APPLICATION FACTS
Counseling staff requirements include:
-19 years old by June 1, 2025
-Currently enrolled in a college or university or recipient of an undergraduate degree from a college or university
-Employment Reference
-Former Camper requirements: Must be at least 20 years old by summer of work AND must be out of summer camp at least two years. For example, if camper graduated high school in Spring 2023, they may apply for summer position 2025. They must also have a minimum of 30 college/university credit hours with passing grades. All other counseling staff requirements apply.
As of September 1, 2019, Camp Sweeney is unable to sponsor work visas.
All applicants must be interviewed in person. We do not conduct interviews over the phone or over video. Interviews are informal and normally last 30-45 minutes. Please bring the following items with you at the time of your interview:
-A recent college transcript (official or unofficial copy)
-A resume (optional)
We are required to conduct criminal background checks on all applicants.
Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, Inc. / Camp Sweeney is an equal opportunity employer.
Yes. All counseling staff applicants must have an online Recommendation Form submitted on their behalf by an individual unaffiliated with Camp Sweeney. This form may be completed by professors, employers, volunteer supervisors, etc. A letter of recommendation may be submitted in the place of the Recommendation Form. Office staff and kitchen staff do not need a Recommendation Form.
If selected for a position on our staff, you will receive a contract via email. You will be asked to complete and return the contract via email within 7-10 days. Additional employment paperwork will be requested at that time. If you choose to decline the position, please notify us as soon as possible.
Each summer, Camp Sweeney employs approximately 70 counselors, 20 medical staff, 12 Program Assistants, 10 office staff, and 12 kitchen staff.
In 2024, we interviewed over 100 applicants for 45 available positions on our counseling staff.
Staff recruiting typically starts in mid-September, and we aim to fill our staff by the end of December. We continue to recruit as needed into January.
Counseling Staff Interviews
This year we are hosting interviews at Notre Dame, LSU, Texas A&M, and UT Austin for staff recruiting.
If we are not coming to your college campus, you can come to Dallas to interview. If you are interested in this option please email program1@campsweeney.org
Alumni Counseling Staff Interviews
Alumni interviews are held at Camp Sweeney during December. Please fill out an application request for further details.
SUMMER FACTS
Your first day of employment will depend on your position. General Staff Development for all counselors begins on May 15th, 2025.
May 15 – 31, 2025
All counselors must attend General Staff Development at Camp Sweeney. Development includes diabetes education and implementation of our program goals. In addition, counseling staff will receive American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certifications.
August 2nd, 2025
First Session: June 1 – June 19, 2025
Second Session: June 22 – July 10, 2025
Third Session: July 13 – July 31, 2025
All counselors are required to work the entire duration of the summer.
Counselors will be given time off from roughly 4 PM Thursday until 11 PM Friday at the completion of Development, Session 1, and Session 2 in addition to a night off during each session. With the exception of their time off, counselors will reside at Camp Sweeney from staff development through their last day of work.
Yes. Counseling staff members are paid $3,300.
Yes. Male counselors are not allowed to have or grow facial hair or wear earrings while at camp. All other body piercings (such as tongue, nose, and naval) are not permitted by either male or female counselors. Tattoos must be covered at all times and unnatural hair color is not permitted.