Counseling Opportunities for Camp HOPE America
Counselors are needed all over the country for Camp HOPE America. If you are between the ages of 17 and 24 and eager to be a part of this life-changing movement for children to exposed to domestic violence, please reach out and we will connect you with a site near you!
Camp HOPE America is a values-based, “Challenge by Choice” program with a focus on cheering children on for observed and developing character traits through the course of a five to six-day camp week. “Challenge by Choice” refers to challenging children to try new activities and activities with perceived danger or risk while allowing them to opt out of those activities if the challenge creates unmanageable stress or fear. It asks that campers challenge themselves and participate fully in the experience at-hand. The camper is responsible for determining and selecting what kind of participation level presents an optimal learning opportunity for themselves.
After completing the application and interview process, counseling applicants will undergo a day-long training event to prepare them for their work with trauma-exposed youth in a camping and mentoring environment. All counseling applicants will also undergo a LiveScan background check in their state.
What it Looks Like to Be a Counselor
Counselors spend the week in a cabin/tent with five or six campers. All counselors co-counselor each cabin/tent group with a fellow counselor. They are responsible for leading cabin/tent time and facilitating the curriculum-focused conversations that take place during that time. Their job is multi- faceted and requires spunk, a sense of humor, patience, and an endlessly compassionate heart for hurting children. They will be responsible for appropriately intervening with campers that are repeatedly unable to follow directions or have put themselves or other campers in danger. Along with attending the week(s) of camp, counselors must make every effort to participate in the Reunion Party near the end of the summer after camp, as well as any year-round events hosted by the site.
This is a big job, but also a rewarding one. Many counselors have experienced their own forms of trauma and trials in life. However, even without having personally experienced trauma or having a background in trauma-informed care, everyone has something to offer a camper. It is all about your heart for those who are in need of hope and healing.
To read about one counselor's experience, click here.
Age Groups
Seven to 11 Year Olds (Classic): Counselors working with this age group must be at least 17 years of age or going into their Senior year of high school up to 24 years old to be considered for this role.
11 to 17 Year Olds (High Adventure): Counselors working with this age group must be between the ages of 20 and 24 years old. The reason for this Is to be sure that there is an age gap between campers and counselors to ensure a sense of authority, while also keeping counselors close in age to the campers for relatability.
If you are interested in becoming a counselor with Camp HOPE America, please click the site on our Affiliation Map nearest you to contact that center for more information!