Junior Camp Counselor Program

Brown Ledge Camp is proud of the appeal it holds for older girls. Each year more than 40 girls enroll in the two year junior counselor leadership training program. These girls pay full tuition , have graduated from tenth grade, and are a minimum of 15 1/2 years old.

The JC program is a vital part of Brown Ledge. It combines increased responsibility around camp, weekly classroom meetings, and teaching practice two hours a day, with the traditional camping program. Through this, JCs become an important link between senior staff  and campers. They carry on willingly many of the traditions, and generate much of the spirit within camp.

JCs need to have a basic understanding of how camp works, and what the camper experience is like, because of this, all junior counselors must have at least one summer of experience as a Brown Ledge camper.

Those who have participated in, and have completed, the Junior Counselor program are in the best position to describe the program and its impact.

In their own words:

"My mother has always told me that Brown Ledge made her the woman she is today, and there is absolutely no doubt that Brown Ledge has made me the young woman I am today. There is also no doubt, should I have a daughter, about which summer camp she will be attending!” Hilary Strimple, 2nd year JC, 2007

When I first arrived at Brown Ledge I cried in my cabin alone. All I remember is the black sweatshirt I was wearing and the rainy weather. Never did I imagine how much I would fall in love with this place or the things I could accomplish. Brown Ledge is an amazing place that gives girls the power to achieve anything they want to try.” Chrissy Mueller, 2nd year 2007

"When I first was told that I was going to an all girls camp in Vermont for four weeks of my summer I was shocked. I immediately told my mom I wasn’t going and when she said yes you are, I locked myself in my room for the rest of the day and wouldn’t speak to her at all, except to tell her that she was ruining my life. She was convinced that I would have the best summer of my life. So I was determined to hate Brown Ledge and prove my mom wrong. Well, it turned out my mom was right. I fell in love with camp my first summer here and couldn’t wait to come back.” Jordan Shull, 2nd year, 2007

"My bunkies were the ones I would look to for everything. They gave me bug spray, food, advice, sunscreen, entertainment, bear hugs, and unconditional love. They gave me optimism, respect, patience, and acceptance. Together we demolished blueberry pies, we braved thunderstorms, we attempted to clean up now and then, we fought over whose turn it was to shoo the spider out of the cabin. We watched the sky change colors through the window of Ship Ahoy [cabin name] as the sun set over Lake Champlain.” Clarion Heard, 2nd year, 2007

“…[B]eing a JC is about growing up and getting more active into the camp life, taking new responsibilities and getting to take care of somebody else other than yourself.” Marie-Alix Aubry, 2nd year 2008