Could I Be A Counselor At A Special Needs Camp?!?

Being a counselor at the Southampton Fresh Air Home is, as they say, “the toughest job you’ll ever love.”  Many staff return each summer, and form friendships with other staff and campers that last for years and years. 

Counselors and support staff work long hours.  The work is often physically demanding, as our counselors provide the kind of care to many of our campers that is provided by nurse’s aides at home and at school.

Our campers are bright, funny, caring, energetic, joyful youngsters who love life and love camp.  They are appreciative, understanding and patient.  They need to have limits set and maintained, as do all children.  They get homesick, they miss their favorite foods, and they try to talk you into letting them stay up past bedtime when they are having too much fun.  Their counselors help them, encourage them, teach them, and sometimes say “no” to them.

Successful SFAH counselors love children, yet know how important it is to be “the adult” with every child.  They are physically strong and comfortable working in the summer heat, the occasional drenching downpour, and living in relatively close quarters.  They appreciate all kinds of fun, and can turn embarrassing or difficult moments into opportunities for growth—or just simple laughter.  They have a high tolerance for diversity, living and working with all kinds of people who are different.  And they are willing to share themselves—their strengths and their weaknesses—with others.

If you believe you have what it takes to spend two months doing “the toughest job you’ll ever love”, please contact us!

2.

What Will My Work Day Be Like?

Each day is different.  One day you may find yourself assigned to a group of three or four campers who have minimal care needs.  Another day you may be assigned one-on-one to work with a camper requiring help with all areas of daily living.  In either scenario, you will be working in a group with at least seven other counselors, including a Head Counselor.  Daily activities are varied, and include playing basketball, baseball, tennis or golf, as well as swimming.  You might also work with the campers in our arts and crafts studio or our computer center, which are staffed by teachers.  Another day you might go on a sailing trip in an adapted sailboat “Sara C ”, shopping with campers at a local mall, or going to the circus or a carnival.  You are a big part of each activity, and each camper’s day.  The days are long and tiring, but wonderful!

3.

What Kind of Physical Care Would I Provide To The Campers?

Camper care needs vary widely.  Some campers are able to do most things themselves, and require only the same supervision as an able-bodied child.  Other campers require some help dressing and bathing, feeding or transferring.  And others require total care:  feeding, toileting, bathing, communicating, etc.  With the training you receive before camp, you will be able to work with all the campers who come to SFAH.

4.

What Are The Living Arrangements For Staff At SFAH?

All staff live in buildings on the camp grounds.  There are no staff tents, and you share a room with one to three other staff.  Bathroom facilities are immediately next to each room.  We provide all bedding and towels, and have a laundry room available.  Meals are eaten family style with campers.  All staff bedrooms are air-conitioned.

5.

What Do Support Staff Do At Camp?

Support staff are the backbone of everything the camp does. We understand that every role on camp is essential to a successful summer and as a member of our support staff team you will enjoy the same lifestyle, and expectations, of those who work directly with the campers. The size of the camp means that you will never be far from the action and support staff are encouraged to particiapte in camper activities as much as possible. Work hours are similar to the counselor role and you can expect to work 6 days a week. If you would like more details about the many different support staff roles please contact the Camp Director directly.

6.

Do I Need A Car For This Job?

No, you do not need a car.  The camp has some parking spaces available for staff, assigned on a first come, first served basis.

7.

How Much Money Can I Expect To Make In A Summer?

American childcare workers earn $2,500 (before taxes) for the summer.  Foreign workers who come to us through agencies such as Camp America receive stipends as described by the agency.

8.

How Much Time Off Will I Have?

Staff work six days a week, while the campers are here.  Between sessions childcare workers receive an additional two days off.  During your nine weeks working at SFAH, you can expect to receive 9 to 10 days off.

9.

What Are My Working Hours?

Your day usually begins at 7:30 a.m. You will help campers get dressed and go to flag raising, and then to breakfast and morning activities.  Each afternoon there is a rest period, and childcare workers generally get 1-1/2 hours off at that time.  Two days a week you will be required to be in the bunks with the children as they rest.  Around 3 p.m. everyone participates in an afternoon activity which is often swimming.  Early evening is flag lowering and dinner, followed by an evening activity involving the whole camp—staff and campers.  Campers get ready for bed around 8:30, and you can expect your day to end between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.  Two nights a week you are required to sleep in the bunk with campers to be available for emergencies or nighttime camper needs.  The days are long, but filled with fun.

10.

Where Do The Campers Come From?

The majority of our campers come from the New York City area.  We also have campers from other parts of the U.S., and sometimes from Europe as well.