Staff FAQ's

Q: Who should apply for positions at Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer?

A: Camp Seafarer and Camp Sea Gull select those qualified young people to be counselors who demonstrate a deep sense of commitment and moral character, and who can be strong, positive influences in the campers' lives. Children are impressionable,, and it is imperative that we employ staff members who can make a positive impression through example and leadership in activities designed to strengthen the physical and character development of children.

Q: If I joined the camp staff, what would I be doing?

A: Most camp staff members live in a cabin with campers and also participate in supervision and instruction of campers while they participate in activities

Q: What is a typical day at camp?

A: While campers have a great deal of variety in activities with the choices they make, the daily structure varies only slightly. Here's the typical daily schedule, which varies just a little on the weekends and from Sea Gull to Seafarer:

7:30 Reveille - Rise and Shine
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Campers report to huts to meet with Head Counselors
Counselors report to activity
9:20 Morning Activity Period Begins
12:20 Activities End
12:50 Lunch
1:30 Rest period
2:30 Afternoon Activity Period Begins
5:30 Activities End
6:00 Supper
6:30 After Supper Free Hour
7:30 Evening Programs Begin
8:45 Call to Quarters - prepare for bed
9:15 Cabin Devotions
9:30 Taps - Lights Out

Q: What are the dates for camp this year?

A: For summer 2010, Staff Training will begin on Sunday, May 30. Starter Camp is held from June 6-11. Our first four-week session begins on June 13 and ends on July 9. The second four-week session begins on July 11 and ends on August 6. Camp Seafarer hosts Family Camp which begins on August 8 and ends on August 14.

Camp operates three distinct seasons, from mid-March to late October. Each has staff training and camper sessions. The Spring season begins with staff training in mid-March and extends through the end of May; the Summer season begins in late May and continues through mid-August; and the Fall season begins after the Summer season ends and extends through October.

Staff members are typically employed for a single season, but depending on schedules, there may be opportunities for employment in adjacent seasons. Staff training is required for each season.

Q: Will I receive training while employed?

A: A week of staff training is required before each camp season. This training consists of learning camp routines, schedules, and activities, but also extensive practice in interacting with others, instruction in teaching techniques, and discussion of working with children to build confidence, self-esteem, and personal values.

During camp sessions, staff members interact with supervisory personnel every day; full staff meetings are held every week. In addition, there is on-going coaching by administrative and professional staff to assure that continuous improvement occurs.

In addition, there will be the opportunity for interested staff members to complete certification classes and testing in areas such at CPR, Lifeguard Training, and various Coast Guard programs.

Q: Can I receive academic credit for my work as a staff member, or may I count it as an internship?

A: It is possible that some credit could be received for work experience at Sea Gull or Seafarer, depending on the school's requirements. Our HR staff would be willing to evaluate the school's criteria and to work with them to determine specific measurements that would be acceptable to them and to camp.

Q: Will I have any time off while at camp?

A: A person accepted for employment during one of our camping seasons will be able to take one full day and evening off every week, usually on weekends. In addition, staff members may have time off away from camp during the week for shorter periods of time, according to a pre-set schedule. At several times during the summer, there may be the opportunity for staff members to be away from camp overnight. A complete season schedule for time off will be available when staff members arrive. This schedule should be shared with appropriate friends and family members by the staff member.

Some staff members will have some special circumstances (college orientation or significant family events, for example) during their contract period. Camp will make an effort to accommodate these requests within the time off structure if the specific time away is requested in writing, in advance of the staff member's arrival at camp.

Time off is coordinated between Camp Seafarer and Camp Sea Gull. If you wish to coordinate time off with another person at either camp, these requests must be made in writing well in advance of arrival at camp.

Even while away from camp enjoying time off, Sea Gull and Seafarer staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with camp values and principles.

Q: How are staff members paid?

A: Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer are leaders in the camping industry in compensation. In addition to a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, staff members are provided full room and board.

Q: How do staff members use the internet and telephone?

A: Both Seafarer and Sea Gull have staff lounges called Quarterdecks which are available for use during scheduled time off. Both Quarterdecks have computers for internet access, telephones, television sets and vending machines.

Staff members may use their cell phones only during scheduled time off, away from camp.

Q: May I have visitors while at camp?

A: Both camps encourage friends and family to visit during camp. If arrangements are made in advance, visitors may usually enjoy a meal at camp. Staff members should work with guests so that visits are scheduled to coincide with scheduled time off. Neither camp is equipped to offer housing to visitors, but a list of nearby accommodations is available in the "For Parents" section of this web site.