Super Hero Volunteer Counselors for Week Long Day Camp

This is our 10th year of Camp Xavier!

We are looking for fun, creative, and reliable Head Counselors!

Help kids feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Camp Xavier--Summer Day Camp for Foster Youth (Ages 8-11)

Monday, July 14-Friday, July 18 (training 7/12-7/13)

7:30am-5:30pm

Pico Union, Los Angeles, CA

Volunteer Role with generous stipend. Age Requirement: High School Graduate 18+

Some info about Camp Xavier:

Camp Xavier will be held on a beautiful high school campus in Pico-Union from Monday 7/14-Friday 7/18

Camp Xavier will be held from approximately 8:30am-4:30pm each day.

We will be working with foster youth ages 8-11.

The campers will attend 5 days of day camp, where they will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as arts & crafts, sports, and music enrichment (just to name a few).

There will be a mandatory training session held July 12 and 13.

Some info about being a Volunteer Counselor:

As a Head Counselor, you will take on a leadership role, overseeing a small group of campers (10-20) and guiding them through a structured daily schedule that includes recreational, educational, and social-emotional activities. This is a hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth who have experienced trauma, while also developing your own skills in youth development, leadership, and trauma-informed care. Head Camp Counselors are the backbone of our program. All staff will be asked to take part in a variety of tasks including supervising, directing, or organizing participants; providing one-on-one assistance; overseeing a variety of sports and activities; overseeing meal support or daily set-up and clean-up of classrooms and common areas.

Key ResponsibilitiesThe most important responsibility is being a positive role model to campers, leading by example, and building their confidence and self-esteem.

• Supervise and engage with a consistent group of 10-20 campers throughout the week
• Lead daily check-ins, team-building exercises, and transitions between activities
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all participants
• Support and collaborate with junior counselors and program staff
• Communicate any behavioral or emotional concerns to camp leadership. The most important responsibility is being a positive role model to campers, leading by example, and building their confidence and self-esteem.
• All volunteers will be required to take a background check, which we will pay for.

What we are looking for in a Volunteer:

• At least 18 years of age/Must have graduated high school
• Previous experience working with children
• Previous experience working at a summer camp would be great!
• Specialty skills are desirable (i.e. arts & crafts, dance, songs/music, sports, drama, recreational games, etc.)
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings
• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and consistent in a dynamic camp environment
• Must be energetic, outgoing, fun & enthusiastic
• Must be a team player with a positive attitude and leadership skills
• Must be self-motivated, innovative, creative, and flexible
• Must be dependable and responsible with a great work ethic

What’s in it for you?

• A generous stipend
• Leadership experience
• Unforgettable memories
• Over 50 service hours in one week!

We are excited to meet with you talk about bringing foster youth from Los Angeles a great summer camp experience!

ABOUT US:

The Academy Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working with foster youth in Los Angeles to improve life and academic outcomes through holistic support with community, education, and empowerment. We offer two programs: Camp Xavier, our summer program, and The Co-Op, our after-school program.

www.theacademyproject.org

50% of foster youth will be homeless, incarcerated, and/or institutionalized 2 years after leaving the foster care system.

42% of foster youth will not graduate high school

Only 3% of Foster Youth go to college.

Because they are changing placements so often, Foster youth can attend anywhere from 7-20 schools while in care.

80% of Death Row inmates have been in foster care.

www.theacademyproject.org