Meet Your Child's New Hero: Their Camp Counselor

As summer rolls around, get ready to hear a new name take over your family’s dinner table conversations—your child’s camp counselor. Whether they’re raving about an exciting adventure, sharing a funny story, or looking up to their counselor as a role model, these dedicated leaders quickly become a central part of your child’s camp experience. Camp counselors do more than just supervise—they mentor, inspire, and create unforgettable moments that shape your child’s growth. Understanding who they are, the training they undergo, and the passion they bring to their role reveals just how essential they are—not only to camp but to the children who look up to them long after summer ends. Here are a few things to know about your child’s future camp counselor or volunteer.

1. They Are High School and College Students Who Go Through an In-Depth Selection Process

Our Junior and Senior Counselors are college aged students that manage and supervise Day Camp groups. Our Volunteers or Counselors-In-Service (CIS) are rising 10th-12th graders who gain volunteer hours by assisting Lead Specialists in Sports Camps, Specialty Camps, STEM Camps, and Day Camp. Each counselor undergoes a thorough selection process to ensure they’re the right fit for the job. This process includes an online application, a video submission, reference checks, background screenings, fingerprinting, and a personal meet-and-greet with the camp director. This helps us understand their personalities, strengths, and skills, ensuring we place them in roles where they’ll thrive and have the most positive impact on the campers.

2. They Attend an Orientation Prior to the Beginning of Camp

Before camp begins, all counselors attend a detailed orientation session. This time is dedicated to building teamwork, boosting camp morale, and assuring that everyone feels connected. Orientation covers key aspects of the Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, and Counselor-In-Service roles, including pool safety, appropriate topics of conversation, ways to make each camper feel seen and valued, and overall camp safety and security. This prepares counselors for their responsibilities, equipping them with the tools to make camp a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

3. Most Are Current Students or Alumni of Lake Highland

A significant number of our summer camp counselors are current students or alumni of Lake Highland Preparatory School. This not only strengthens our sense of community and values within our camp but also provides campers with a friendly face throughout the school year, whether that be at a sporting event or in the cafeteria during lunch. It also highlights our school’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of leaders.

4. Many Attended a Summer Camp as a Child Themselves

Behind every great camp counselor is a former camper who once fell in love with summer camp. Many of our counselors have attended summer camp as kids and know firsthand what it's like to idolize the camp staff. Their personal camp experiences inspire them to be great role models, passing on their love for camp to the next generation. Many of them return to camp with the goal of giving back, hoping to provide future campers with the same positive experiences they once had.

5. Many Return to Highlander Summer Year After Year

One standout feature of our camp program is the high level of continuity among our counselors, many of whom return year after year. Once those who serve as CISs experience the fulfillment and impact of working with children, they are often eager to return, progressing to paid Junior Counselor and Senior Counselor positions while pursuing their college education. Throughout this journey, they gain invaluable leadership experience and build confidence in their roles. This adds to the strong sense of community, as campers are welcomed back by familiar faces each summer.

6. They Are Often Matched to Camps Based on Personal Experience

As part of the application process, we consider each CIS's hobbies, interests, and skills. Whether they're passionate about soccer, theater, or fishing, CISs are paired with camps that match their areas of expertise and enthusiasm, allowing them to share their knowledge with campers. This approach not only enhances the campers' experience but also gives volunteers the opportunity to participate in activities they love, resulting in a mutually beneficial outcome.

7. They Will Leave a Lasting Impact on Your Child

Throughout the summer, it’s likely that your child will talk about their counselors while sitting around the dinner table—sometimes, for years to come. Counselors play a significant role in helping campers overcome fears, build confidence, and experience new things. They’re there through many of the "firsts"—the first time a camper swims in the deep end, the first time they perform on stage, or the first time they try a new food item. Counselors cheer on their campers, help facilitate new friendships, and challenge them to push beyond their comfort zones. These meaningful interactions often lead to lasting relationships that continue to influence your child long after the summer ends.

In Conclusion

Our camp counselors are an integral part of the camp experience, and the positive impact they have on our campers is immeasurable. Our camp program wouldn’t be what it is (or as much fun) without these dedicated and passionate individuals, and we are incredibly grateful for the role they play in shaping the lives of the children they mentor. It’s no wonder why our campers are so fascinated by these camp heroes or why they can’t wait to tell you all about them!