ABOUT

Who: All high schoolers (rising 9th graders through 12th graders) are invited to apply to be high school counselors for VBS this summer.

What: Our high school counselors will have the opportunity to work closely with the Camp Director and summer intern to prepare for and run VBS. Being a part of the program team means being able to use your gifts and talents to provide a fun and faith-filled time for the young kids as they learn about Jesus. Your role will include:

• Assisting adult leaders with camper supervision and safety
• Leading and helping at your assigned station (games, crafts, music, faith, or snacks)
• Participating in daily skits during the opening assembly (scripts provided; no memorization required
• Helping lead songs and dances, including our theme song.
• Supporting setup, clean-up, and transitions throughout the morning
• Engaging in daily lunch, fun activities, faith formation, and general VBS preparation in the afternoon

When: The camp runs on July 13th to 17th, 2026. It begins at 7:30 AM with daily check-in through 3:00PM every day. Counselors will be expected to be present for check in before Mass. In addition to the actual week of camp, we will have at least 1-2 preparatory meetings to plan the program and small group training.

• 7:30 AM: Check-in at Casa Frassati, 307 S Royal St (across from the basilica)
• 7:50 AM: Daily Mass
• 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM: VBS programming with the children at Basilica School of Saint Mary
• 12:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Afternoon High School Counselor Program at Casa Frassati

Where:  All the main activities for VBS will be held at the Basilica of Saint Mary, Basilica School of Saint Mary. All program team meetings and small group trainings will occur at Casa Frassati (307 S. Royal St.).

Why: Why should you want to be a high school counselor? First off, think about all the fun you will have spending time with a small group of your peers planning ridiculous games, skits and activities for the young kids at VBS! You will also gain general leadership skills and experience. Most of all, you will grow so much in your faith! You will be amazed at how the Lord will use you to touch the hearts of those around you.

Application

High School Counselor Application Summer 2026

"*" indicates required fields

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High School Applicant Name*

First Last

Date of Birth*

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Phone*

Email*

School*

Grade in 2026-2027*

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Parent/Guardian Name*

First Last

Parent/Guardian Phone*

Parent Guardian Email*

Allergies or Health Concerns

Insurance Carrier and Policy Number*

Permission Form

Parental Permission and Liability Release*

As parent/legal guardian of the participant named above, I give my permission to participate fully in the Basilica of Saint Mary's Vacation Bible School Counselor Program from July 13-17, 2026 from 7:30AM to 3:00PM at the Basilica School of Saint Mary, 400 Green St, Alexandria, VA 22314 and Casa Frassati, 307 S Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314. I agree to indemnify and hereby release the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and his successors in office, as well as the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and all Diocesan clergy, employees, volunteers, and participating parishes and schools from any and all liability, claims, demands for personal injury, sickness and death, as well as property damage and expenses of any nature whatsoever which may be incurred by the undersigned of the participant resulting from said participant’s involvement in the above mentioned event (including transportation to and from the event). Furthermore, I on behalf of the participant hereby assume all risk of personal injury, sickness, death, damage, and expenses resulting from said participant’s involvement in the above-described event.

Informed Consent to Medical Treatment*

I request that in my absence the above-named minor be admitted to any hospital or medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. I request and authorize physicians, dentists, and staff, duly licensed as Doctors of Medicine or Doctors of Dentistry or other such licensed technicians or nurses, to perform any diagnostic procedures, treatment procedures, operative procedures and x-ray treatment of the above minor. I have not been given a guarantee as to the results of examination or treatment. I authorize the hospital or medical facility to dispose of any specimen or tissue taken from the above-named minor. I assume full responsibility for all costs of such treatment. Further, should it be necessary for the participant to return home due to medical, disciplinary, or other reasons, I do hereby assume responsibility for the participant’s transportation home and any costs related thereto.

Photo Press, Audio, and Electronic Media Release:*

I authorize the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, its parishes, its schools and/or the Arlington Catholic Herald to use and publish my child’s photograph, video and/or audio recording along with their name identifying them for educational, news stories, illustration and/or marketing purposes.

No, I will send notification in writing

Signature of Parent/Guardian

Date

MM slash DD slash YYYY

To be completed by the High School applicant:

Have you received all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion)?*

Yes

No

What do you believe are the three most important qualities of someone who is a Catholic-Christian Leader? Explain why.*

Please describe any leadership experience that you have had in school or other extracurricular activities. You may also include awards or honors that you have received.*

What hobbies/interests do you have that you could offer as a part of your leadership for VBS? These could include artistic skills, music, sports, photography, tech skills, etc.*

Please indicate any major time conflicts that may interfere with the preparation for VBS or presence throughout the week

This includes vacations, camps, other summer programs. Include dates and reason for each one. This will also help us to schedule our meetings.

High School Counselor Agreement*

I have read and agree to the commitments expected of me as a high school counselor for VBS. I understand that my role is essential to the mission of the Basilica of Saint Mary’s summer ministry, and I am ready to serve to the best of my ability.

As a high school counselor for VBS, I agree, to the best of my abilities, to attend at least one preparatory meetings prior to the start of camp, to be present and punctual for the entirety of each camp day— starting with 7:30 AM Check-In and including set up, morning preparations, the full camp schedule from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, as well as clean up, lunch, leadership meeting, and Adoration afterward wrapping up at 3PM —and to bring enthusiasm, joy, and a spirit of service to all that I do. I will strive to be a Christ-like example to the participants, be willing to share my faith, work as a team with fellow counselors and camp leadership, and use my gifts to create a welcoming and faith-filled environment. I understand that VBS is more than just a fun summer activity—it is a mission to make the Catholic Church matter by inspiring youth to become missionary-disciples in the Basilica of Saint Mary community. Whether I am leading small group discussions, planning games, supporting the afternoon program, or simply being present to the campers, I recognize that my role is essential and that the Lord can work through me to touch hearts and build His Kingdom.

Questions?

Contact Director of Ministries to the Youth, Young Adults, and Young Families, Mariane Staron, at mstaron@stmaryoldtown.org.