Become a Camp Counselor | Camp Orkila 2026

Why Join Us?

The Counselor Experience

🌟

Build Leadership Skills

Develop real-world leadership, communication, and mentorship skills that will serve you for life. Guide a cabin of 6th graders and help them grow!

📝

Community Service Hours

Earn community service hours while making a real impact. Training sessions plus the 4-day camp experience add up to meaningful volunteer time.

🎓

College Applications

Stand out on your college applications! Being selected as a camp counselor demonstrates responsibility, leadership, and commitment to your community.

🏕️

Amazing Experience

Spend 3 days on beautiful Orcas Island! Enjoy archery, beach activities, campfires, and all the fun of Camp Orkila.

🤝

Make Friendships

Connect with other high schoolers from across Bellevue School District who share your passion for leadership and helping others.

💪

Make a Difference

Be a role model for 6th graders at a pivotal time in their lives. Your impact will be remembered for years to come!

Your Role

What Counselors Do

🛏️

Cabin Leadership

Supervise a small group of 6th graders in your cabin. Help them feel welcome, included, and comfortable.

🤗

Mentorship

Be a positive role model and help students navigate social situations and challenges.

🍽️

Meal Times

Sit with your cabin group during meals and model good behavior and community.

🎯

Activity Support

Assist with outdoor education activities, team-building exercises, and camp programs.

🌙

Evening Programs

Lead campfire activities, evening games, and help with bedtime routines.

Requirements

Who Can Apply?

✅ Must Have

Current 10th-12th grade student in Bellevue School District
In good academic standing at your school
Available for all 3 days of camp (May 27-29, 2026)
Available for training sessions (dates TBD)
Pass a background check
Approval from your high school

🌟 Ideal Qualities

Enthusiasm for working with younger students
Positive attitude and energy
Responsibility and reliability
Good communication skills
Love for the outdoors
Team player mentality
Previous camp or mentoring experience (not required)

How It Works

Selection Process

Submit Application

Fill out the online application form (coming soon). Tell us about yourself and why you want to be a counselor!

Interview

Selected applicants will be interviewed by Mr. Brossman and Mrs. Givens. We want to get to know you!

Background Check

All selected counselors undergo a background check and must receive approval from their high school.

Training

Attend training sessions led by Odle staff. Learn about camp expectations, safety, and working with 6th graders.

Camp Time!

Head to Orcas Island and make memories that will last a lifetime – both yours and the 6th graders'!

From Past Counselors

What Counselors Say

Being a camp counselor was one of the best experiences of my high school career. Seeing the 6th graders come out of their shells and try new things was so rewarding!

👤

Past Counselor Interlake High School

I made some of my best friends as a camp counselor. We still talk about our camp memories years later. Plus, it really helped my college applications!

👤

Past Counselor Bellevue High School

The archery, the campfires, the beach – it was like a vacation but even better because I got to help make a difference in kids' lives. Highly recommend!

👤

Past Counselor Newport High School

Ready to Apply?

Applications for Camp Orkila 2026 counselors are now open! Don't miss your chance to be part of an amazing outdoor experience.

Applications Open Now!

Important Dates

Application Due: Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Counselor Interview: Wednesday, March 25th (2:30 - 4:30 PM)
Counselor Training: Saturday, April 18th* (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Camper/Counselor Meet Up: Friday, April 22nd* (2:00 - 3:30 PM)
Camp Dates: May 27-29, 2026

* Dates subject to change

Apply Today!

Click the button below to fill out the counselor application form.

Apply Now!

Application closes March 17th, 2026

Become a Camp Counselor!