I have been talking with parents about appropriate sleepaway camp options for almost 20 years now. These conversations have been quite educational. Parents who have attended camp have a clear idea of what they're looking for, although they are often trying to recreate their camp experience (if it was a good one). For these experienced camp parents, if they went to a coed camp, they often look at coed camps. Parents looking for a single sex camp often attended such a camp as a child or teen. On the other hand, one parent may not have gone to camp, so isn't so sure about why their child can benefit from being away from home. We are all products of our environment, our life experience, and our choices are often reflective of such.
So, if you as a parent have never gone to a sleepaway camp, think about the first time you were away from home for an extended time. Perhaps it was college. How did you adjust? Would it have been easier if you had experienced an away camp, even for a few weeks? Campers grow, gain independence, learn to live with others, learn to ask for help from young adults they can relate to (often different than their parents), learn new skills and improve existing skills, and much more. Talk to people who have been to sleepaway camp and they have usually made life long friendships and truly believe in the magic of camp.
Finding the right camp is the difficult task. Does your child or teen do better in a smaller, more individualized environment or do they thrive around many kids? Is a competitive sports camp the place for your child or an arts camp? Or, is a general camp that offers a wide variety of programs the right place? What is the underlying philosophy of the camp and the values that it supports? How old and experienced are the staff? Are they invested in working with campers, while also having a strong skill set in certain activities? What is the communication policy of the camp? Is it geared to the best interests of the campers or the potentials fears and demands of parents?
If you're interested in talking finding the right camp, contact Camp Finders. I have been talking with parents about the questions above and many more. I have also visited all of the camps that I recommend and continue to receive good evaluations from families about these camps every year. Besides running Camp Finders, I'm also the owner and director of Maine Arts Camp, which has further enhanced my years and experience in the camp industry.
I look forward to hearing from you about the life changing experience that camp can be!
Rick Mades
Owner of Camp Finders & MySummers (a staffing site for camps)
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Choosing the right camp and ways to gain experience working with kids & teens
For Parents searching for the right camp,
here are some questions to think about:
*What type of community does the camp try to create? (this is an important question about the underlying philosophy of the camp)
*What is the size of the camp? (often parents and more so their children look at what activities are offered instead of the care of the campers)
*Is the camp more on the competitive or non-competitive bent?
*Is there a religious focus with the camp?
*How does the camp handle new campers, cliques and bullying?
*What is the communication policy for parents and their children?
*Connected with the communication policy, how do camps handle homesickness?
*What is the level of instruction in most of the activities (experienced staff/teachers)?
*What type of community does the camp try to create? (this is an important question about the underlying philosophy of the camp)
*What is the size of the camp? (often parents and more so their children look at what activities are offered instead of the care of the campers)
*Is the camp more on the competitive or non-competitive bent?
*Is there a religious focus with the camp?
*How does the camp handle new campers, cliques and bullying?
*What is the communication policy for parents and their children?
*Connected with the communication policy, how do camps handle homesickness?
*What is the level of instruction in most of the activities (experienced staff/teachers)?
*Are camps willing to provide references?
These questions are also relevant for staff, especially those trying to understand how sleepaway camps work and why their policies are in place.
Having staff invested in the mission of the camp helps to create an environment of positive growth for staff, campers, administrators and the whole camp community.
These questions are also relevant for staff, especially those trying to understand how sleepaway camps work and why their policies are in place.
Having staff invested in the mission of the camp helps to create an environment of positive growth for staff, campers, administrators and the whole camp community.
Camp Finders provides a free personalized service that helps parents think about the questions above, as well as any other needs their child or teen may have.
For Staff looking to gain experience working with kids and teens:
Although summer camp jobs are seasonal, having experience working with kids is extremely helpful for new staff to adjust to the 24/7 of living and caring for campers. It is also easier
for applicants to answer interview questions if they are
talking from experience, not educational theory that they have learned
in a college classroom.
