Ignite texas 2026 Counselor Application

Application is due by 11:59pm, Sunday January 18th, 2026

*DISCLAIMER* AI-use of any form (editing, formulating answers etc.) is prohibited on this application and will result in automatic rejection. The goal of this application is to hear your opinions, thoughts, and understanding.


Feel free to reach out to our leadership training executives with any questions you have!

Brady: (817) 514-9575

Isabel: (832)-794-5257

Email: training@ignitetexas.org

About Ignite!

The Purpose of Ignite
Ignite exists to glorify the Lord by serving the incoming freshman class and showing them their first glimpse of the body of Christ at the University of Texas at Austin. The purpose of Ignite is to provide spiritual growth for and an outreach to incoming students through the unity of the body of Christ, allowing them to see God’s influence at the University of Texas.

August Retreat and Beyond
Ignite Texas is a four-day retreat that connects incoming UT and ACC freshmen and transfer students to Christian community at The University of Texas and throughout Austin. With band and speaker sessions, small group time, and fun camp traditions, the retreat provides students with friends and community before arriving to campus, and gives them the tools they need to seek spiritual growth during their time at UT. Ignite strives to serve freshmen in the transition to college with support and encouragement in this challenging stage of their lives. Our staff will seek to reflect the daily life of a Christian in college and walk in love alongside our newly-local brothers and sisters.

During the School Year
In order to prepare to best love and serve incoming students in this way, we as an Ignite staff meet throughout the spring semester to experience a few vital joys. We will grow in our knowledge and understanding of God, His Word, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will pray continually, aligning our hearts with the will of God and asking that the incoming students would be able to know and love Jesus and would be connected to Christian community in Austin. We will do everything within community, especially with our smaller groups called "camps", which grow together in love, faithfulness, and fellowship.

About Ignite Counselors!

Role of Counselor
Counselors form the majority of Ignite staff and get to serve and love freshmen in their small groups in August. Throughout the year, we all gather to grow in our love and knowledge of God as a group of believers. While on staff, counselors will also grow in their involvement in the local church to best point incoming students to the body of Christ while in college.

Qualifications to Apply

  • Must be a student at the University of Texas, Austin Community College, or St. Edwards University

  • Other than that, anyone may apply to be a counselor, including those who have not attended camp before.


Counselor Requirements

  • Consistent effort to actively belong in a local church

  • Commit to following up with your campers and continuing to invest in them after Ignite during the school year

  • Weekly Tuesday night staff meetings (9:30-11pm)

  • Spring All Staff Retreat, January 30th-31st*

  • Individual camp retreat: date, TBD according to your camp

  • Family and Alumni Lunch/Dinner: A weekend in April

  • Staff Dues: $270**

  • Commitment to attending retreat and pre-week in August

  • Complete a background check

* Tentative dates, not official yet

** If you have any financial concerns or questions about Staff Dues, please reach out to our Financial Executive:

Erin Keller: (979) 337-2141 or financial@ignitetexas.org

Staff Expectations

  • We will seek to love Jesus and to grow in our knowledge of Him and our obedience to Him

  • We will seek to belong to a Gospel-believing, Bible-teaching local church

  • We will refrain from speaking in ways that do not glorify our Lord Jesus.

  • We will respect the laws of our nation in all ways. This includes refraining from consuming alcohol in any way, at any time, if underage. If of age, we will drink responsibly and will refrain from consuming alcohol if we are wearing any apparel that bears the name Ignite.

  • We will honor God by refraining from the use of illegal drugs and substances 

  • We will refrain from inappropriate public displays of affection by honoring each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

  • We will daily seek to observe and find God’s will and submit to His leadership and authority.

  • We will represent Christ and Ignite in ALL online activities.

  • We will refrain from any action that may cause a brother or sister to stumble.

  • We will refrain from any action that may hurt our witness to the world.