The camp director or owner will surprise you. He or she will likely be heavily involved with the day to day running of camp. Unlike the managing directors of most businesses he or she will often be found doing their part, sweeping or painting for example. They lead from the front because they love camp and want to see it looking and running at its best. It's hard not to respect someone who has chosen to spend so much of their life counseling and creating memories for others.

The first year at camp is always memorable due to enjoying the environment for the first time. However, many returning staff find that successive years are different and provide immense satisfaction in many new ways. Having slightly more responsibility by being a Division Head for example, and looking after the well being of a set of cabins may allow you to get closer to a wider variety of people and gain still more respect. Returning staff, some of whom have been at camp for many years will usually be in positions of increasing responsibility. This is something that we would like you to consider for yourself.

Camp Hierarchy

The smooth running of the camp relies on many people with differing roles. Many of these are described below:

Camp Director

He/she is often someone with many years of experience at camp and may also own the facility. The Camp Director has the ultimate responsibility for running the camp and will deal with all major issues.

Program Director

Typically He/she is the person that organises and oversees all the activities at camp e.g. horse-riding, sailing. They schedule the campers into the activities that they sign up for and provide guidance to the activity specialists. In many cases they don't have direct responsibilities to the children but can act as a stepping-stone to the Camp Director if there is a problem with a camper.

Head Counselor/Division Head

Most camps are divided up into groups based on age and gender. For each group there will be a division head who is responsible for the counselling staff and all the children in that group. Division Heads will have been counselors at camp for many years so will understand the day-to-day needs of the campers. Their role is to co-ordinate all divisional programs and they are often the first place you can seek help if there is a problem.

Counselors/Leaders

There are two types of counselors/Leaders; the general counselor and the activity-leader. Whichever your role, your over-riding aim is to provide the campers with a safe, fun-filled time at camp.

General Counselor

You will be responsible for a group of children. You will sleep in the same cabin or building as them, eat with them and take the campers to their different activities where the specialist counselors will take over. During activity time you will participate and assist in the various parts of the program that require your help. You will look after the camper's general well being, offer advice and guidance where appropriate and be a positive role model.

Specialist Counselor/Activity Leader

You will have been chosen as a specialist counselor because the skills that you put down on your application form are used as a program at your camp. You may be asked to teach any one of the skills that were put on your form so it helps if you can be adaptable. Your main role will be to run or assist in running your activity during the day. Outside of activity time you will help the general counselors look after the campers in the cabins although it is unlikely that you will be assigned a specific group of campers to look after.