Teen Leader Eligibility:
Teens must be 16 or 17 years old during their summer session. If your teen falls just outside this range, please email nicole@campoceanpines.org to discuss possible exceptions.
Application and interview are required to be accepted into the program, see more info about applying below.
Teen Leaders should enjoy spending time with younger campers and being outdoors. No prior experience needed—just enthusiasm and a positive attitude!
Accommodations:
Teens spend most of their day assigned to a cabin of campers-joining them for meals, morning and bedtime routines, participating in workshops, or assisting in workshops. Teen leaders live in our Teen Leader Yurt Village. While they are more rustic than our camper cabins, the yurts provide the perfect, teen only, place away from younger campers at night and in the mornings. The yurts sleep up to 6 (5 teens and 1 staff member), and are equipped with cots and mattresses for each individual. We recommend all participants bring a warm sleeping bag and warm pajamas for chilly nights outside.
Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to offer laundry services during any teen or camper sessions, including 2 week sessions, unless absolutely necessary.
| Summer 2026 Rates and Dates | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session | Dates | Rate | ||
| Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 | ||
| Session A (1 week) | June 14th - June 19th | $1,200.00 | $1,100.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Session B (2 weeks) | June 21st - July 2nd | $2,200.00 | $2,100.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Session C (1 week) | July 5th - July 10th | $1,200.00 | $1,100.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Session D (2 weeks) | July 12th - July 24th | $2,200.00 | $2,100.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Session E (2 weeks) | July 26th - August 7th | $2,200.00 | $2,100.00 | $2,000.00 |
Tiered Payment Options:
Tiered pricing is a trust based system that allows you to pick the price that works for your family. We ask that you pay Tier 1 whenever possible to ensure camp prices stay affordable for families in need. Families that need additional assistance beyond tiered pricing can apply to receive financial aid which is supported by individual donations, organizations, and grants. You can find more on financial aid here.
Teen Leaders
Who are our teen leaders?
Our Teen Leader program is designed for teens to develop skills for college, future jobs and internships. While focused on learning the skills of a camp counselor, they will also learn about working in non-profits, interviewing, and skills they can take back home. Teen Leaders will participate in workshops, shadow activities, and collaborate with their cohort to design an all camp program. We offer both one and two week experiences in our teen leadership program, perfect for any teen looking to fit camp into their summer schedule.
By the end of their camp session, Teen Leaders will walk away more confident in their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, as well as honing their skills working with young people, ages 7-13.
Examples of Responsibilities as a Teen Leader
Assist Camp Ocean Pines staff in cabin helping younger campers with their daily routines
Be a part of creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for all campers, staff, and fellow teen leaders
Attend Teen Leadership Workshops and engage in discussions with peers
Plan an all camp program as a teen leader group with the assistance of the Teen Leadership Coordinator
Help lead camp activities ranging from set-up, engaging campers with games, or giving safety instructions
Program Details
Teen Leaders are still considered camp participants — they will have greater freedom than a camper and greater responsibilities. They are still required to adhere to Camp Ocean Pines community guidelines and the Teen Leader Program Code of Conduct.
These sessions are considered as a one or two-week volunteer commitment to Camp Ocean Pines, with fee to cover room, board, and staffing. Thus campers accrue Volunteer Service Hours with this program, with a verification letter provided by camp.
How to Apply:
Application Process:
Follow this link to submit your application.
Included in your application, please submit: A one-page letter detailing your intended impact as a Teen Leader, a resume, and two character references.
Letter of Interest: This letter should detail why you want to be a Teen Leader at Camp Ocean Pines, the impact you will have as a leader, and how you are going to help campers Connect, Explore, and Grow!Resume: Resumes often include work and volunteer experiences, technical and language skills, academic awards and achievements, and extracurricular activities. We understand that this might be the first time submitting a resume, so consider this a practice for future job employment applications.
Character Reference: Please try to include one reference who is not a family member. Examples of references are teachers, coaches, mentors, club leaders. You can include a past Camp Ocean Pines staff member (if you don't have their contact information, we can get it for you). It is polite to ask permission from your references before you include their information.
Once your application is submitted, camp will reach out to you for a 15-minute interview.
Every teen that is interested in a Teen Leader position must fully complete an application and an interview with the Summer Camp Director. Adults of Teen Leaders: This process is a huge step for our Teen Leaders as they gain valuable life skills of filling out an application. We ask that the teen fills out their application themselves-adults may assist as needed, but we hope that teens take initiative on their own applications.