“Master Counselor”

DATE / DEADLINE:

Applications are due by February 6, 2009.  Email applications are preferred. Please email to mcneely.1@osu.edu.  If not able to utilize email, applications may be mailed to the State 4-H Office at Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio  43210-1084.  Applications

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Ohio 4-H Master Counselor is a statewide training program for outstanding 4-H teens and young 4-H alumni selected to provide a youth stakeholder perspective in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Ohio 4-H camping. As a result of participation, 4-H Master Counselors will develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations needed for adult success along with the Ohio 4-H camping program will be strengthened and expanded.

Roles and Responsibilities of Ohio 4-H Master Counselor include:

• Provide leadership for strengthening Ohio 4-H camping programs with a focus on local county camps.

• Serve as a liaison between the adults and teen counselors at camp.

• Be a positive role model for campers, other counselors/CITS, the public and Extension.

• Aid in training counselors and CITs, including teaching younger teens the philosophy and policy of camp.

• Identify skills learned as a camp counselor and how to apply them in other aspects of their life including their future workforce goals.
• Promote 4-H county and state camp(s) including Operation Military Kids, Leadership Camp and Buckeye Leadership Workshop to youth and to their parents/guardians.
• Other responsibilities as determined by the camp director in partnership with the individual.

Selection Process:

Any current or former 4-H member who has a class rank of high school Junior or higher and a minimum of two-years of serving as a 4-H Camp Counselor may apply. Selection will be made through review of application materials including recommendations. Those selected will be invited to attend a special training session at the MXC Camp Counselor retreats either at Canter’s Cave in February or Camp Ohio in March. Camp Counselors who participate in the winter face-to-face training, participate in an on-line or face-to-face training session in late spring, and successfully complete their responsibilities as a camp counselor during their first year will be recognized as a “Master Counselor.”  This includes completing the written self-evaluation, and have an adult from camp complete a written evaluation of performance form.  An additional option would be participating in the work force preparation activity at State Fair.

 

Criteria for selection includes: 1) potential for success in completing the roles and responsibilities, 2) past performance in providing leadership and service to the Ohio 4-H Camping Program, 3) completed application materials and 4) submitted recommendations.  Selections will be made by the committee.

To apply, interested teens grade 11 and above or young adults with two-years minimum of serving as a 4-H Camp Counselor:

• Complete the Master Counselor application form.

• Complete a short essay on this topic: “What Makes a Great 4-H Camp Counselor?” The essay should be no more than one page in length, with at least 1” margins on all sides, and no less than 12 point font type (not less than 15 letters per inch). Text from the essay of candidates selected for 2009 may be posted on a the camping section of the ohio4h.org website. 

• Provide a Master Counselor Recommendation Form for your County Extension Educator to complete.  In addition, you may also get a recommendation from the person who serves as the director of a camp where you served as a camp counselor, and has worked closely with you in your role as a camp counselor.  Recommendations should be emailed to Niki Nestor McNeely at mcneely.1@osu.edu.

• Send all the items listed above to Niki Nestor McNeely, Extension 4-H Specialist, Youth Development & Camping, State 4-H Office, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH 43210-1084 by February 6, 2009 (Fax: 614-292-5937) or electronically at mcneely.1@osu.edu

Ohio 4-H Master Counselor Application: 2009

How to apply:

• Complete the application form.

• Submit your 1 page essay: “What Makes a Great 4-H Camp Counselor?”

• Have at least one recommendation form submitted from a County Extension Educator.

• Send all the items listed above by February 6 to Niki Nestor McNeely, Extension 4-H Specialist, Youth Development & Camping, State 4-H Office, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH 43210-1084 (Fax: 614-292-5937) or electronically at mcneely.1@osu.edu

Phone: _____-______-__________ Fax: ______-______-_________ E-Mail: __________________

 

               Month    Day      Year

School ________________________________________________ Grade _______ Years in 4-H ______

Example: Year      Camp Type        Location           Age of Campers     Your Role      Responsibilities

                2007    Cloverbud           Fairgrounds       5-8                         CIT               Group leader, teach crafts

                2008    County               Camp Ohio       9-13                       Counselor      Campfire committee, Chair of evening rec

2.  Identify your most significant contribution at each camp:

3.  What has been your biggest challenge as a camp counselor and how did you handle it?

4.  As a camp counselor, what is your goal for 4-H camp this year?

5. Why are you a good candidate for the Master Counselor program?

 

6.  If selected as a Master Counselor, how do you anticipate using the training as a counselor?

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR ESSAY BELOW:

Save your document as:  mastercounap followed by your first and last name.doc and send to:  mcneely.1@osu.edu