Summer is the perfect time for teens to gain valuable leadership and work experience by being a camp counselor, junior camp counselor or participating in a counselor-in-training (CIT) program. There are many volunteer camp counselor opportunities, all of which teach responsibility and teamwork. Some teens use their summer camp counselor experience to fulfill community service requirements for school or extracurricular clubs, while having a rewarding summer themselves. It's also an excellent experience to include on college applications.
If your teens are patient, responsible, reliable and enjoy kids, share this article with them. Your kids may be just the people these camp programs are looking for.
Girl Scouts San Diego
Mulitple locations
There are a number of day camp and overnight camp volunteer positions available around San Diego County. Day Camp Aids (DCAs) and Counselors in Training (CITs) are campers in grades 7-12 (8th grade & up for overnight camp) who partner with adult staff to lead activities and support younger girls. DCAs help with games, songs and crafts, while CITs mentor DCAs and younger campers, and take on other roles. Leadership training is offered (and required). Learn more by flipping through the Girl Scout camp brochure at www.sdgirlscouts.org/camp.
Fleet Science Center
Balboa Park
Make a difference in the lives of children this summer by being a volunteer camp counselor. Responsible teens (ages 16 & up) are needed to assist educators in week-long camps. Teens who have experience with kids and are enthusiastic about science preferred. Training and a three-month commitment are required. Year-round volunteer opportunities also available.
YMCA of San Diego County
Mulitple locations
The YMCA is looking for positive, enthusiastic students (ages 16–17) to be Day Camp Program Assistants for various summer camps around the county. PAs lead youth in recreational games, sports, drama, swimming and more. Must be available for five weeks between June 1 to Aug. 16. These are paid positions. Learn more and apply at https://www.ymcasd.org/get-involved/ymca-careers. Volunteer positions may be available for ages 12–15 (check with your local YMCA).
Outpost Summer Camps
Canyonside Community Park, Rancho Peñasquitos
The Outpost Summer Camps Junior Counselor Program is designed for 10th grade students through first-year college students.. JCs gain leadership, communication, problem-solving and other essential skills for life. High school students assist in leading kids in daily outdoor adventures and must commit to at least one two-week summer session. Students must apply and participate in a group interview. Learn more at www.outpostsummercamps.com/programs/junior-counselors.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Balboa Park
Energetic, outgoing students in grades 9–12 are needed as Teacher Assistants (TAs) at Air & Space Summer Camp. TAs can participate for one week or mulitiple week-long camps between June and August. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume (even a short one of community participation) to
Watersports Camp at Mission Bay Aquatic Center
Campers ages 14 to 17 are invited to participate in the Watersports Camp's Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program. This program offers an opportunity to learn teamwork, responsibility and other life skills, while helping to create engaging experiences for young campers and making memories of their own. LITs are an integral part of the camp experience and assist in all aspects of camp operations. Plan ahead because LITs are required to have attended the Watersports Camp as a camper at least once. Optional sailing qualification available. To become an LIT you must:
- Be 14-17 years old at the time of service
- Have attended The Watersports Camp as a camper prior to your week(s) of participation
- Attend in-person LIT Training (dates listed on website)
Learn more at https://watersportscamp.com/leaders-in-training.
Camp Fire San Diego
Balboa Park
Director and Staff Helpers (DASH) campers are 13–15 years old. DASH campers learn leadership skills while assisting camp staff and working with 4–11 year-old kids. Counselors in Training (CITs) are 16–17 year-old campers who also work with 4-11 year olds while developing leadership skills.
Living Coast Discovery Center
Chula Vista
Teen volunteers (ages 16 & up) are needed year round to help with seasonal camps, arts and crafts, overnight adventures, to greet visitors and to teach them about native wildlife at the center. Teen volunteers must commit to a minimum of 3 months of volunteer service. For questions and information email
Forest Home Christian Camp
San Bernardino Mountains
Fun, caring and responsible teenage girls (ages 13-18) are needed as Child Care Assistants (CCAs) for Family Camp. CCAs take care of children in the evening, but get to participate in camp activities during the day. Apply to be a CCA for one week, multiple weeks or all summer. For information, contact Niki Maynard at
Do you know of a camp counselor program for teens in Southern California that's not on this list? Email
Lisa Gipson is the managing editor at San Diego Family Magazine. Her daughter, whose camp name was "Hoops", loved being a CIT in Girl Scouts.
Updated: March 2024
