Summer Counselors

Summer 2025 Weeks of Programs (tentative)

• June 9-13 - Day Camp

• June 16-20 - Day Camp

• June 23-27 - Day Camp + Migrant Education Summer Camp

• July 7-11 - Day Camp, CITs, Trail Blazers, and Wild Things

• July 14-18 - Day Camp, CITs, Trail Blazers, and Wild Things

• July 21-25 - Day Camp, LITs, Trail Blazers, and Wild Things

• July 28-Aug. 1 - Day Camp, LITs, Trail Blazers, and Wild Things

• Aug. 4-8 - Day Camp

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)

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, additional hours can be earned on select weeks, email waldenwestvolunteers@sccoe.org for more information)

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 Thursday 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. We strongly encourage any volunteer who has been a summer counselor or outdoor school cabin leader apply for this role. Interested volunteers may be asked to participate in an additional application and/or interview. Mentors will then be selected by the LIT/CIT staff members based on experience, leadership skills, maturity, and initiative. 55 community service hours earned.

Cabin Leaders for Migrant Education Summer Camp
Sunday June 22 through Friday June 27
We are hosting approximately 50 students from the SCCOE Migrant Education program for a week long residential summer camp. This week will be a combination of our outdoor school program and our summer day camp program. 

Volunteer Cabin Leaders act as positive role models working alongside our staff guiding 4th, 5th, and 6th grade campers.

Cabin Leaders will 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 this week.

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.

Minimum grade level requirement: incoming high school sophomore. Previous Outdoor School cabin leaders and bilingual persons are encouraged to apply, but it is not required. Training is mandatory and will be held on Sunday June 22. All cabin leaders are expected to fully participate from Sunday through Friday. 100 community service hours can be earned.

Special Education Family Day Camp
Monday June 30th through Thursday July 3
The SCCOE Special Education classes will be attending a family day camp on July 1-3. Different families from different schools will be assigned one of those days to experience some summer camp fun! Counselors will be needed to assist Walden West staff with games, arts & crafts, hiking, and other activities. Lunch will be provided each day! We'll also have a setup and training day for staff and counselors on Monday June 30 from 8:00am-4:30pm. Counselors will be asked to sign up for all 4 days Monday June 30th through Thursday July 3rd. Up to 32 community service hours can be earned.