Counselor

Camp Magruder invites you to serve Christ through volunteer ministry. Thousands of lives are influenced by United Methodist camping experiences every year. Because of the length of concentrated time available, the inspiring surroundings and the effort expanded, camping is a significant Christian education experience shaping the lives of children, youth and adults. It takes hundreds of wonderful people to make this program effective.

How to Become a Volunteer Counselor

Check out the Schedule of Camps and see which week or weeks you are available.

All volunteer staff must complete a volunteer application/disclosure form with references. You may request one from GoCamping.org or Download the Form.

Return your application along with two references to Camp Magruder (address on home page).

Attend training and planning sessions as outlined below.

Commit yourself to the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical needs of a small group of campers for the length of your camp.

Camp Counselor Responsibilities On-site Leadership Training Event Additional Training Opportunities Schedule of Camps & Retreats

Camp Counselor Responsibilities

As a counselor, you will be responsible for a group of 4-6 campers. This means being a part of group living, camp chores, informal devotional encounters and deepening experiences of fellowship. The counselor and campers together turn the events of everyday living into meaningful Christian community.

Is training available? Camp Magruder provides an annual On-site Leadership Training event in May where you get acquainted with people and facilities and attend quality training workshops. In addition, camp staff will also meet at least once for program planning and training with their dean. Participation is also expected at the pre-camper staff time Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning before your campers arrive.

Does a counselor have to be a member of the United Methodist Church? Some connection to the United Methodist Church is helpful, but not required. Certainly you must be in tune with our core process of helping people grow--reaching out to all people beginning or deepening relationships with God; sending people forth in mission of love and justice ministries.

What talents and skills are required? It is helpful if counselors can lead in areas of handicrafts, music, Bible stories, recreation, nature study, and camp crafts; but the primary prerequisite is a willingness to share God's love with children and youth.

Am I too old to counsel? Young, middle aged, and senior adults are all needed as counselors or listeners. Our children and youth need the wisdom that comes with maturity, as well as the enthusiasm of younger adults. Our deans seek to pair counselors with complimentary skills and energy levels.

Am I too young to counsel? Counselors for primary, younger and older elementary camps are required to be at least 18 years of age or have completed our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. Middle school counselors must be 19 or older and senior high counselors must be at least 21 years old. A CIT is a person who is receiving training to be a counselor at a week-long summer camp working with children 7-12 years old. To be a CIT you must be at least a Sophomore in high school (or 16 years old) and be recommended by your pastor or camp dean. Contact Camp Magruder for more information about CIT training.

What is provided by the camp? Each camp provides counselors with nourishing food, a place to sleep, appropriate training, and great new friends to work with. Counselors provide their own towels, toiletries, sleeping bags or bedding. The camping program pays for your lodging, food, and a portion of your travel expenses.

What can you do? We need . . .

Counselors

Trained Health Care Providers (RN, EMT, LPN, First Aid & CPR)

Storytellers

Song Leaders & Musicians

Craft Leaders

Theologians & Camp Pastors

People who love to share nature with children

People who love children

People who want to make a positive difference in others lives