·
 What kinds of positions are there at North Shore Country Day School?
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 What are my general duties?
·
 How will I learn the specifics of being a counselor at North Shore Country Day School?
How will I know if I am doing a good job?
·
 When must I be at camp?
Are there any pre-camp obligations?
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 Do I get any breaks during the day?
·
 What about absences?
·
 What do I wear each day?
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 Are there special days at camp?
·
 What will I do if it rains?
·
 Who do I actually work for?
·
 It sounds like a lot of work? Why do I want to be a counselor anyway?

Day Camp: Each group of children has a senior counselor (someone who is at least 18 years old and has previous leadership experience at a camp) and a junior counselor (16 and older). These are considered as counselor positions. There are also "activity instructor" positions. Activity instructors must be at least 18 years of age and have experience instruction in the position for which they are hired. Activities include: arts and crafts, archery, creative play, golf, gymnastics, outdoor adventures, sailing, canoeing, and swimming.
Expedition Camp: Staff for the Expedition Camps must be at least a junior in college and have previous camp leadership experience. Also, staff for the Wayfarer program must have experience in outdoor living skills. Staff for the Mariner program must have boating skills.
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You will ensure the safety, supervision and fun of all campers. You will be responsible to the staff member directly above you. It is of the utmost importance that you meet the needs of all the children in your charge. You are expected to develop a caring and trusting relationship with campers to facilitate fun and learning and to take an active role in all activities.
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Counselor training begins in the springtime, with all staff participating in an on-line "How to be a counselor" class. During orientation in June, supervisors will explain all that you need to know. Don't worry you'll be ready for Day One. There is on-going in-service training throughout the summer during the camp day. You must also read and understand the Staff Workbook, which you will be receiving. Your supervisor will be there to guide you and give you feedback on the job you are doing.
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You must attend a multi-day orientation, which takes place over a combination of a weekend day and weekday evenings during June. There are 38 days of camp. Camp begins June 17 and ends As a staff member, you must be at camp by 8:30 am, unless you are riding in a camp vehicle, and we dismiss at 3:45 pm or 4:45 pm depending upon assignment.
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If you are an activity instructor breaks are built into the day. If you are with a group your supervisor you will be able to take a break as arranged with your supervisor. Basically, if you are assigned to a group, you will remain with your campers for most of their day.
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The season is short - just 38 days, so each day really counts! You are expected to be present each and every day. There are no acceptable absences other than illness. If you have other obligations that may preclude this requirement, you should discuss them with the Director of Summer Programs before accepting a position.
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Dress is informal and comfortable, but there is a dress code. We expect staff to be neat, clean and attractive. You must wear your staff shirt each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You will be given three staff shirts fee of charge.
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There are special event days every week at camp. On all these days, the campers are very excited. Strict and special supervision of the group is paramount on these days. Also, sometimes your group will be involved in skits, songs, set-ups and games that require very active participation and/or planning.
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Tight supervision and thoughtful preparation are of paramount importance on rainy days. Be prepared with special activities.
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You are employed by the North Shore Country Day School. North Shore is a college preparatory independent school for children in grades JK-12. North Shore values the individual as well as their place in a community. You will be responsible to the Director of Summer Programs, a full-time employee of the school. The Director reports to the Head of School.
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We have a great time at North Shore Country Day School. There's a feeling of community, spirit, adventure - in a beautiful, healthful setting. Summer is a time for campers to step back from their daily routines and have fun in a safe, spirited environment. The same holds true for the staff. There's a camaraderie that's unmatched anywhere.

At the same time you have an opportunity for an experience of working with children that is extremely rewarding - an opportunity to model positive behavior for children and to help them develop positive self-respect, strong self-confidence and good social skills.

What behavior will you model? Leadership, friendship, community, sharing and caring, discipline and responsibility. Remember at camp, you never get a chance to make a first impression!
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