Junior Counselors

Becoming a Junior Counselor (JC) is the first step towards becoming a Counselor. Participants focus on service, leadership skills, and counseling techniques while spending their week(s) at camp. You will develop new skills, build strong relationships, and have an incredible camp experience.

Taking on the role of being a JC is taking on the role of the “Older Sibling” of the cabin dynamic — Getting to know and serve campers as a positive role model, assisting in a variety of camp activities, camp maintenance areas, and working directly with Camp Reed staff in a leadership role are just a few of the responsibilities JCs will be tasked with. Taking care of campers and helping to give them an unforgettable week is our goal, and we can’t do it without our JCs!

Camp Reed serves campers ranging in age from 6 years old (Mini-Camp) to 14 years old (Oldest Cabins). As a JC you’ll work with campers anywhere in this age range. You will also have the opportunity to work with campers of all ages, regardless of you cabin age assignment, during other camp activities such as units, free times, etc.  

Being a JC is a volunteer-staff position for those entering their junior (11th grade) and senior (12th grade) years of high school. If you are trying to accumulate volunteer hours for school, graduations, clubs, etc. JCing for one week at Camp Reed is the equivalent of 90 hours. 

Most commonly, we offer one to two Junior Counselor week opportunities during the summer. Situations do arise where we may have the opportunity to offer JCs more than two weeks. We will reach out should the situation arise based on the availability of weeks marked down on your JC Application. 

Application

There is an application required to become a Junior Counselor. Don’t worry though — the application process is simple and shouldn’t take too long! Please make sure to read it carefully and fill out ALL required sections. A parent/guardian signature is required on all applications.

How to Complete the Application:

• Download the 2026 JC Volunteer Application 
• Fill out all sections on a computer or print and handwrite 
• Ensure all signature fields are complete 
• Submit the complete application by one of the following methods: 
  • Scan and Email: [email protected] 
  • Mail of Drop Off: YMCA Camp Reed | 1126 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201

Reference Check

As a part of the JC application process, each applicant must request three (3) references to complete the online reference form on their behalf. The reference check is a required part of the application and must be completed before applications can be reviewed. 

How to Complete the Reference Check: 

• Choose three adults who know you well (teacher, coach, supervisor, mentor, etc.) 
• No more than one relative may be used as a reference 
• Share the online reference form link with each reference 
• Follow up to make sure all three forms are submitted 
• Your application is not considered complete until all three references are received 

Reference Form Link - copy and send to your references or direct them to this page: https://forms.gle/RoGNrxhQMNmLwR3b6 

Once we’ve received your completed application and three reference responses, we will send you an email confirming your application is complete. 

Application Deadlines & Week Assignments 

Priority Scheduling Deadline: February 27, 2026 at 5pm 

• Applicants who complete their application by this deadline will receive their week assignment(s) via email the week of March 23.

After the Priority Deadline 

• Applications completed after February 27 will receive week assignment(s) via email on a rolling basis after March 23. 

Final Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 5pm 

• Applications must be completed by this date. 

Food Handler’s Permit  

All Junior Counselors must have a current Washington State Food Handler’s Permit on file before camp begins. 

How to Complete the Food Handler’s Permit 

• Complete the online Food Handler’s course at foodworkercard.wa.gov 

• Save your certificate once you pass the test 

• Email your permit to Camp Reed as soon as it’s completed: [email protected] 

Important Notes: 

• Even if you completed a Food Handler’s Permit last year and it’s still valid, you must send it again for the 2026 season. We do not retain certificates year to year, 

• Your volunteer week may be canceled if your permit is not on file before camp begins. 

• If you live out of state, you are still required to obtain a Washington State permit. 

Training

To prepare you for JC volunteer week(s), Camp Reed provides two options for training (mandatory).

The first option is JC Weekend, May 8-9, at Camp Reed. This is a great opportunity to bond with fellow JCs, get the needed trainings for being a JC and get a chance to familiarize yourself with Camp and some Staff members! We strongly recommend this training.

If you cannot attend JC Weekend, don’t worry! We have a second training option available Wednesday, May 20, 2026 5-6:30PM at the YMCA Corporate Office or via Zoom/Teams for those outside the Spokane area. Please indicate on your application which training you plan on attending.  

Not at all! We encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a Junior Counselor to apply! We welcome all who want to become JCs and give back to the community, even if you have never been to Camp before. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at Abby “Calico” Chet at [email protected].