Summer Camp Staff

So, every spring, I am charged with going and finding the very best staff one could hope to find. these staff are important, as they serve our campers needs and wants throughout the summer. Our summer camp kids vary greatly. The diversity of our programs is conducive to hosting a wide variety of summer camp kids.

Many camps have the luxury of pulling "alumni campers" back in to the fold. We just don't have that, since our summer camp is only about 10 years old. It'll start to pay off soon, but being an alumnus does not necessarily transfer into a great staff member...here's what I look for...

Excited...if a counselor is not excited in an interview and at the opportunity to work at the best place there is, then what do they get excited about. High energy is a must, and children want an excited counselor, as one candidate recently said to me.

Responsible...not just to campers, but to parents, and the Center. The best interest of the child is also the best interest of the parents and Center. Ensuring that all things are safe and fun is part of it, but honesty when things are not going perfect is good, too.

Punctual...all the time. Late for lunch? Not possible in my world, unless certain circumstances occur, like extra swim time or something. Late for flag raising...guh! That starts the day off late. Never, ever should campers be late...

Experience with children and informal education...is very important. A counselor's first interaction with children should not be at summer camp. Tell me something in the the interview that will lead me to believe that you know, understand, and love children.

There's much more, but I don't want to give all of the secrets to the other camps vying for the same great staff that I place every year at summer camp.

Here's where we are...about 5/6 off the staff are hired...contingent on a cleared background check, that is.

I still need an Ecology instructor (interviewing Friday!) and a rock climbing instructor...if you know someone that you would let care for your children, point them in our direction. Eastern north Carolina is not for great beaches, great barbecue, and soon to be, GREAT summer camp experiences at the Eastern 4-H Center...

Enjoy the day...