Counselor Blog is back, and a bit different! Join the discussion here

Who can be a Camp Counselor?

Our Camp Community is an experience of the Global Christian Family. Our staff and campers reflect the diversity of the Southern California community that we serve.

Previous youth ministry, camp ministry, or teaching experience is not required. A patient mind, open heart, and willingness to learn are far more important.

We recognize that there are many ways to grow in faith and community. All staff applicants who can live the values of a loving, supportive, and socially engaged Christian community are welcome.

If you are interested in becoming a counselor, please email Marlene at marlene@campwrightwood.com

Counselors

The heart and soul of the camp experience, Counselors are alongside campers throughout each session. Programs are set up to allow counselors with different personality types (such as introvert/extrovert) to play to their strengths; counselors can choose to specialize in various psychological, social, and physical aspects of camp.

Lead Counselors

With at least 3 (some with 20!) previous seasons of camp counseling under their belts, Lead Counselors mentor Counselors, CITs, and Chaperones. Leads also take ownership of certain parts of the program, such as Praise and Worship, Game Master, and Craft Guru.

Specialties

Specialties require specialized training and certification. These currently include archery, life guarding, swim instruction, and ropes course. Staff in any other role can choose to be certified in these areas.

Counselors-in-training

Any staff under 18 come into camp as CITs and receive additional coaching and spiritual development opportunities during sessions.

Chaperones

Chaperones are "den mothers and fathers" during evening and morning cabin time, supervise campers during free time and game times, and enjoy fellowship with one another.

Production Crew

The production crew focuses primarily behind-the-scenes to make a program flow smoothly. Production staff may be individuals who believe in camp ministry but don't necessarily need to work with campers all the time, though there are still ample opportunities to do so.
Age requirements for all programs:
Elementary: CITs are 16-17 years old; Juniors and Seniors
Elementary: Counselors are 18+
Jr. High: Counselors are 19+ and at least one year out of high school
Sr. High: Counselors are 23+

Production crew ages are the same as counselors/CITs
Chaperones are 25+

*Please note that chaperones and cabin counselors with family member campers in the program do not sleep in or supervise their child's cabin. We have adopted this policy to ensure that campers (and parents!) are able to fully enjoy the opportunity for freedom and growth.
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Be at your best: continuing staff education
  • Safe Gatherings*
    • Health Care, Hygiene, First Aid*
    • CPR & First Aid orientation*
    • Building Camper Community*
    • Behavior Management I*
    • Spiritual Development Stages*
    • Child Development I
    • Power & Privilege I
    • Visible & Invisible Disabilities
    • Spiritual Curriculum
    • Emergency Action Plans & EAP Quiz
    • Bible Study Blog Participation
*Required annually for all staff

Recommended, required for some roles:
  • Friendship-making skills
  • Bible study
  • First Aid/CPR Certification
  • Facilitate Powerful Conversations
  • Behavior Management II
  • Child Development II
  • Spiritual Development II
  • Power & Privilege II
  • Visible & Invisible Disabilities II

Optional; may be required for some roles
  • Game Master
  • Our Whole Lives
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Archery
  • Environmental Learning