Camp La Junta is committed to empowering children. Our goal is to build confidence and self-esteem by reinforcing positive human values. We achieve this goal through cutting-edge programming implemented by a carefully selected and fully trained staff whose investment in children, like our own, is unparalleled.
Camp La Junta is situated on nearly 200 acres of scenic Texas Hill Country, alongside a mile of the crystal clear, spring fed Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Looking at a map? We are about 70 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Camp La Junta generally employs over 80 staff throughout the summer. Although we are an all boys camp, our staff consists of both male and female counselors. During the summer, we hire counselors (to work in the cabin and teach activities), office assistants (to help run the camp store and business office as well as oversee our patch system), infirmary assistants (to help the camp nurses with daily infirmary jobs) and nurses (RNs that oversee our infirmary and care for all our campers).
Our campers each reside at camp for a four-week or two-week period. Each session, around 250 boys from 6-15 years of age, participate in our program.
Staff are typically employed for the entire season but a one term option can be accommodated in some cases. Our season runs predominantly during June, July and the 1st week of August and includes participation in a one week camp orientation.
Salary ranges depending on position and experience at Camp La Junta, generally at least $2400.00 for the whole summer.
All La Junta counselors are hired to be both Cabin Counselors and Activity Instructors. This tandem responsibility level gives each staff member diversity in their daily schedule and interactions. Taking on these two jobs require you to function as a coach, role model, parent, teacher, big brother or sister, superhero, and best friend.
All Camp La Junta counselors are required to attend a pre-camp training and orientation. It is our goal to educate and acclimate you during this time. In addition to learning the ins and outs of Camp La Junta’s programs, policies and traditions, La Junta staff are trained about working with kids and pick up significant leadership skills. All staff participate in Abuse Prevention, CPR, First Aid and Water Rescue Training.
Counselor staff will have every other evening and afternoon. Because we expect you to perform at the highest standard all summer long, time off keeps you in touch with the outside world and helps cultivate friendships with your summer peers. Additionally, staff have a Counselor Lounge equipped with computers for internet access, movie collection, card table, wide screen TV, Xbox and soda machine.
Staff make their own travel arrangements. Depending on where you are from, you may receive travel compensation. Arriving by plane? San Antonio Airport. Arriving by bus? Greyhound to Kerrville. Once you make it to San Antonio or Kerrville, arrangements for camp to pick you up and bring you to camp can be made. Alternatively, you may drive and keep your car at camp.
All of our counselor staff live in cabins with campers. Cabin placement is decided upon during camp orientation. All of our cabins have been remodeled or have been built brand new recently. A typical cabin holds 10-14 campers and 2-4 staff members. All cabins have running hot and cold water (showers, sinks & toilets) and electricity. Support Staff and Medical Personnel do not live with children.
Camp La Junta is a non denominational camp but does hold services on Sunday along with mealtime and evening prayer throughout the summer.
Being in the Hill Country each day there is a large swing in temperature. During most days, it starts nice and cool and will reach the mid to upper 90s. We do, however, have a nice breeze that stays with us most of the summer and blows daily. Occasionally it does rain at camp, but we know how to have fun in the rain, too.
We provide lots of choices. We serve a hot family style entrée at every meal. Additionally, we have a table set up at breakfast with dry cereal and a fresh fruit bar and at lunch and dinner a salad and sandwich bar. We can accommodate vegetarian options at every meal. We serve kid friendly and nutritious meals where everyone gets plenty to eat.
We provide laundry machines for all cabins. Counselors are able to wash and dry all of their clothes on site free of charge.
Camp La Junta requires staff wear apparel that is rated “G” (logos and text on t-shirts etc). Tattoos and body piercing should be discussed prior to arrival. Hair should be modest and appropriate. Camp La Junta staff shirts are only required on opening and closing days and are provided.
We offer tennis, swimming, mountain biking, nature, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, swimming, ropes course, climbing wall, crafts, woodworking, archery, riflery, horseback riding, trap & skeet, athletics…just to name a few.
A day starts about 7:30 am and last until about 10:30 pm. Unlike many other jobs, camp can be 24 hours a day. It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love! Each day is made up of 5 activity periods. The camp schedule is very routine, but at the same time, we are full of surprises and special events, which make no two days the same.
Camp La Junta does not hire International Staff directly due to the visa application process. Please see the following agencies for more information about working in the United States and tell them of your interest in working at Camp La Junta: Camp America, Camp Leaders, CCUSA or similar organization.