you be available for camp (8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)? Please check all that apply: ___ June 14-18: School’s Out Camp! (required preplanning June 7-8, 3:30-6:00 p.m.; June 18 post-camp breakdown, 3:30-6:00 pm) Availability Conflicts: _________________________________________________________________ ___ August 16-20: Extending Summer Camp I (required preplanning August 11 & 12, 8:0011:30 a.m.; August 20 post-camp breakdown, 3:30-6:00 p.m.) Availability Conflicts: _________________________________________________________________ ___ August 23-27: Extending Summer Camp II (required preplanning August 11 & 12, 8:0011:30 a.m.; August 27 post-camp breakdown, 3:30-6:00 p.m.) Availability Conflicts: _________________________________________________________________ Please type responses or write legibly. Applications that can’t be read won’t be considered! Previous Volunteer or Working with Youth Experience Summarize your previous volunteer experience and/or experience with younger children. I prefer to work with the following age groups: ___ 4-5 year olds ___ 6-7 year olds ___ 8-9 year olds ___ 10-11 year olds ___ Any age group ___ Unsure Essay Questions Please answer the following questions and describe in enough detail so that we may know more about you. There is no limit on word usage, so if you need extra space or an additional piece of paper, please use it! What do you think a Junior Counselor does? What are your expectations and hopes for this experience? How comfortable are you working with an adult who is not your parent or relative? Give an example of a time when you have enjoyed a working relationship (i.e. with a teacher, on the job, volunteer experience, etc.) toward a common goal. How would your friends describe your personality? Please type responses or write legibly. Applications that can’t be read won’t be considered! Digital Cameras and Downloading to a Computer How successful have you been in the past in using this technology? What projects have you created, if any? What programs do you use? Agreement and Signature By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. I understand that if I am accepted as a volunteer, any false statements, omissions, or other misrepresentations made by me on this application may result in my immediate dismissal. Name (printed) Signature Date Our Policy It is the policy of this organization to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference, age, or disability. Thank you for completing this application form and for your interest in becoming a Junior Counselor! We will notify all applicants of their status by May 15.