So, where are some places you can look for to gain actual experience for a camp job? Try after school programs, student teaching, child/day care, coaching/assisting sports teams, teaching in a church/synagogue/mosque, volunteering through in your community (perhaps at your old elementary, middle or high school), Big Brother/Big Sister programs, day camp jobs, being an R.A. in college, assisting at your dance studio, helping to choreograph a middle/high school play, internships with environmental summer camps, tutoring, substitute teaching, and babysitting. Any of these that are more group oriented than individual will give you much needed experience to be a camp counselor at an overnight camp. I hope that this list gives you a starting point to network and find the necessary experience for future educators and camp counselors.
So, where are some places you can look for to gain actual experience for a camp job? Try after school programs, student teaching, child/day care, coaching/assisting sports teams, teaching in a church/synagogue/mosque, volunteering through in your community (perhaps at your old elementary, middle or high school), Big Brother/Big Sister programs, day camp jobs, being an R.A. in college, assisting at your dance studio, helping to choreograph a middle/high school play, internships with environmental summer camps, tutoring, substitute teaching, and babysitting. Any of these that are more group oriented than individual will give you much needed experience to be a camp counselor at an overnight camp. I hope that this list gives you a starting point to network and find the necessary experience for future educators and camp counselors.
Rick Mades
Owner/director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner of MySummers (the best staffing site for summer camp jobs)
Owner of Camp Finders, a personalized sleepaway camp referral service (since 1994)
Owner/director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner of MySummers (the best staffing site for summer camp jobs)
Owner of Camp Finders, a personalized sleepaway camp referral service (since 1994)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Choosing the right sleepaway camps & application tips for summer camp jobs
For Parents searching for the right sleepaway camp, here are some questions to think about:
*What type of community does the camp try to create? (this is an important question)
*What is the size of the camp?
*Is the camp more on the competitive or non-competitive bent?
*Is there a religious focus with the camp?
*How does the camp handle new campers, cliques and bullying?
*What is the communication policy for parents and their children?
*Connected with the communication policy, how do camps handle homesickness?
*What is the level of instruction in most of the activities (experienced staff/teachers)?
These questions are also relevant for staff, especially those trying to understand how sleepaway camps work and why their policies are in place.
Having staff invested in the mission of the camp helps to create an environment of positive growth for staff, campers, administrators and the whole camp community.
For Staff applying for summer camp jobs:
We are in the heavy time of year for interviewing staff. So, this is a good time for tips about applying for summer camp jobs, specifically at overnight camps. The first impression can make or break the application. The most important question on our application is why the applicant wants to work at Maine Arts Camp.
As a camp director, I want to know why an applicant wants to work as a camp counselor at our camp. Our staff are generally very invested in our non-competitive, inclusive camp community. Often time, we get applicants who let us know that they're applying to get more experience, which will help them get a teaching job. That is a good reason for an applicant to apply, but we want staff who totally buy into what our camp is all about (philosophically) and have reasons to work at our camp on a deeper level. Also, we are not looking to give staff experience; we usually want staff who already have a decent amount of experience working with kids.
So, where to start in filling out summer camp jobs applications? First, and this works in any industry, get to know the camp or business you're applying to work for. See if their philosophy fits yours. If an applicant just tells us that he or she is interested in the arts and being in Maine, that is not a compelling reason for us to give an interview. A statement saying "I like kids" as the reason for applying to a camp is also not awe inspiring. Put some thought into why you want to work at a camp job in general and specifically at whatever camp you're applying to.
Another no-no are lots of misspellings and grammatical errors in the application, or one filled out in pencil. This is very unprofessional and shows lack of care. If an applicant can't take the time to fill out an application properly, will he or she want to spend 24/7 living and working with kids? Probably not...
What are some good things an applicant can do? We are currently working with a male applicant. He has been great at following up, making sure we received his application, thanking us via e-mail after a phone interview, and quickly getting us any more references that we need. His references tell us that he a high character guy and works hard at what he does. There is nothing wrong with being persistent. It shows real interest in taking a summer camp job.
