4-H Camp Counselor Application
Return by: January 29, 2015 to:
Brian McNeill, Extension Educator, 4-H
WCROC/Extension Regional Office
46352 State Highway 329
Morris, MN 56267-0471
2015 Camp Counselor Opportunities:

Camp - June 23-June 25, 2015 at the University of Minnesota Morris Campus. Campers have
completed grades 3-6. Sr. Counselor needs to have completed grades 9-12. Eighteen counselors
will be needed, 9 male and 9 female for the week. Counselors only will meet on June 22 with
campers arriving on June 23rd. Experience at camp is preferred.
Camp Co-Director Opportunities:

Two youth Co-Directors will be selected for residential camp. To be considered for this position,
you must have been a Sr. Camp counselor at camp for at least one year. The role of this position
is to work together with the Extension Educator and be responsible for the camp. They are
expected to provide leadership in planning, preparing for, conducting and teaching camp
programs.
Jr. Camp Counselors

Jr. Camp Counselors will be sought and begin their training to be a Sr. Camp Counselor. Seven
youth grades 7-8th will be chosen to work with a Sr. Counselor. Junior Counselors will be
expected to attend the March training, a May meeting and Residential Camp in June.
Camp Counselor Training:

Cost:

Camp planning meetings will be held for camp and counselors will be notified of these planning
sessions. We will have a training on March 28th from 8:32 a.m. - 7:33 p.m. at the West Central
Research and Outreach Center in Morris. It is expected that you attend this training.
The cost of being a camp counselor includes training as well as ½ the fee of being at camp. $70
covers your time at training and your lodging and meals at camp. For a Jr. Counselor the cost will
be $50. (Talk with your local county for assistance in the fee.)
Application Process:


Use the 4-page “Camp Counselor Application”.
The application is due January 29th at 4:28 p.m. at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in
Morris. You will be notified by February 6th (or before) if you have been selected as a camp
counselor.
Questions:

Call Brian McNeill, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development West Central Research and
Outreach Center in Morris at: 320-589-1711 or 888-241-4532 or mcnei006@umn.edu.
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.
4-H Camp Counselor Application 2015
Personal Information:
Name____________________________________
County_________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________________
City
State
Phone__________________________________
Grade in School (2014/15)___________
ZIP
E-mail__________________________________
Gender (please circle):
Sr. Counselor (Grades 9-12)
male -or- female
Jr. Counselor (Grades 7-8)
Experience/Interests:
1. Have you been counselor before? If yes when and where?
2. Have attended state camp counselor training before?
If yes, when and where?
Yes
No
3. What was your experience as a camper? What are your thoughts about that expertise?
4. Why do you want to be a counselor?
5. What skills, qualities and experiences do you have for working with young people?
Please rate yourself on the following Youth Leadership Core Competencies (1 being none - 4 being the most)
Defining Leadership:
Identify the importance of ethics in leadership
1
2
3
4
Understanding Self:
Recognize outside influences to manage stress
1
2
3
4
Communication:
Explore various tactics to conflict resolution
1
2
3
4
Using proper etiquette techniques
1
2
3
4
Organization:
Are able to plan and manage an event
1
2
3
4
Are able to reflect on an activity
1
2
3
4
Group Dynamics:
Understand group development
1
2
3
4
Are able to facilitate a group of people
1
2
3
4
Decision Making:
Are able to use critical thinking skills
1
2
3
4
Respect:
Understand the impact of what you say
1
2
3
4
6. Please describe other youth leadership experiences you have had in your club or county.
7. What makes you the best applicant for a camp counselor?
8. What contributions do you feel you can make to camp?
9. In your opinion, what are the real reasons for conducting 4-H Camp (besides fun)?
10. Which of the following activities are you willing to lead at camp? Please rank your top three choices
(number 1 being your favorite).
_____Song leading
_____Recreation (Large &Small) / Table Fun
_____Flag Ceremonies (Opening & Closing)
_____Campfire
_____Evening Program
11. What are some of your skills, talents or interests you bring to camp?
Swimming
Play a musical instrument ( tell us:
First Aid Certified
Story Telling
)
Like being in front of people
You are in a leadership position in your club or county
12. Have you had experience in leading or being in front of large groups of people? (Explain)
Please list one reference (other than family member) who could be used as a reference:
Name
Phone Number
Email
Relationship to you
Co-Director Position:
If you are interested in a co-director position for 4-H Camp, complete this section. If you are not, please
continue with the section labeled “Youth Commitment.”
1. Please check if you are interested in being a co-director at 4-H Camp: _____
2. What skills and qualities do you have to offer as a co-director?
Youth Commitment:
As a camp counselor I commit myself to:
 Attending camp counselor training.
 Not have in my possession or use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs while I am participating in
the counselor program or at 4-H Camp.
 Set a good example by not using profanity or telling off color jokes or stories.
 Never punish a camper by ridicule or physical punishment – patience and understanding works
wonders.
 Creating an atmosphere of fun and friendship. Keeping a cheerful and positive attitude.
 Getting to know the members of my camper group the best I can and helping them to get
acquainted with one another and the other counselors.
 Treating all campers fairly and with respect. Seeing that all campers become involved and
have a part in each activity.
 Giving up my personal interests so that the needs of the campers can be met.
 Willingly assisting those in charge of the camp. Being prompt for all meetings, meals, and
activities.
 Helping maintain the location and room environment…(pre and post camp clean up.)
 Asking adults for advice and help if I cannot handle a camp situation.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to abide by the above responsibilities if selected
as a camp counselor. I understand and agree that I will be asked to call my parents/guardians immediately to
pick me up if I do not conduct myself in a appropriate manner, which includes being out of my room after
hours and the possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs.
________________________________
_______________________
(Youth applicant signature)
(Date)
Parent/Guardian Commitment:
I agree that my child can attend camp counselor training and serve as a camp counselor on the dates listed
and according to the stated commitments.
_____________________________________
(Parent/Guardian Signature)
____________________________
(Date)
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.