Campers look for life in a stream at Hervida 4-H camp in 2018. (File Photo)

MARIETTA — Washington County is in need of 4-H camp counselors for summer camp with applications due by 4 p.m. Feb. 27.

To be considered for the position, applicants must submit online to the Ohio State University Extension Office and fulfill all application requirements.

Summer Camp Director Martha Webster said they’re in need of about 40 counselors this year and are accepting applications from those who are ages 14-22 by the start of camp on June 15.

“We’ll have training twice a month on Sunday evenings that are two hours each from March until June,” said Webster. “We will also have a counselor camp at Camp Hervida at the beginning of June.”

Counselors will be trained on how to work with the campers who are anywhere from ages 6-15 depending on the camp.

Campers enjoyed a variety of activities at Camp Hervida in Waterford. (File Photo)

She said the camps will occur at the end of June and into July. Requirements include having transportation to meetings and events, 12 hours of training with two of those hours on-site, Child Abuse Awareness training, background checks for those 18 and older, and first time applicants are required to provide two references along with a formal interview.

The role of a camp counselor is to serve as a leader, plan programs, enforce camp rules, insure the safety of campers, and more.

“Counselors will learn how to work together with their peers to plan a successful camping program,” said Webster. “They will learn about child development and how to work with and care for children of a variety of ages during the camping program.”

Through the required training, the counselors will learn how to work with campers and how to handle various situations.

“Counselors will also gain skills in preparing and implementing a variety of camping programs including recreation, crafts, campfire, and many others,” said Webster. “Skills including responsibility, team work, time management, and knowledge of child development will all be gained all within a fun environment.”

In this 2022 photo, a junior camp class of wood workers shows off their finished projects. (File Photo)

Based on age, counselors will be assigned to:

* Junior Camp at Camp Hervida: June 23-27

* Cloverbud Day Camp at Camp Hervida: June 30

* Beginner Camp at Camp Hervida: July 1-2

* Senior Camp at Camp Hervida: July 7-11

For more information or to apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/4jjbrwvp

Questions can be directed to Martha Webster at marthaw09@gmail.com, 740-350-7585 or contact OSU Extension Office 740-376-7431

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com