Junior Counselor FAQs

What does a typical day look like?
Staff and junior counselors gather each morning at 8 a.m. for a devotional thought and worship to start the day. After morning announcements, staff and junior counselors meet campers at 9 a.m. The morning might be spent playing games and doing problem-solving activities at the low course to build up the group. The afternoon might be spent at an activity period such as canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or the high ropes course. Campers gather for pick-up at 4 p.m. Afterwords, staff and junior counselors meet to debrief the day and plan for the next day. The day ends approximately at 5 p.m.

How am I prepared for being a junior counselor?
Junior counselor training is an essential part of the summer program. We want junior counselors to be successful when assisting counselors in activities and relating to the campers. Training introduces you to Adventure Camp philosophies, adventure activities, and how to work with this age group. It also provides a great time to get to know other junior counselors, staff, and develop a strong camp community. It is an important start to a memorable summer. Training times are roughly 8 a.m.–4:30pm each day.

Do junior counselors do things together during or outside of camp?
Yes! Training is done primarily with the junior counselor group and friendships are often formed at this time. Additionally, junior counselors will have chances to gather together for breakfasts, dinners, and ice cream each week. The junior counselor director will inform you of these opportunities throughout the summer. The staff and junior counselors end the summer season with a night celebration during the last week of camp.

Is being a junior counselor different than being a camper?
Yes. Attending Adventure Camp and being a junior counselor are both wonderful, but very different opportunities. Junior counselors not only have a fun adventure-filled summer, but are expected to invest a lot of time and effort into others. Junior counselors have more responsibility, preparation, and chances to serve. The majority of the day is spent talking with youth that are 3–5 years younger and being an assistant leader and role model.

What weeks can I work?
You can volunteer anywhere between 2–6 weeks of camp. Weeks are assigned depending on the need. On the application, check which weeks you are available, and the director will determine your schedule.

Can I sign up for more weeks during the summer?
Junior counselors often start volunteering with Adventure Camp and realize that they love it! Occasionally, there will be available junior counselor slots to sign up for an additional week during the summer. However, La Vida recommends signing up for sessions in the spring because space is not guaranteed.

If I'm 15, can I be a junior counselor?
Adventure Camp primarily accepts 16–18 year-old junior counselors. Occasionally, mature 15 year-olds are considered for the position, but state regulations limit them to working with the youngest campers.

Do I need to have been an Adventure Camp camper or an Adirondack Leadership Program participant?
The majority of junior counselors have been adventure campers. We prefer for junior counselors to have some experience in different activities, familiarity with the schedule, and knowledge of the philosophies of Adventure Camp. Junior counselors who participated on the Adirondack leadership program additionally come with leadership training and an intensive experiential education foundation.

Do I need to bring my lunch?
Yes. Junior counselors should bring lunch each day to camp. Snacks are provided for each group during the day.

Do junior counselors live on campus?
No. All junior counselors live at home. Housing is reserved for staff only.