Summer Counselors

Contact Information:  waldenwestvolunteers@sccoe.org   •   (408) 573-3056

Updated 10/5/23 - Per the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the California Department of Public Health, all volunteers and staff for the Santa Clara County Office of Education, including Walden West, are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes the original series OR the new 2023-2024 vaccination dose(s).

Walden West Summer Camp offers many great volunteer opportunities all summer long. Each volunteer position provides training and experience working with peers, group management, child safety, and more. Be a part of creating something special with your time this summer.

Requirements:

This year, there will be a $30 registration and processing fee. The fee covers the entire summer and you will not need to pay per volunteering week. This fee is due through UltraCamp at the time of registration. Registration information will be made available to you at a later date.


Interviews are tentatively scheduled for
April 22-26 and April 29-May 3

Summer 2024 weeks volunteers are needed:

Summer Day Camp Counselor - The summer counselor program is a leadership opportunity that encourages emotional maturity and builds personal growth and respect for others. Counselors work with elementary to middle school aged children through structured group time and fun free play. Summer camp counselors gain valuable life skills like becoming responsible for themselves and others, learning effective commånication, and being open to new and exciting ideas. Day camp counselors participate in the Thursday evening BBQ and campfire program, and they sleep out under the stars Thursday night with the entire camp! In addition to leadership, the counselor program provides to grow as an individual and make a difference in a child's life. (55 community service hours earned for a 5-day week, 47 hours for a 4-day week)

CORE CREW Counselor - We will be needing CORE CREW volunteer counselors specifically for our climbing wall and challenge course. With a strong focus on safety, the Core Crew will learn belay techniques and help motivate and inspire campers to climb to amazing heights on our climbing wall and high ropes course. Previous climbing experience is not required, just bring a safe and positive attitude and a strong work ethic. (40 community service hours earned on a 5-day week, 32 hours for a 4-day week)

Wild Things Counselor - We are bringing back Wild Things and we need counselors! Wild Things are campers in kindergarten and 1st grade, and the program is only a day camp with no overnight. The program is separate from the others and will have smaller groups of children with more supervision. You'll help with snack time, hikes, games, and activities. The sillier you are, the more fun you'll have. And you'll definitely learn some different leadership skills! (40 hours community service hours earned)

Trail Blazers Counselor - Trail Blazers is returning this year, and we need counselors to assist leading hikes and activities. This is a science-based camp with different activities from the summer day camp program. There is a dinner and campfire on Wednesday with the LITs, followed by an overnight. We're looking for counselors who want to learn and hone skills in group management, teaching youth, and more!  (55 hours community service hours earned)

LIT & CIT Mentors - Experienced counselors may have the opportunity to give back even more by providing mentorship to those who follow in their footsteps. The Mentor Program is designed to utilize counselor's lessons and experiences to mold the next generation into the best counselors possible. Mentors receive additional guidance and coaching that will support their journey into the professional world and enhance the overall Walden West summer experience. Mentors are selected by staff based on experience, leadership skills, maturity, and initiative. (55 community service hours earned)

Migrant Education Trail Blazers Cabin Leaders - Volunteer Cabin Leaders act as positive role models working alongside our staff guiding students from the Migrant Education program.

Cabin Leaders stay in cabins with 14-18 students and utilize the skills they learn while at Walden West to ensure each young camper has a great experience throughout their week of this modified Trail Blazers program.

Cabin Leaders join a week of fun and personal growth as they develop/enhance their leadership skills. In field class they enrich their current knowledge in subject areas related to: Biology, Environmental Science, Physics/Engineering, Sustainable Living, and Physical Education.

Throughout the week they develop their interpersonal skills further preparing them for career/college by working on: problem solving, critical thinking, personal maturity, leadership, mentoring and gaining a sense of community. (100 community service hours earned)