1. What
is a typical day like at Harbor Hills?
A typical day begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM.
Staff members arrive before 8:30 AM
and leave after
the campers at 4:00 PM. The schedule of activities
runs from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
and usually includes
instructional and free swims, two sports, a creative
art, a performing art,
creative play and an outdoor
adventure. Campers in second through sixth grades can
personalize
their schedule by choosing any activity
they want during their focus and elective times.
2. What age group will I work with?
The
age group you work with is influenced by your input
and preference but determined
by the positions we have
available, the group or area we think you are best
suited for or the
Division Leader we believe you would
work well with. While we want you to be with an age
group that you would like to work with, sometimes the
group we place you with, although
it is not your preference,
turns out to be a great experience for you.
3. What is the structure of camp?
The
camp is comprised of Divisions. Each grade level, from first
through sixth grade,
is a Division and there are separate
girls and boys groups within each Division. For example,
there is a Division of first grade girls and a Division of
first grade boys. The Nursery School
Division is the only
age group that has co-ed groups. In addition, electives for
third grade
and above are frequently co-ed. Two to three
counselors are assigned to every group in
a Division. They
travel with their group everywhere and assist the specialists
who run each
activity. Each Division has a “Division
Leader”, a certified teacher, who oversees all the
groups
in the Division, helps counselors do their job well
and ensures campers a great summer.
The Division Leader is
the point person and has direct contact with parents.
4. What about salary?
Each
staff member receives a salary based on their position and
years of experience
at Harbor Hills. Our salaries are highly
competitive inside and outside of the camping industry.
There
are additional ways of earning extra money such as driving
a bus (must be 21),
being a bus counselor, or recommending
someone to work here. It is important to know that
Harbor
Hills’ parents are appreciative of a job well done
and express it with gratuities.
5. What do I wear?
Your
personal appearance is important. Keep in mind that the campers
in your care
will be imitating your every move. We will provide
you with five staff T-shirts to be worn
each day of camp.
Sneakers are required at camp for all staff. The only time
sandals can
be worn is while walking back and forth to the
pool. All counselors must wear a bathing suit
while at the
pool. We recommend athletic or casual shorts. Piercings other
than the ear
are not permitted in camp.
6. What do campers do at camp?
What
don’t they get to do?! We offer our campers a tremendous
variety of activities
ranging from swim, all sports, rock
climbing, zip lines, archery and go- carts to theater,
science,
arts and crafts and golf. We aim for a seamless flow and
mix of traditional and
new camping activities. Campers are
able to shine and experience success at all of
our programs.
Fields, courts, pools, rinks, rock walls and activities are
specially
designed to fit campers’ age, size, strength,
ability level and interests.
7. What
are electives and what is my role during this time?
Our
elective program allows campers in third to sixth grade
an opportunity to
customize their day. Campers can select
two activities, one in the morning and another
in the afternoon,
to be included in their daily schedule. An elective period
is co-ed by
grade and campers meet in their elective group
for an hour every day. The specialist’s
role is to
plan projects or activities and campers can choose a new,
or the same,
set of electives for each rotation cycle.
Having the same campers for a sustained
period of time
allows for a more in-depth involvement with the activity.
Counselors
actively assist the specialist and the campers at the activity.
Counselors have the opportunity to choose the activity
they wish to assist.
8. How much work is it?
To reach our goal of providing
our campers with a safe, happy, healthy and fun-filled
summer, it takes a
dedicated staff willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Counselors
are responsible for the daily needs of the group. This includes
getting to know each camper,
helping campers make friends,
actively participating in all activities and working well
with your co-workers. The specialist’s role is to run their activity area with such creativity
and enthusiasm that campers cannot wait to return.
9. Why work at Harbor Hills?
The best way to answer this
question is for you to visit Harbor Hills and interview with
us.
This will give us a chance to find out more about you
and you will get a chance to see
the camp’s grounds,
ask questions and learn about us. The benefits of working
at
camp are many. It is a great way to gain valuable field
experience for your resume,
to practice the people and team
skills all employers are looking for, or to spend a summer
in a place that is filled with positive energy, laughter,
action, fun and has a community feel.
Our staff leadership
team is made up of educators and administrators who can offer
career tips,
references, or open doors to opportunities.
You can also gain first-hand experience by
working with a
specific age group. Camp is a common connection for many
people.
The person interviewing you either went to camp,
worked at camp or sends their
children to camp. Where else
could you work where playing and making yourself
look silly
are not only encouraged, but are required parts of the job?
Where else could
you work where a job well done means giving
a child the greatest summer of their life?
10. What are the dates of camp?
This year camp starts on Monday, June 23 and ends on Friday, August 15, 2008.
Camp will be closed on Friday, July 4th. There are some pre-season training dates all
staff must attend. Make sure you can commit to working the full camp season and
to attending all the training dates before applying. |