STAFF EXPERIENCE |
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Camp is a Real Job About Fernwood Cove Fernwood Cove, set among rolling meadows, streams and woods, offers a full range of camp and waterfront activities and excellent facilities. Campers select weekly "focus activities" for specialized instruction, as well as daily "free choice" activities either for extra instruction, or to try something new. There are weekly out of camp trips, overnights and intercamp sports events. Our unique community of girls and caring, mature staff create a diverse and supportive atmosphere in which each girl may reach her individual potential. Activities include, but are not limited to: aerobics, archery, arts/crafts, canoeing, ceramics, crew, dance, English riding, fabric arts, gymnastics, kayaking, mountain biking, nature, painting, photography, rock climbing, ropes course, sailing, stained glass, swimming, team sports, tennis, water-skiing, and windsurfing. Back to Top Being a CounselorAsk yourself one simple question: "Do I love children and want to make a difference in their lives?" Camp is a hard job. We are responsible for these children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We need to supervise them, nurture them, teach them and guide them. If you come to camp for the right reasons, this will be the most memorable experience of your life. You will develop a life-long bond with your campers and leave a better person. Back to Top Working at Fernwood Cove Counselor Responsibilities In addition to his/her ability to relate to children, each counselor is hired to lead or assist in a particular activity. With guidance from the administration and veteran staff members on the staff, each counselor is expected to implement a quality program in his or her area of expertise or to be a capable assistant. Knowledge, patience, creativity, and enthusiasm are some of the attributes vital to running a program that will generate and sustain the interest of the campers. Counselors spend the bulk of their time in the morning and the afternoon at their respective activity. The evening program is, for the most part, prearranged by the events coordinator and a group of staff. Each counselor is expected to participate in evening activities unless they have a night off. The routine is broken up by special events, out of camp trips, and occasionally even a rainy day! Counselors do have some free time during the course of a day and are encouraged to take advantage of it to relax and rejuvenate. The use of most camp facilities are available when it does not interfere with camper programs. Back to Top Who We Look For There are no specific traits that guarantee your success as a camp staff member. Staff do, however, serve as role models for our campers so they must always consider how their actions influence the campers. We hire women and men who enjoy being with children, who are patient, sensitive and understanding, who are interested in leadership training and group dynamics, who enjoy the out-of-doors and who will lead the campers by their example.
Role Models As part of Fernwood Cove's staff, you become a role model for our campers. Your behavior will have a big impact upon the lives of these youngsters! It stands to reason, therefore, that we are seeking individuals with high moral character. In the past, our staff members have exhibited good sportsmanship, strong loyalty, honesty, and the ability to work hard in order for the camp experience to be a memorable & positive one for our campers! We intend to continue this tradition at Fernwood Cove this coming summer. Back to Top Three Reasons to Work at Fernwood Cove b. Working at Fernwood Cove may help you to decide your future career and help you to learn more about who you are as a person. It is common for staff members to say they’ve learned more about themselves in three months at camp than in several years before being here. 2) Making friends you’ll keep for life: 3) Making an amazing connection with children:
Pre-Camp Orientation All hired staff members must be present for our 7-day staff, pre-camp, orientation and training. Pre-Camp begins one week prior to the campers’ arrival. Pre-Camp begins one week prior to the campers’ arrival. Some staff members arrive early in order to receive extra training or participate in certification classes. (*Counselors outside of the waterfront arrive early and we often offer certification opportunities outside of the ARC courses.). This is a valuable time before camp where you learn all about what it means to live and work with campers and fellow staff members. There will be discussions, role-playing and motivational workshops plus time to set up your program areas and time for recreation with your peers. Pre-Camp begins with dinner, informal introductions and a bit of history about the camp. The ice breaks real quickly. Within a few hours of everyone's arrival in camp, what was a diverse group of people, is now a cohesive, functioning collective of counselors. The week is full of training sessions which prepare the staff for what camp will be like, what is expected, how we