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Apply to Be a Children of Mary Camp Counselor!
The Children of Mary Camp relies on volunteers to serve as counselors and staff throughout the week. We are seeking anyone who has a sincere desire to serve Christ by helping children grow and mature in their faith.
Many high school and college age counselors use their experience at Camp to satisfy a requirement for volunteer and service hours. We offer credit for up to 140 service hours for counselors who actively participate throughout the week of Camp. Indicate on your application if you would like to receive service hours for your work at Camp.
Counselor Qualifications
You must be at least 15 years old by the first day of camp
You must have a desire to work with children and to place their needs ahead of your own
You must commit to protecting the well-being of the children entrusted to our care
Junior Counselor Qualifications
You must be at least 14 years old by the first day of camp
You must have attended camp as a camper
Your petition must be approved by the board of directors
Counselor Applications are due by mid-June
If you will be 18 or older by the first day of camp:
1. Complete a counselor application (below)
2. Review our Volunteer Code of Conduct*
3. Submit to a background check conducted by the Diocese of Charleston through VIRTUS
4. Complete the Prevention Education Training (VIRTUS).** List St. John Neumann in Columbia as your volunteer parish or, if you have a different South Carolina parish that you have already completed this for, please upload a copy of your certificate upon acceptance (screenshots are encouraged).
*You will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of the code of conduct upon acceptance to camp.
**The VIRTUS program is NOT the same as Safe Haven, which was previously required.
If you will be 15-17 years old on the first day of camp:
1. Complete a counselor application (below)
2. Review our Volunteer Code of Conduct.*
3. Have your parents complete a medication permission form (included in the counselor application, but REQUIRED for all minor applicants)
*You will be asked to sign the code of conduct upon acceptance to camp.
If you will be 14 years old on the first day of camp:
Reach out to childrenofmarycamp@gmail.com to ask about becoming a junior counselor this summer! Space is VERY limited. Acceptance will be based on application quality, references and phone interview.
Counselor Applications
Please use the button above to fill out the counselor application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at childrenofmarycamp@gmail.com.
If the counselor applicant is under 18 years old and is bringing medications to camp or has severe allergies, please fill out this form.
What to Bring
Clothing - Bring sufficient clothing for eight days. Temperatures are typically in the 90's during the day and drop as low as the mid 60's overnight. Shorts and lightweight t-shirts are ideal. Hats and sun protection are a must. You may also want to bring a sweater or light jacket to wear in the evenings. We strongly recommend that you bring clothing that is not valuable and is easy to replace. Bring some extra outfits in case you get sweaty or messy and want to change more than once a day (many people especially like to bring extra socks). Some people like to bring fun or silly outfits for skit night. Our full dress code can be found under our FAQs.
Footwear - Good footwear is required. Shoes must be secured with a heel strap. Closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers, are strongly encouraged. Secure sandals with a heel strap are permitted but discouraged due to the risk for stubbed toes. Bringing multiple pairs of shoes is recommended so that if shoes are wet, shoes are dirty, or a camper or counselor has a blister, they have another option available. Sandals without a heel strap such as flip flops, or other types of less secure shoes such as crocs (unless in sport-mode) or slides, are only permitted in the shower house.
Pajamas - Bring pajamas or clean clothing that can be worn to bed.
Bathing Suit - The waterfront at camp is always bustling with activity and is in direct sunlight. Swim trunks, swim shorts, rash guards, swim shirts, one piece swimsuits are encouraged to ensure freedom of movement and sun protection. Swimsuits that are secured with knots rather than clips or elastic are discouraged due to the increased risk of a wardrobe malfunction. When choosing swimwear, think: Would this give me a disadvantage in a chicken fight? If so, it’s probably not the best swimwear for camp!
Laundry Bag - Bring a large bag for dirty clothes. A sturdy garbage bag is sufficient.
Bedding & Towels - Each cabin has beds with plastic-covered single mattresses. You will need to a pillow as well as a sleeping bag or a sheet and blanket. Bring at least two towels, one for showers and one for swimming.
Toiletries - Bring an ample supply of toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and deodorant. Avoid scented or perfumed toiletries, as they can attract bees and other insects.
Sunscreen and Bug Repellent - Sunscreen and bug spray are essential items. Counselors spend a significant amount of time outdoors. We recommend reapplying both throughout the day.
Flashlight - Bring a sturdy flashlight with fresh batteries.
Water Bottle - Bring a reusable water bottle to ensure hydration throughout the day. Be sure to write your name on it.
Extension Cords and Surge Protectors - Most cabins have only a single electrical outlet, so extension cords and surge protectors are essential.
ALARM CLOCK!!! This is a new requirement as cell phone usage will no longer be allowed in cabins.
Watch (no cell phones this year!)
Fan - Counselors often bring a fan for use in their cabins.
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices - Remember that you will be living in the woods for a week. Electronic equipment can easily get wet or dirty, especially when curious youngsters are around. Cell phone service at the campsite is very poor. Cell phones will not be used at camp, except for emergency purposes.
Bible, Prayer Book, Rosary, and other religious items - Helping children grow in their faith -- and nurturing your own faith -- is the central mission of Camp. Consider bringing a Bible, prayer book, or other spiritual guides that will help you teach campers how to pray and can be used in your cabin's prayer corner.
Decorations - Make your cabin fun and like home! Every cabin should have a prayer corner to-do morning and bedtime prayers, so consider what you might want to put in yours.
Post Cards & Stamps - The US Postal Service picks up and delivers mail daily to Camp York. If you would like to send a note to your parents, family, or friends, bring post cards with stamps already attached.
Family Photos - These are great to remind us of home and to let others learn more about our families!
What NOT to Bring
Some items are just not appropriate for Camp. They include:
NEW FOR 2025: Our counselor cell phone policy is changing! Counselors will not have 24/7 access to cell phones. This will be discussed during interviews.
Energy drinks/packets/gels
Jewelry and Electronics - Bring these items at your own risk.
Alcohol, Tobacco Products (including Vapes), and Drugs - These items are NEVER acceptable. The Volunteer Code of Conduct prohibits their use. Counselors found in violation of this policy are subject to immediate dismissal & police involvement (if <18).
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