Junior Counselor Leadership Program

A junior counselor poses with a summer camp participant while on a dock and holding a crab.

The Junior Counselor Leadership program offers teens (ages 13-16) a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills within a dynamic outdoor environment. By assisting Explorers Camp staff at James Island, Palmetto Islands, or Wannamaker County Parks, Junior Counselors gain hands-on experience and receive mentorship from Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission staff, focusing on areas like public speaking, confidence, and organization.

The Junior Counselor Leadership Program is perfect for teens who like working with kids and being outside and want to grow as an individual and as a leader. It's also great for those looking to fulfill community service or volunteer hours.


Junior Counselor Responsibilities

  • Attend training and leadership development sessions.
  • Meet new ideas with an open mind, accept constructive feedback, and make positive changes.
  • Show a willingness to have a positive attitude and adapt to change.
  • Accept and follow all Charleston County Parks' policies and camp procedures.
  • Be respectful of and responsible for Charleston County Parks' property and equipment.
  • Assist in the creation and maintenance of a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants.
  • Follow the set schedule for service, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
  • Actively participate in weekly meetings.
  • Assist with preparation, execution, and cleanup of camp programs and activities as assigned, such as daily lunch time, cookout, canoeing, crabbing, arts & crafts, biking, etc.
  • Attend all scheduled sessions and participate in all camp activities unless excused by prior arrangement.


Camp Sessions 

  • Alpha: June 1-5 & June 8-12
  • Bravo: June 15 – June 19 & June 22 – 26
  • Charlie: June 29 – July 3 & July 6 – 10
  • Delta: July 13 – 17 & July 20 – 24
  • Echo: July 27 – 31 & August 3-7*

*No camp offered at Wannamaker County Park August 3-7.


Program Fee

$120


Application Process

Positions are not guaranteed until confirmed by the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director.

  1. Apply Online starting February 1 at 7 p.m.
    • Early acceptance application deadline is March 16, 2026. (You must attend the applicant interview on Thursday, March 19 at Palmetto Islands County Park to be considered for early acceptance.)
    • Final application deadline is April 20, 2026. 
  2. After your application has been submitted, you will receive an email with links to register for applicant interviews. Three interview sessions will be offered: 
    • March 19, 4-6 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park (early acceptance interviews) 
    • April 22, 4-6 p.m. at James Island County Park 
    • April 23, 4-6 p.m. at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park.


Questions?