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Southern Oregon University

ACADEMY

Junior Counselor Information

Southern Oregon University Youth Programs invites students completing grades 10 through 12 who have been identified as talented and gifted to apply to join the Junior Counselor program. The Junior Counselor program will be available during ACADEMY, Session I June 23-29. This program involves working with students completing grades 5 and 6. Junior Counselors will assist Senior Counselors with the supervision of students, be involved in leadership training, participate in an exciting JC class, participate in and help with recreation, and serve as a teaching assistant in a class of their choice.

BENEFITS

  • Many schools and honor societies require students to complete a certain amount of community service. Junior Counselors receive 50 community service hours during their week at ACADEMY.
  • Serving as a Junior Counselor will allow you to demonstrate the leadership skills that many colleges look for on applications and when awarding scholarships.
  • Junior Counselors take a leadership development class and serve as teaching assistants for two classes each day.
  • The ACADEMY director and staff can serve as personal references for future job and college applications.
ACADEMY Junior Counselors

FEES

Junior Counselors tuition: $495 (plus $25 application fee)

APPLICATION

We hope to have our Junior Counselors selected early, so please return your completed application by May 11. Your Junior Counselor application packet must include the following:

  • A completed Junior Counselor Application [PDF]
  • A  Recommendation Form [PDF] from a current teacher or school official which addresses your citizenship, grades, and leadership ability.
  • In 450 to 500 word essay, give your interpretation of what this statement means, and how it may contribute to your campers' experiences at ACADEMY as well as your own: “GREATNESS is achieved only through personal growth that comes from our willingness to accept the probability of failure when faced with a big challenge.”
  • A copy of your high school transcripts including grades, courses, test scores, and citizenship marks.
  • A $25 application fee (non-refundable)

An informal interview will be scheduled as part of the application process. Interviews will either be in person or by phone depending on your geographic location.

We hope to have our Junior Counselors selected early, so please return your completed application by May 10. For further information, contact Carol Jensen at (541) 552-6326.

JOB DESCRIPTION

(For a PDF of the job description click here)

Each Junior Counselor will help supervise a Living Group of 10-14 ACADEMY students during those times when the students are not involved in classes. Junior Counselors will live and eat all meals in the dorms assigned to them. The time commitment for the job is considerable. Students attending ACADEMY range in age from 9-12 years, so the program must provide a high level of supervision, and Junior Counselors will be an integral part of the needed supervision. Each Junior Counselor will serve as a Teaching Assistant for one or more classes each day and will also attend a separate JC leadership class during one period. Junior Counselors have an 11:00 p.m. curfew.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTIC REQUIREMENTS

ACADEMY seeks high-energy personalities who find working with young people interesting and fun. We are looking for responsible, mature, and emotionally stable individuals. One of the strengths of the ACADEMY program has been the outstanding role models that junior counselors provide. Counselors are expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner which includes good personal hygiene and appropriate dress, positive attitude, compassion, wise decision making, and intellectual curiosity.

DUTIES

  • Live in the dorm and help supervise 10-14 students.
  • Work cooperatively with senior counselor.
  • Actively participate in the Junior Counselor class.
  • Attend orientation and staff training prior to ACADEMY.
  • Meet daily with ACADEMY staff.
  • Assist at registration and checkout.
  • Participate in and help with recreational activities, selected classes, afternoon workshops and evening programs.
  • Participate in an evaluation of the session.
  • Know emergency procedures thoroughly.

DATES

Junior Counselors participate in Session I - June 23-29, 2013, for grades 5 and 6.