Junior Camp Counselors will serve with our AquaCamps program, assisting counselors and instructors with classroom management, deploying resources, delivering programs, managing homesickness, and developing rapport with campers. Junior Camp Counselors will be assigned to work with AquaKids (5–6 year olds), grade K–1 campers, or grade 2–3 campers.
This program is designed to provide an overview of the many aspects of the Learning Department at The Florida Aquarium, as well as introduce the Junior Camp Counselors to a professional environment. By the end of the summer, our Junior Camp Counselors will have:
- Learned about the marine environment and ways they can inspire others to care for it.
- Delivered extraordinary customer service to our campers.
- Practiced public speaking and/or classroom management.
- Created their own program to further enhance the camper experience.
All Junior Camp Counselors are required to commit to the application schedule and training days listed below, as well as to serving two full days per week (8 hours per day) during the summer (June 1–July 31). Schedules will be determined prior to the summer to allow for scheduling around this commitment. A maximum of three pre-planned and excused absences are permitted during scheduled summer camp days (not including trainings). Acceptable reasons for pre-planned absences include vacations, sports commitments, and school-related obligations. These absences must be submitted in advance, by email, with reason clearly stated and sufficient notice provided. Absences due to illness are excused when properly reported as soon as possible and do not count towards the three permitted absences.
All Junior Camp Counselors will be required to pass a Level 2 background check prior to the beginning of their service. Fees will be reimbursed to those who complete their fingerprinting at the HR approved facilities.
Parents and guardians of applicants to the Junior Camp Counselor Program are asked to allow their child to be the primary point of contact for this application. Parents of selected Junior Camp Counselors are asked to support their child in their commitment as a Junior Camp Counselor by providing reliable transportation, helping ensure their child is prepared for each shift and providing advance notice of any conflicts or need for time off so their child is able to communicate their scheduling needs directly to their supervisors.
