Am I allowed to use my cell phone and is internet access available?
What should I expect from staff training?
Will “camp counselor” look good on my resume?
How much time off will I get?
Summer staff will receive one day off (8:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., one long night off (6:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.), one short night off (10:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.), and one lunch leave off (12:30-2:30 p.m.) each week.
Weekend staff members during the fall and spring seasons are off after their duties are completed until that gate closes at 12:30 a.m. The weekend facilitator will let them know when they are allowed to leave.
Resident staff members during the fall and spring seasons are on a rotating time-off schedule, which the Extended Season Director will provide.
Where will I live?
Summer staff members live in rustic, open-aired cabins. Each cabin has an attached bathroom and three showers. Most cabins have three counselors and 13 campers.
Spring and fall staff members live in climate-controlled, dorm-style rooms.
What are meals like?
Cabin counselors during the summer eat all meals family-style with their campers and co-counselors.
Spring and fall staff members eat meals with other staff members.
Do I wear a uniform?
Summer staff members are given a “blueberry” staff shirt that they wear on opening and closing days, Sundays, and on Long Cruise. Otherwise, counselors can wear what they’d like to wear as long as their clothes are functional and appropriate for the job they’re doing.
Spring and fall staff members are provided a staff shirt to be worn throughout their stay on-site.
Am I allowed to use my cell phone and is internet access available?
We realize that working in a camp setting where you’re putting others before yourself 24/7 is challenging, and we know that access to phones makes our staff feel more connected to the outside world. We ask that when you’re on, phones are locked away in lockers between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. After 10:00 p.m., counselors are welcome to use their phones and can even step outside of the cabin for a phone call if necessary. Phones are of course allowed when you’re on time-off, and we encourage staff members to stay connected with family and friends throughout the summer. Our campers and CILTs give up their phones for the two or four weeks they’re with us, so it creates empathy when counselors do the same during the day.
Internet access is available in the Quarterdeck, which is the staff lounge. TV, computers, workout equipment, and big comfy couches are also available there.
What should I expect from staff training?
Our staff training is designed to set you up for success both in the cabin and on the activity. You will learn strategies for effective cabin management, gain the skills necessary to lead the campers in your care, and receive a problem solving “toolkit” to aid you in your journey.
Do I have to work all summer?
We understand that school conflicts and family events arise, and we are happy to talk with you about different options.
Priority is given to applicants who can attend Staff Training week and who are available to work the full summer.
Can I earn credit for school?
You sure can! We offer internships for staff members who would like to explore this option. All internships are paid roles. Talk with your advisor to find out more about necessary benchmarks and to determine if Camp is a good fit. Once you have been hired at Camp Sea Gull or Camp Seafarer, we will be happy to assist with next steps.
Will “camp counselor” look good on my resume?
Yes!! Camp is so much more than a summer job! You will not only make a significant impact on the children you serve, but you will also leave Camp with skills that will enable you to succeed outside the gates of Sea Gull and Seafarer. As a camp counselor, you will become a better communicator, a self-starter, a problem solver, a team player, a critical thinker, a detail-oriented worker, and most importantly, a leader. These critical “real world” skills will help you make the successful transition between working in a camp atmosphere to the career of your choice.
Don’t believe us – check out these resources:
Translating Camp to Your Resume
NY Times: Camp Counselor vs. The Intern
Have other questions?
- Camp Seafarer – ask Christie Jennison
- Camp Sea Gull – ask Bear Bashford
- Extended Season – ask Hunt Carpenter
- Camp Nurse – ask Karen Pruett
- General HR questions – ask Gretchen Hancock