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Fernwood Cove provides equal employment opportunities to staff and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status – except in limited instances when age or gender considerations are bona fide occupational requirements (for example, for cabin counselors or to meet minimum accreditation age requirements.)
The camp counselor and camp staff person are the primary instruments through which the objectives, goals and philosophy or Fernwood Cove are transmitted to the camper. The counselor is expected to be aware of and abide by the following personnel policies:
All staff members are expected to support camp rules and policies, as well as Maine State and Federal laws. Staff members who disregard camp rules and policies will be subject to dismissal:
- Breaking the law is grounds for immediate dismissal.
- Violation of camp rules and policies may lead to immediate dismissal.
- In the event a staff member is "suspected" of violating a rule or policy, the staff member will receive a warning indicating that any additional infraction may lead to immediate dismissal.
- Any staff member who is unable to carry out camp responsibilities, for reasons other than physical illness, may be subject to dismissal.
Staff are asked to be sensitive to the people in the communities near the camp. Each staff member represents the camp in his or her dealings with members of the local communities, as well as behavior off the camp grounds.
| Insurance | Prescription Medications | Health Services | Time Off | Gratuities | Pets at Camp |
| Tattoos and Body Piercing | Smoking | Alcohol | Controlled Substances | Weapons |
INSURANCE
Camp Fernwood Cove carries Worker’s Compensation insurance for all its employees; this covers illness or accidents which are a result of their occupation while on duty. Worker’s Compensation insurance does not cover any illnesses or similar health issues that you may get while at camp. For additional protection and care beyond that offered by our camp Health Care Center, (optical, dental, pre-existing conditions, etc.) or any injury not related to your job, all counselors are required to carry their own medical insurance (college health plan, Blue Cross, etc.). Counselors are financially responsible for all medical coverage, above and beyond what is available in the camp health center. You should have additional coverage by other private plans. Please bring the necessary health insurance information for our records. Back to Top
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Make every attempt to bring enough of any medication you are currently taking for the entire time you are at camp. Our experience is that it is very difficult to fill out-of-state prescriptions locally. We have also experienced difficulty having out-of-state insurance honored for prescriptions. Avoid the hassle by bringing your medications with you to camp. Back to Top
HEALTH SERVICES
Staff are expected to be in good health and able to perform their camp duties. A physical exam within the last 12 months is required; you will receive a health form to be completed by your physician and returned to us prior to the start of camp. International staff may bring completed health forms to camp. A registered nurse is on duty at camp and staff members have access to his/her services as needed. The cost of prescriptions, doctor’s or hospital visits must be covered under one’s personal insurance unless the injury/illness is work related. Back to Top
TIME OFF
Time off consists of unscheduled time provided each day, one early evening out of camp (beginning at 5:30pm) each week, one full day off during each of the two sessions and one Sunday off during each of the two sessions. There is also a break between our two sessions which will be 3 days which the staff will have off. There is no curfew imposed at Fernwood Cove, as we trust and expect that staff will get sufficient rest to carry out daily responsibilities. During time off, staff may use the staff lounges and camp facilities when it does not interfere with the campers' activity.
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GRATUITIES
As accredited members of the American Camp Association, we subscribe to the policy of asking parents not to offer gratuities, and counselors not to accept them. Back to Top
PETS AT CAMP
There are no animals allowed at camp unless with prior and written permission from one of the directors. Written permission may be through email, which would be enough. One exception to this rule, on visiting day, families are not advised to but if needed they may bring their pet dogs, but no other pets are allowed. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Back to Top
TATTOOS/BODY PIERCING
We do not have a strict policy regarding tattoos and body piercing, however we ask you to consider the feelings of our parents as to what constitutes an appropriate role model for their children. We ask that any tattoo that is profane or inappropriate be covered at all times. Please be sensitive, and avoid discussing or drawing unnecessary attention to this issue with the campers. We would also appreciate knowing in advance if you have any visible tattoos/body piercings (aside from ear piercings) to avoid any discomfort for both of us when you first arrive at camp. Back to Top
SMOKING
At Fernwood Cove smoking is discouraged, however the smoking policy is that smoking is ONLY permitted during time off, and NEVER in the presence of campers. There is NO smoking permitted at any out of camp event where campers are present. Staff may ONLY smoke in the Smoking Tent or at the Counselor Campfire Circle. Cigarettes must be disposed of safely and in appropriate containers.
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ALCOHOL
In accordance with Maine State Law, any staff member who is under the age of 21 and found to be in possession or, use of, or under the influence of alcohol, whether on camp property or at a location away from camp is subject to immediate dismissal. On campus, alcohol is permitted ONLY in officially designated areas and is never permitted during the camp day. Abuse of alcohol (drunkenness) is not acceptable at any time and is cause for immediate dismissal. Back to Top
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Any staff member who is in possession or, use of, or under the influence of controlled substances, whether on camp property or at a location away from camp is against Federal Law and is subject to immediate dismissal. Back to Top
WEAPONS
Weapons are never allowed at Fernwood Cove. If a staff chooses to violate this policy while under the care and authority of Fernwood Cove, the weapon will be removed from the possession of the staff and will be dealt with as seen fit by the directors. If the staff member is sent home, their salary will be prorated accordingly. Back to Top
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