From the outside looking in, many people see the camp counselor role as an extension of one’s camper years or an opportunity to take the summer off and play. Little do they know that being a camp counselor at La Junta is one of the hardest (yet rewarding and fun) summer jobs. Hot days, non-stop schedules, campers pushing limits and high expectation of following camp policies and protocols are just the start, however, all of this is nothing compared to the rewards one internalizes after the summer has ended.
There are so many benefits to working at Camp La Junta, so we’ve gathered our top reasons why you should work here this summer:
You quickly become one of the coolest (and most influential) people in the camper’s lives during camp. La Junta counselors especially have the opportunity to impact campers because of the amount of time spent with the kids. True bonds can form when you least expect them to: playing at the river, at the top of the zip line, riding a horse, in the cabin hanging out or late at night when homesickness sets in. All Counselors are assigned a cabin with at least one co-counselor and typically 10 – 12 campers for whom they are responsible for happiness, health, hygiene, safety, supervision and success. Among their cabin duties, counselors are asked to perform the daily functions of family, friend, referee, counselor and entertainer.
Among the hills and river, you might not find much Wi-Fi, but you’ll find plenty of nature just begging you to unplug and enjoy. Surrounding yourself with the beauty of the great outdoors only helps with this.
You have skill in an activity, but you would not consider yourself an expert? No problem. La Junta is a great time to learn (or perfect) your skills. Before camp starts and a single camper arrives, we will train you to be fully prepared for your activity. All Counselors instruct five 50 minute activity periods each day in an activity area that matches their skills and interests. In their activity they are responsible for instruction, inventory, records and programming. The have the freedom to create their own brand of fun, based on their experiences and personality.
Through the experiences you have working at La Junta, you will be able to proudly put on your resume that you not only survived a summer working for a camp but thrived in the environment as well. Camp counselors are great communicators, life-long learners, leaders, team players, and creative thinkers, just to name a few of the skills that will show from your summer at La Junta.
Within just a few days of arriving at La Junta for the beginning of the staff training, you will meet some awesome people. Your co-workers are some of the best, simply by them being here: they gave up their summer (just like you) to learn, grow, and impact others’ lives as well. Life-long friendships are bound to develop as you live and work alongside other college kids for two months. As well as working with the rest of the staff, you will have time off with them. Once the summer begins, you will have time off every day. Your time off will alternate days between afternoon rest period and evenings after dinner off. This time ensures that you remain rested and able to perform at the highest standard, keeps you in touch with the outside world and allows time to cultivate relationships with your summer peers from around the state, nation and the world.
Camp La Junta hires a diverse staff because we have a wide variety of campers. This means, not all of your co-workers will be elementary education or recreation majors. In fact, you will meet a plethora of majors who have done the same thing you have: sought out a beyond-the-typical summer job. An awesome time to expand your peer networking to individuals from all over the country and from all walks of life. Also, the Camp La Junta network of alumni and parents is large and growing. We love to help match counselors with people that can provide internships and possible jobs after college.
Believe it or not, the great outdoors can give you a sense of relaxation and recharge. Finding time to enjoy a more leisurely life by embracing the early sunrise and sitting up late under a sky full of stars can do more for you than you might have ever imagined.
Life is too short to always try to be a grown up. As a staff member for La Junta, you get to have a summer where you can be yourself. There are lots of opportunities to be silly at camp and show your campers how to have a good time. All positions at camp are paid. Counselor can earn between $2,000 – $2,400 for the summer.
There are plenty of opportunities to improve your leadership skills by working for La Junta because, at one point or another, you will be asked to lead. Whether in the cabin, during the daily classes or as part of the evening program you will have a chance to lead other staff members or a handful of campers. This is where you can shine, you will be looked up to for direction and wisdom. At first, you may be shy but as the summer progresses, your skills will enhance, and you won’t think twice about the leader.