Lastly, and this goes back to several of my blog entries. When thinking about working at camp, and during an interview, applicants need to be ready to be a team player, filling in wherever the camp needs them. For instance, the guy I was just talking about will probably get an archery certification (our camp pays for this) as we need help in that area. Archery was on his list of possible activities he could teach, but lower on the list. Applicants, if they really want to work camp jobs, need to be "ready, willing and able". That's the motto at Maine Arts Camp.
Good luck in the search for the right camp or summer camp job!
Rick Mades
Owner/director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner of MySummers (the best staffing site for summer camp jobs)
Owner of Camp Finders, a personalized sleepaway camp referral service (since 1994)
*What type of community does the camp try to create? (this is an important question)
*What is the size of the camp?
*Is the camp more on the competitive or non-competitive bent?
*Is there a religious focus with the camp?
*How does the camp handle new campers, cliques and bullying?
*What is the communication policy for parents and their children?
*Connected with the communication policy, how do camps handle homesickness?
*What is the level of instruction in most of the activities (experienced staff/teachers)?
These questions are also relevant for staff, especially those trying to understand how sleepaway camps work and why their policies are in place.
Having staff invested in the mission of the camp helps to create an environment of positive growth for staff, campers, administrators and the whole camp community.
For Staff applying for summer camp jobs:
We are in the heavy time of year for interviewing staff. So, this is a good time for tips about applying for summer camp jobs, specifically at overnight camps. The first impression can make or break the application. The most important question on our application is why the applicant wants to work at Maine Arts Camp.
As a camp director, I want to know why an applicant wants to work as a camp counselor at our camp. Our staff are generally very invested in our non-competitive, inclusive camp community. Often time, we get applicants who let us know that they're applying to get more experience, which will help them get a teaching job. That is a good reason for an applicant to apply, but we want staff who totally buy into what our camp is all about (philosophically) and have reasons to work at our camp on a deeper level. Also, we are not looking to give staff experience; we usually want staff who already have a decent amount of experience working with kids.
So, where to start in filling out summer camp jobs applications? First, and this works in any industry, get to know the camp or business you're applying to work for. See if their philosophy fits yours. If an applicant just tells us that he or she is interested in the arts and being in Maine, that is not a compelling reason for us to give an interview. A statement saying "I like kids" as the reason for applying to a camp is also not awe inspiring. Put some thought into why you want to work at a camp job in general and specifically at whatever camp you're applying to.
Another no-no are lots of misspellings and grammatical errors in the application, or one filled out in pencil. This is very unprofessional and shows lack of care. If an applicant can't take the time to fill out an application properly, will he or she want to spend 24/7 living and working with kids? Probably not...
What are some good things an applicant can do? We are currently working with a male applicant. He has been great at following up, making sure we received his application, thanking us via e-mail after a phone interview, and quickly getting us any more references that we need. His references tell us that he a high character guy and works hard at what he does. There is nothing wrong with being persistent. It shows real interest in taking a summer camp job.
Lastly, and this goes back to several of my blog entries. When thinking about working at camp, and during an interview, applicants need to be ready to be a team player, filling in wherever the camp needs them. For instance, the guy I was just talking about will probably get an archery certification (our camp pays for this) as we need help in that area. Archery was on his list of possible activities he could teach, but lower on the list. Applicants, if they really want to work camp jobs, need to be "ready, willing and able". That's the motto at Maine Arts Camp.
Good luck in the search for the right camp or summer camp job!
Rick Mades
Owner/director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner of MySummers (the best staffing site for summer camp jobs)
Owner of Camp Finders, a personalized sleepaway camp referral service (since 1994)
Monday, October 3, 2011
Summer camp jobs & burn out
No matter how much we talk about working at a sleepaway camp being almost a 24/7 job, every summer a few staff get burned out after just a few weeks. In reading staff applications, we start to weed out staff whose personal statement talks about how they want to work at camp because it will be "fun". Summer camp jobs can be lots of fun, but it is very hard work. Staff who love working at camp find it to be one of the most meaningful jobs they have ever done. We look for staff who want to make a difference in children's lives, as well as young and experienced teachers.
