The Junior Counselor ("JC") program at Spartans Sports Camp offers young leaders an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fun and supportive environment. JCs play a vital role in assisting counselors with setting up and cleaning up games, engaging in activities, and providing extra support throughout the day. They also participate in morning meetings with staff, gaining valuable insight into the daily operations and responsibilities of running a successful camp.
Throughout the week, JCs will build their skills by working closely with campers and, by the end of the program, take on the challenge of planning and leading their own game! Some fun examples from the past have been an obstacle course, mini soccer tournament, and relay races.
In addition to gaining real-world experience, JCs develop valuable life skills, such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, that they can apply beyond camp. Our ultimate goal is to empower JCs with the confidence and skills needed to become future camp counselors, and we encourage them to apply for paid positions in the future!
Sample Junior Counselor Daily Schedule
7:45 AM - 8:00 AM: Check-in
8:00 AM - 8:20 AM: Morning Meeting – JCs will join counselors and staff to discuss the day's schedule and improvements as well as recognize counselors who have gone above and beyond
8:20 AM - 9:00 AM: Lesson of the Day – Covering essential topics such as leadership qualities, effective communication strategies, conflict-resolution, and goal setting using the S.M.A.R.T. framework. Also may be an opportunity to assist in game setup.
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM: Camper Welcome – JCs will greet campers, engage in free play, and practice learning camper names.
9:20 AM - 9:30 AM: Camp Kickoff – JCs help organize campers into lines and age groups.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM: Activity 1 – Assist in explaining rules, ensuring fair play, and supporting camper participation.
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Activity 2 – Continue to engage and support campers.
11:00 AM - 12:20 PM: Free Play – JCs can join campers in dodgeball, the arcade, or swimming.
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Activity 3
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM: Snack Break
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM: Whole Camp Activity - This often includes exciting team-based challenges, such as campers versus counselors, where JCs can choose which team to join.
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Camper Dismissal – Assist with cleanup and end-of-day wrap-up.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Reflection and JC Dismissal– Discuss positives and challenges of the day, recognize the JC of the Day, and review camper interactions before signing out.
There will be very limited space in this program to ensure the best experience for each Junior Counselor.
Monday-Friday hours for JC's are 7:45 am - 3:30 pm
Lunch and extended care are available at no additional charge for Junior Counselors.
Camp fee includes t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring backpack.
Lunch schedule will be as follows (subject to change):
Monday Pasta Market Quesadillas OR tortellini with marinara or butter sauce
Tuesday Subway Assorted sandwiches (ham, turkey, Italian, veggie)
Wednesday Pasta Market Chicken strips with ranch/bbq dipping sauce OR fusili pasta with marinara or butter sauce
Thursday Togo's Assorted sandwiches (ham, turkey, salami, roast beef, veggie)
Friday Mountain Mike's Pizza (cheese, pepperoni, Hawaiian)
Water, a cookie & fresh, seasonal fruit (watermelon, apples, peaches, etc.) will also be included in all lunches. . Vegetarian options are available. You may submit any special requests, through the online registration system when you register for the camp.
A mid-morning snack of Nutrigrain, Teddy Grahams, fresh fruit, or other nut free snacks will be provided to all campers! Spartans Sports Camp is a nut-free camp: Please refrain from bringing foods with nuts for snack or lunch as a courtesy to other campers who may have severe food allergies.