New this summer, the Summer Leadership Challenge and Junior Counselor programs will replace the old Counselor in Training Program.  Two tiers of participation are offered to provide increased guidance, support and in-depth training to new volunteers and to offer a great service opportunity to our returning volunteers.  If you were a CIT, Mainstream Companion or TR Camp Assistant last year, you are eligible to register for the Junior Counselor Program, the Mainstream Companion Program or the TR Camp Assistant Program. 

If this is your first time signing up to volunteer at one of our camps, you are eligible to register for our Summer Leadership Challenge. (Successful completion of this training program will make you eligible to register for the Junior Counselor Program next summer.)  First time volunteers may also sign up for either of our two Therapeutic Recreation service learning opportunities.  All of our Service Learning placements provide training and support. Volunteers will have opportunities to work with children while developing and enhancing their own leadership potential in a fun and rewarding environment

The mission of the teen volunteer program is to develop leadership skills, to help teens gain job experience and to provide assistance to our summer programs.  We strive to help teens increase their confidence, communication and job–readiness skills.   Student Service Learning Credits may be earned upon successful completion of the program. 

Volunteers must commit to the entire program session.  Two Junior Counselors will be placed at each camp per session (three per session will be placed in Little People Centers, five per session in Summer Fun Centers).  Mainstream Companions sign up for a region and are placed as needed to provide one-on-one support to a camper with a disability in a summer program.  TR Camp Assistants register to volunteer at one of our Therapeutic Recreation camps.  Volunteers may only sign up for two Junior Counselor Sessions.  Participants who register for more than two sessions will be withdrawn.  Programs will not meet on July 4.

2. Junior Counselors (JrC)

     Little People Centers

     Art and Drama Camps

     Cool Ventures

     Imagination Camps                                            

     Great Outdoor Camps

     Sport Camps                                                    

     Summer Fun Centers    

3. Mainstream Companion

Experience the satisfaction of helping a child with a disability gain the most from his or her summer.  Help one child in a general recreation setting to integrate into one of the summer programs.  You must be 14 by the start of the program session. 

4. Therapeutic Recreation Camp Assistant

Provide general assistance and support in a Therapeutic Recreation camp designed for children with physical and developmental disabilities.  (See page 30 for camp descriptions)  You must be 14 by the start of the program session.

Registration for the Summer Leadership Challenge, Junior Counselors, Mainstream Companions and   Therapeutic Recreation Camp Assistants begins at 8:30 am on January 18, 2011.

Junior Counselors, Mainstream Companions and Therapeutic Camp Assistants must attend a training session (listed on the programs’ pages).  Attendance at the training is mandatory.  Registrants will be prompted to select a training date during the registration process.  There is no additional charge for the Junior Counselor Training or the Therapeutic Recreation Camp Assistant.  Mainstream Companion Training is $25 and is mandatory for both new and returning mainstream companions. Summer Leadership Challenge participants do not have a mandatory training requirement.  

The Junior Counselor Training is a great opportunity for returning volunteers to build on their experiences from the previous summer and get ready for a new summer of leadership and fun.  The workshop will provide an overview of the summer experience and the expectations for Junior Counselors.  This is a mandatory training.  Registrants will be prompted to select a training date during the process of registering for a Junior Counselor session. There is no additional charge.

Junior Counselors must attend one of the following Leadership Trainings.  There is no additional charge for the trainings.

Junior Counselor Leadership Training Sessions

297892              April 3

1:00-3:00pm      Potomac CC

297893              April 30

9:00-11:00am    Bauer Drive CC

297894              April 30

1:00-3:00pm      Bauer Drive CC

297895              May 21

9:00-11:00am    Germantown CC

297896              May 21

1:00-3:00pm      Germantown CC

Mainstream Companion and Therapeutic Recreation Camp Assistant Training Sessions

Holiday Park Senior Center

New for 2011!  Summer Leadership Challenge is a service learning program for teens who enjoy helping children learn and have fun in a safe environment.  The program offers fun, interactive workshops, games and activities designed to prepare teens to volunteer and/or work in a camp environment.  Workshops may include child development, safety, conflict resolution, body language, planning and leading games, and therapeutic recreation awareness.  Participants will have opportunities to plan activities and practice their new skills with campers in an MCRD camp or Summer Fun Center.  Summer Leadership Challenge staff will provide instruction, support, supervision and feedback to help participants have a positive experience. No prior experience or training is necessary.  This service learning opportunity replaces the CIT program for new volunteers.  (Returning CITs are eligible to register for the Junior Counselor Program!) Up to 20 teens can register per session. Participants may earn up to 35 SSL hours per session. No transportation is available.

If you served as a Counselor-in-Training, Mainstream Companion or TR Camp Assistant last year, you are eligible to serve as a Junior Counselor.  Experienced, qualified returning CITs are valued members of MCRD’s Camp Teams.  Work alongside our great Camp and Summer Fun Center staff to help all of our participants have a safe and exciting summer.  Only two Junior Counselors per session will be placed at each program.  Participants may only register for two sessions and must commit for the entire two week session.

Teens can experience first-hand the satisfaction of helping children with disabilities gain the most from their summer. You can enjoy, learn, and contribute in giving a child with a disability the opportunity to integrate into one of the summer camps or summer fun centers. You must be at least 14 by the start of the program session. If you want to volunteer for multiple sessions, please contact the volunteer coordinator.

Are you a teen who’s interested in teaching special education? Do you go to school with a student with a disability but didn’t know how to approach him or her? You can gain valuable experience by providing general assistance and support in a therapeutic recreation camp designed for children with physical, developmental, or learning disabilities. You must be at least14 by the start of the program session.

Therapeutic Recreation

If you answered yes to the above, we want you! We look forward to having you join our summer team.

South Region Office 240-777-4980

North Region Office 240-777-6940

Countywide Programs (Camps,Therapeutics, Classes, Sports) 240-777-6870