Along with a thorough interview process and reference checks, most of our staff at Maine Arts Camp are ready for the all encompassing job of a camp counselor. We gear more toward staff who have worked with kids, either in day camps, schools or other venues. Even so, living with and caring for children is a much tougher job. When a counselor who is sound asleep is woken by a homesick camper, the adequate counselors are separated from the exceptional ones. Imagine if that counselor is tired from a tiring "day off", not enough sleep, or just a general wearing down after time from the daily demands of many needy children/teens.
Here are some suggestions for ways to prepare for a successful summer:
*Get enough sleep! Without proper rest, staff won't be able to pull their weight and not have the patience to properly deal with daily issues among the campers. Sleep deprivation is quite normal in the U.S., so camp counselors need to take good care of themselves.
*Less electronics. At most sleepaway camps, campers aren't allowed cell phones, internet access, or anything but the most basic electronics. Camp counselors need to limit their exposure in such areas to time off. It is healthy for campers and staff to be "all in" for the whole camp experience. Candy Cohn, assistant director at our camp, wrote an article about this called "Unplugging the cord".
*Use time off wisely. Most staff have one day off per week and a period off per day. Use this time to escape from camp. What this means is that staff should find a quiet place to rest, read or exercise by taking a run, walking, swimming, biking or whatever works for each individual staff member. On days off, take care of yourself, choosing who you spend time with wisely. There is a good video about "Wise use of time off" from Chris Thurber at Expert Online Training.
Rick Mades
Camp Director, Maine Arts Camp (a small camp community of creative kids!)
Owner of MySummers (the best resource for summer camp jobs) and Camp Finders (a free referral service for sleepaway camps).
Along with a thorough interview process and reference checks, most of our staff at Maine Arts Camp are ready for the all encompassing job of a camp counselor. We gear more toward staff who have worked with kids, either in day camps, schools or other venues. Even so, living with and caring for children is a much tougher job. When a counselor who is sound asleep is woken by a homesick camper, the adequate counselors are separated from the exceptional ones. Imagine if that counselor is tired from a tiring "day off", not enough sleep, or just a general wearing down after time from the daily demands of many needy children/teens.
Here are some suggestions for ways to prepare for a successful summer:
*Get enough sleep! Without proper rest, staff won't be able to pull their weight and not have the patience to properly deal with daily issues among the campers. Sleep deprivation is quite normal in the U.S., so camp counselors need to take good care of themselves.
*Less electronics. At most sleepaway camps, campers aren't allowed cell phones, internet access, or anything but the most basic electronics. Camp counselors need to limit their exposure in such areas to time off. It is healthy for campers and staff to be "all in" for the whole camp experience. Candy Cohn, assistant director at our camp, wrote an article about this called "Unplugging the cord".
*Use time off wisely. Most staff have one day off per week and a period off per day. Use this time to escape from camp. What this means is that staff should find a quiet place to rest, read or exercise by taking a run, walking, swimming, biking or whatever works for each individual staff member. On days off, take care of yourself, choosing who you spend time with wisely. There is a good video about "Wise use of time off" from Chris Thurber at Expert Online Training.
Rick Mades
Camp Director, Maine Arts Camp (a small camp community of creative kids!)
Owner of MySummers (the best resource for summer camp jobs) and Camp Finders (a free referral service for sleepaway camps).
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Best staff ever!
We have just finished 4 weeks of camp, with most of the staff leaving tomorrow. This has been the strongest staff we have ever had and the smoothest summer of all! As I try to evaluate what worked so well, the first thought that comes to mind is the lack of ego. There were no high maintenance staff this summer, who felt they were privileged or more important than others. What we had was the whole staff (many current or future teachers) working as a team, helping each other out, enjoying their time with each other and the campers. Our hope is that the bulk of them are able to return, along with the same energy, but more experience for summer 2o12. It could change our whole staff training if most of the staff returned. We could focus more on activity prep, while still making sure that everyone, including any new counselors, were in the right mindset for the summer and their work as camp counselors. How did things change so much over the course of one summer? I think part of it was deciding to let some staff who had been at camp too long to move on with their lives. This left us with returning staff who always think about being "ready, willing and able" and camp counselors who enjoyed being part of a team.
