For students who are entering 10th grade through freshman year of college
The 2025 Junior Counselor Application will open January 6!
The Outpost Junior Counselor program is a summer leadership program for high school students.
There is no cost for this program, Junior Counselors accrue service leadership hours, and we accept students after a formal application and interview process.
This program is designed to help high schoolers build important skills including problem-solving, communication, creativity, teamwork, and group facilitation. Junior Counselors (JCs) receive high quality training and feedback facilitated by directors and senior counselors.
Over the years, we have found that being a JC results in hilarious stories, special memories, formative learning, and countless “aha moments” regarding leadership, child development, and the JC’s own passions and interests.
Being a Junior Counselor (JC) at Outpost is a great way to spend at least two weeks of a summer while in high school. In that short period of time, JCs learn and practice leadership skills, work directly with campers of all ages, and make new friends that often last a lifetime.
Under the supervision of the Senior Counselor, Junior Counselors assist in leading the group in their daily adventures. They play an important role in helping their campers become a team and ensuring that each day is both exciting and safe. JCs receive valuable training both before and during the summer from the camp directors and their Senior Counselors.
What our Junior Counselors say: Highlights from our 2024 JC Surveys
What skills did you build that you’ll use during the school year?
1. Patience
2. Communication
3. Ability to connect with others
4. Creativity
5. Collaboration
What is your favorite part about being a JC?
1. Connecting with campers
2. Making new friends
“I’ve loved the 2 years I’ve been at Outpost. The staff are always energetic and I love the energy there. The kids are also super cute :)” – Returning JC, 2022
Summer 2025 Junior Counselor Session Dates
Junior Counselors must commit to at least one or more 2-week sessions with a group.
Session 1: June 16 to June 27
Session 2: June 30 to July 11 (no camp July 4)
Session 3: July 14 to July 25
Session 4: July 28 to August 8
Our leadership program is highly regarded by local high schools, and our guidance counselor friends are fans and supporters. Many Junior Counselors use their summer camp experience to fulfill school requirements, and we provide each Junior Counselor with a formal certificate upon successful completion of a full session.
There are several steps to becoming a Junior Counselor at Outpost Summer Camps.
Step 1: Application for High School Students. Click on the link below that says “Apply Now.” You will be taken to a form on our website to submit a preliminary application. Please note that incomplete or poorly-completed applications will not be considered, so be prepared to submit a thorough application.
This application should be completed by the student, not the parent. Most students complete the process in about 10-15 minutes. One of our camp directors will contact you within one week of successful submission of a completed application.
The 2025 Junior Counselor Application will open January 6!
New JC Applicants Click Here
Returning JCs Click Here
Step 2: Group Interview. Once we have received your completed application, you will be invited to a group interview. This is an opportunity to meet several other high school students interested in the opportunity, learn more about Outpost, and meet the camp directors. After completing the group interview and meeting with a camp director, applicants are given further information about participating in this leadership program in 2025.
Step 3: Enrollment (if accepted into program). If you are accepted into the program, your parent or guardian must formally enroll you into our summer camp program. You will receive instructions from our office on how to complete this on our registration website.
Parents: A position as an Outpost Junior Counselor is a terrific first-time leadership opportunity for many young individuals. As such, we encourage our Junior Counselors to take complete responsibility for this process themselves by calling with any questions regarding the program and completing the application themselves.
As described in Step 3 above, if your teen completes Steps 1 and 2 successfully and is accepted into our program, you will be directly enrolling them into our camp program and receiving confirmation details from a director. We will provide you with additional information that will help you support your student as they fulfill their commitment. If you have any questions about this process, contact our directors.