do things at camp, our traditions and our songs as well as many other things about camp. By the time the week is over and the campers arrive, the staff is primed, unified and giving off an excitement that makes the campers feel that we have been eagerly waiting for their arrival and are ready to get things going!! Back to Top The Campers Fernwood Cove has about 400 campers, divided over two, 3 and a half week sessions. The campers are all girls ages 8-15. Our campers are from many states across the USA, as well as from many countries around the world. Our campers are from varied cultural backgrounds. The bulk of our American campers come from the Eastern Seaboard United States, from Maine through Florida, as well as many states across the country. With such diversity, it is easy for new children to integrate into the Fernwood Cove community. Back to Top The Camp Season Campers attend Fernwood Cove for one of two, three and a half week sessions, the first one beginning in late June and the second ending in the middle of August. There are no campers who attend both sessions. Fernwood Cove is considered a traditional, all girls residential, half season camp. Pre-camp orientation occurs in mid-June and marks the beginning of the summer for staff members. There is a three day intersession between sessions which is a combination of time off and preparing form the second session. Staff working in the kitchen, maintenance, and those attending pre-camp training clinics will arrive a few days earlier. Our intensive staff orientation takes place for seven days before the campers arrive. We will provide you with the tools and information that you need to feel comfortable in your activity area become familiar with our traditions and philosophies and make new friends. Back to Top Bunk LifeAll of our bunks are spacious, wooden and rustic looking with a newly built feel; many have been built or restored in the past seven years. No camper bunks have electricity or running hot water. Most bunks have running cold water with toilets and sinks. The showers are in nearby shower houses and do have running hot water. Bunks are furnished with solid, wooden beds with twin-size mattresses, as well as ample storage space dedicated to each staff member and camper’s personal effects. Camper bunks generally house 8-12 campers and 2-3 counselors. We also have 1 counselor who is part of the bunk family but does not live in the bunk. Male staff and some female staff live in nearby staff housing. The counselors who live in the camper bunks are called Bunk Moms, while the counselors who do not live in the cabins are also assigned to a cabin of girls as a bunk aunt or uncle, having the opportunity to provide support to the bunk counselors and be an active contributing member of the bunk family. Back to Top Location Weather in Maine Fernwood Cove requires uniform for campers and staff. Staff uniform is navy blue shorts or pants, and white shirts. We provide all staff with one warm navy blue outer garment. However you will need to bring an adequate supply of regular uniform clothing, as well as the usual supplement of clothing required for outdoor living. A full packing list will be sent to you in the spring. All laundry is done weekly by camp at no extra charge. A dresser, bed linen, and blankets are all provided. Back to Top Religion Fernwood Cove is non-sectarian. Our campers and our counselors represent many different faiths. An ethical, non-denominational service is conducted each week by different groups of older campers and their counselors, in which they explore themes that are important to them such as friendship, leadership, or courage. Back to Top Time Off Staff who are over the age of 21 and have passed our camp driving assessment will be able to borrow one of our camp vehicles for their days or nights off. We encourage you to take time off camp and enjoy the surrounding sights of Maine and New Hampshire. Back to Top PoliciesSmoking is discouraged, but is permitted in certain designated areas, only during time off, and never in the presence of campers. Maine law prohibits the use of alcohol for people under the age of 21. We strictly enforce this state law. While under contract the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is strictly prohibited, and is cause for dismissal. Back to Top Staff Pay Scale Salary is based upon counselor experience, specific skills or certifications, and level of responsibility. Room, board, weekly laundry, e-mail access, a designated staff phone, and a staff lounges with a TV and DVD Player are all provided. Back to Top : No written information can fully convey the warm, friendly feeling that our Campers and counselors experience together each year. Only camping with us can provide a true understanding of the spirit at Fernwood Cove. You can find many more pictures and information throughout this website. Don’t hesitate to call or e-mail if you have any questions. Call us at 1-877-243-3706 (toll free) or 1-978-369-0572 or e-mail us staff@fernwoodcove.com We look forward to getting to know you! |
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