Leaders in the Making: Junior Counselors at Performing Arts Workshops

When the sun shines brightly, kids flock to summer day camps for adventures, laughs, and memories they’ll treasure forever. Behind the scenes of all the fun is a secret ingredient to the magic, it’s a spirited and conscientious junior counselor! Junior counselors are the unsung heroes of summer camps. By assisting camp instructors, they balance playful energy with budding leadership skills, transforming everyday moments into extraordinary ones. They are like the glue that binds the camp family together. As a mentor to younger campers they step up to help whenever and wherever they are needed and offering a listening ear.

The role of a junior counselor for a 15 or 16 year old student, is more than just a summer right of passage, it’s an experience that shapes their future. They learn teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills, all while gaining confidence in their abilities. It’s a journey that turns teenagers into role models. Imagine the joy of seeing the campers nail their lines or hit the perfect note, all because of a little guidance and encouragement. It’s heartwarming and deeply rewarding. The bonds they form with counselors and the younger campers are unmatched and between rehearsals and inside jokes, they often leave camp with lifelong friends.

Becoming a junior counselor is a steppingstone towards personal growth and future success. This will give teenagers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in leadership and teamwork, all while contributing to a fun and enriching environment for younger campers. For many, this will be their first real world experience to take on responsibilities in a professional setting, helping them build confidence and independence. This provides a unique chance to earn community service hours and develop mentorship skills, which not only enhance college applications but also lay the groundwork for becoming compassionate and capable leaders. The joy of making a positive impact on younger campers is a reward in itself, building lasting memories and instilling a sense of purpose.

Do you reminisce about the good times you had at camp, the things you learned and the friends you made? Now’s your chance to help provide those same amazing memories to the campers at Performing Arts Workshops. As a PAW Jr. Counselor, you will assist our staff of professional artists by serving as a mentor to our campers, setting an example through your character and conduct and demonstrating many of the skills you have learned through your own arts experiences.

The PAW JR. Counselor Program (for ages 15 & 16) is designed to help Jr. Counselors develop leadership skills in a hands-on… Real World…setting. As a Jr. Counselor you will have the opportunity to learn the basics of mentorship while completing volunteer community service hours, which can be listed as experience on a resume for college and work applications. Most importantly, you will have the joy of watching the campers you have encouraged and supported through their arts journey, shine on stage just like you did!

PAW allows up to 3 Jr. Counselors per session at every one of our camp locations

for outstanding young adults. To qualify as a Jr. Counselor, students must completely fill out the Jr. Counselor application. All applications will be reviewed, and Jr. Counselors will be selected according to the merit of their application. Students will be notified of the status of their application within 2 weeks of submission. If you want more information about camp, our office staff is always there to help you at (310) 827-8827 or just visit our website - PerformingArtsWorkshops.com.

By Rosalyn Skinner

Administrative Manager of Performing Arts Workshops, winner of BEST SUMMER CAMP in LA Parent Magazine.

With 8 camp locations to choose from, PAW is local to families near El Segundo, Northridge, Pasadena, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Studio City, Torrance and West LA. To learn more about Performing Arts Workshops, call (310) 827-8827 for more information or visit https://performingartsworkshops.com/

PAW’s 2025 camp offerings of award-winning camps provide a well-rounded arts experience for children including : Musical Theater Camp, Actor’s Sizzle Reel, Stage FX Makeup, Guitar, Story Slam, Top Pop Choir, Photography, Debate Club, and LOL Stand Up Comedy!

At PAW, kids ages 5 ½ to 14 just need a curiosity and a passion for performing, whether they are novices or seasoned thespians. Pick your favorite activity or try them all! Your child will shine on stage for the ultimate arts experience from rehearsal to performance, where each session ends with a FREE creative performance enjoyed by the families of PAW campers. This summer the Musical Theater kids can perform in children’s adaptations of WICKED, HOGWARTS SCHOOL MUSICAL, ALICE IN WONDERLAND or BARBIE DREAM MUSICAL. PAW teachers are nurturing, skilled instructors who are dedicated to fostering a safe, non-competitive environment, where children can use the arts as a medium with which to learn communication, compassion, collaboration, and creativity. They work together to bring out the best in each child and create a summer experience where kids will make friends and lifelong memories.

Performing Arts Workshops ~ the ultimate ARTS experience.

Part Art…Part Play…ALL FUN!