Another change was staff training. We didn't have any guest speakers in, just working with returning staff and our wonderful assistant director, Candy Cohn. She organized the best training we have ever had, with a balance of fun activities to help the the staff get to know each other. Candy set the whole summer in action with her thoughtful and thorough planning of staff training. Thanks Candy!
Also thanks to our dedicated dorm heads, program heads, and other returning staff who lead by example and words. We expect the same as this summer's first year staff step it for summer 2012.
One thing I would recommend to anyone. Read the book "Whale Done". It has helped me to be a better camp director and a better person. Also thanks to all the great presenters at ACA New England. We always learn a lot about how to be better professionals in the camping industry by sitting in on the educational sessions.
Have a great rest of the summer!
Rick Mades
Camp Director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner, Mysummers (summer camp jobs) and Camp Finders.
Another change was staff training. We didn't have any guest speakers in, just working with returning staff and our wonderful assistant director, Candy Cohn. She organized the best training we have ever had, with a balance of fun activities to help the the staff get to know each other. Candy set the whole summer in action with her thoughtful and thorough planning of staff training. Thanks Candy!
Also thanks to our dedicated dorm heads, program heads, and other returning staff who lead by example and words. We expect the same as this summer's first year staff step it for summer 2012.
One thing I would recommend to anyone. Read the book "Whale Done". It has helped me to be a better camp director and a better person. Also thanks to all the great presenters at ACA New England. We always learn a lot about how to be better professionals in the camping industry by sitting in on the educational sessions.
Have a great rest of the summer!
Rick Mades
Camp Director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner, Mysummers (summer camp jobs) and Camp Finders.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Interviewing tips
We're off to Maine in a week for camp and may hire one more female staff. We had a brief interview, if you can call it that, this evening with an applicant. Here are some things not to do if you're applying to work at a sleepaway camp...
We asked the applicant what she did last summer. She worked at another sleepaway camp and said that living with kids 24/7 was tedious. If that is the case, then why even take an interview for a camp job? Then, I asked my typical first question, which is why do you want to work at our camp? She said that she hadn't looked at our web site and asked me to tell her more about our camp and how it was different from the one she worked at last summer. I told her that if one is applying for any job, he or she should learn as much about the business (or camp) as possible. This didn't seem to register and we ended one of the shortest phone interviews ever. With so little time before we leave, there is no time to waste on applicants who aren't committed and excited about the opportunity to work at a camp job. My significant other (Candy) loves the movie "The American President". As Andrew Shepherd said "We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them." "This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your fifteen minutes are up." Our interview only lasted 5 minutes, even shorter than Bob Rumson's 15.
Are you really interested in a summer camp job? If so, and you want some good interview tips (some serious ones), here is a partial list from a previous blog that is particularly relevant:
*Be professional - you are not talking with your friends in an informal atmosphere.
*Avoid certain phrases and words - if you have the tendency to use the word "like" or expressions such as "you know", take your time and put together thoughtful responses to questions. We have had applicants use the word "like" at least 50 times in several interviews. This is a big turnoff!
*Learn about the camp - we often start by asking "why are you interested in working at our camp? Many applicants have general responses. The ones that have read through our web site and are interested in being part of our camp community really stand out.
*Why summer camp jobs? - think about why you really want to work at a camp. If it just sounds like fun, you're applying for the wrong reason and may want to research other types of jobs. Camp counselors work very hard (24/7). It can be exhausting, but very rewarding. Are you ready to put much of your "normal" life on hold for the summer?
*Learning experience - take the interview as a learning experience, so you're better prepared for the next one.
*Have some questions ready - this shows good preparation and will also make you think more about the interview and camp.
