Camp Counselors:
Who? What? When? Where? Why?
4-H Camp Counselors meet at the Ross County Service Center on the following dates throughout the year:
*For February-May 2026 camp counselor training will be held at the Ross County Fairgrounds JVS Building.
| January 2, 2026 | 10am-3pm | RCSC |
| February 4, 2026 | 5pm-8pm | Fairgrounds-JVS Building |
| February 16, 2026 | 9am-2pm | Fairgrounds-JVS Building |
| March 11, 2026 | 5pm-8pm | Fairgrounds-JVS Building |
| April 8, 2026 | 5pm-8pm | Fairgrounds-JVS Building |
| April 22, 2026 | 5pm-8pm | Fairgrounds-JVS Building |
| Tar Hollow Clean Up | TBD | Tar Hollow |
| May 6, 2026 | 5pm-8pm | Fairgrounds-JVS Building |
| May 23, 2026 | 5pm-8pm | Fairgrounds-JVS Building |
| June 8, 2026 | Counselor Camp | Tar Hollow |
Make-up training option - MXC - worth 4 hours of training - Registration
**Counselors are expected to notify Sally or Ryan if an absence is unavoidable.
**4-H Camp Counselors will be trained on topics such as the camp competencies; risk management, including active shooter guidelines, emergency protocols, and child abuse recognition.
Who? What? When? Where? Why?
HOW TO APPLY?
Camp Counselor Application
Camp Counselor Online Reference Form (First Year Only)
WHO CAN BE A COUNSELOR? Applicants must be at least 14 years old AND at least a high school freshman as of 01/01/2025 to apply.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES? Counselors plan & implement portions of the camp program; provide round-the-clock care for campers; and serve as role models for the campers and each other. Ross County 4-H Camp Counselors work hard & play hard!
WHERE & WHEN? All Ross County 4-H Camps are held at Tar Hollow State Park. The dates are listed HERE or below.
WHAT IS REQUIRED? Candidates must attend and participate in all training meetings and Counselor Camp. Failure to attend may prohibit you from counseling; all exceptions must be pre-approved.
HOW ARE COUNSELORS SELECTED? Counselors are selected upon - previous camp experience & behavior; leadership; participation; ability to cooperate & work as a team member; completion of all training hours. Successful applicants will be notified the week following.
The training process is never "over". Applicants are continually evaluated for behavior consistent with being positive role models - up to and including the time spent at camp! Counseling is a privilege and you can be dismissed at any time for inappropriate behaviors or actions.
WHY BE A 4-H CAMP COUNSELOR? Camp counselors develop leadership skills, gain self-confidence; assist in the personal development of younger 4-H members, and meet new friends. Plus, you may develop workforce skills!