Have a great summer;
Rick Mades
Camp Director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner, Camp Finders (sleepaway camps referral service) and MySummers (the best resource for summer camp jobs)
We asked the applicant what she did last summer. She worked at another sleepaway camp and said that living with kids 24/7 was tedious. If that is the case, then why even take an interview for a camp job? Then, I asked my typical first question, which is why do you want to work at our camp? She said that she hadn't looked at our web site and asked me to tell her more about our camp and how it was different from the one she worked at last summer. I told her that if one is applying for any job, he or she should learn as much about the business (or camp) as possible. This didn't seem to register and we ended one of the shortest phone interviews ever. With so little time before we leave, there is no time to waste on applicants who aren't committed and excited about the opportunity to work at a camp job. My significant other (Candy) loves the movie "The American President". As Andrew Shepherd said "We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them." "This is a time for serious people, Bob, and your fifteen minutes are up." Our interview only lasted 5 minutes, even shorter than Bob Rumson's 15.
Are you really interested in a summer camp job? If so, and you want some good interview tips (some serious ones), here is a partial list from a previous blog that is particularly relevant:
*Be professional - you are not talking with your friends in an informal atmosphere.
*Avoid certain phrases and words - if you have the tendency to use the word "like" or expressions such as "you know", take your time and put together thoughtful responses to questions. We have had applicants use the word "like" at least 50 times in several interviews. This is a big turnoff!
*Learn about the camp - we often start by asking "why are you interested in working at our camp? Many applicants have general responses. The ones that have read through our web site and are interested in being part of our camp community really stand out.
*Why summer camp jobs? - think about why you really want to work at a camp. If it just sounds like fun, you're applying for the wrong reason and may want to research other types of jobs. Camp counselors work very hard (24/7). It can be exhausting, but very rewarding. Are you ready to put much of your "normal" life on hold for the summer?
*Learning experience - take the interview as a learning experience, so you're better prepared for the next one.
*Have some questions ready - this shows good preparation and will also make you think more about the interview and camp.
Have a great summer;
Rick Mades
Camp Director, Maine Arts Camp
Owner, Camp Finders (sleepaway camps referral service) and MySummers (the best resource for summer camp jobs)
Friday, April 29, 2011
Preparing for summer camp jobs
Wow, it's the end of April and we'll be leaving for Maine in less than two months. Camp is close, yet there is so much to do. We are pretty much done staffing at Maine Arts Camp and focusing on how to get staff ready for the summer. As we all know, summer camp jobs are extremely rewarding, but lots of work. Getting the staff in the right mindset before they arrive at camp is key. There are various resources out there to help staff prepare for the summer. We are once again using Expert Online Training, a web site full of great videos by experts in the camp industry. I have been watching videos all week, deciding which ones to assign to various staff. Chris Thurber is the driving force behind the site, but there are lots of great speakers. One of the speakers, Jack Erler (from Maine) has run a staff training session 3 times over the past 6 summers for our camp. He is great in preparing staff to think about any legal issues they may have as a camp counselor. At Expert Online Training, there are modules or children with special needs, camps thinking about diversity and inclusiveness, homesickness and so much more. We also have purchased the ACA magazine that comes out every year about staff training. It is usually their best issue and we'll be mailing the issue, along with our staff manual, to all of our staff. Camp jobs are so different than any other job and these tools can help new and returning staff to start thinking about the summer and challenges they may face. I was thinking back to my days as a tennis staff/cabin counselor in the 80's and there was no internet. The amount of information and resources have increased, but the job of a camp counselor, for the most, hasn't changed. Camp counselors need to be there for the campers 24/7 and put their lives aside for a month or two. Especially with all the technology out there now (cell phones, Iphones, laptops, texting, Facebook, etc.), staff can benefit and grow just as much as campers can during the summer. If anyone has suggestions for other good resources for staff, please add a comment. Have a great summer!
Rick Mades
Owner/director of Maine Arts Camp
Owner of MySummers (the best resource for summer camp jobs) &
Camp Finders (helping families find the right overnight camps & teen programs since 1994)
Rick Mades
Owner/director of Maine Arts Camp
Owner of MySummers (the best resource for summer camp jobs) &
Camp Finders (helping families find the right overnight camps & teen programs since 1994)
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