Questions Frequently Asked by Prospective Staff
What is staff orientation? Do I have to attend?
Where do the staff come from?
Will I have internet access?
Can I bring a phone to camp? When can I use my phone?
Do I need a physical examination?
When do I get paid?
What is the schedule at camp?
When do I have time off or days off?
May I bring a car to camp?
Is there a dress code?
Where can I do laundry?
What if my family needs to contact me?
What if I get sick or injured?
How do I get to camp?
Q. What is staff orientation? Do I have to attend?
A. Staff orientation is an important time for all of our staff members to come together and learn about camp protocol, safety procedures, cultural aspects, sensitivity training, and many other topics. In accordance with the American Camp Association standards, we require all staff to attend training and orientation; Cabin Counselors are required to attend a 6-day Orientation. We provide transportation, meals, and housing during this time. We also require some online staff training that occurs before arriving to camp.
Q. Where do the staff come from?
A. The Academy’s staff come from across the US and the world. Staff have an amazing opportunity to meet new friends and make professional contacts that they would not otherwise meet.
Q. Will I have internet access?
A: Starting in the spring of 2015, high speed internet at the Academy will be accessible at the Academy. Staff will have high speed internet during break times in the Staff House. All staff members agree to abide by our internet policy by signing their employment agreement.
Q. Can I bring a phone to camp? When can I use my phone?
A. Staff can use their cell phones during break times in the Staff House only. Cell phones can not be used in the presence of campers and must be stored in a locked locker in the Staff House.
Q. Do I need a physical examination?
A. Yes. All staff need to obtain a physical examination before arriving at the Academy; and are also required to fill out the Health History Form.
Q. When do I get paid?
A. Payroll occurs every-other Friday, regardless of the timing or duration of your employment. If you are not present to collect your paycheck in-person, it will be mailed to you.
Q. What is the schedule at camp?
A. While every day at the Academy is unique and full of surprises, the days do follow a common structure. We bring variety to each camp session, including surprise events and special guest appearances.
Q. When do I have time off or days off?
A. All staff are provided with regularly-scheduled breaks each day, and at least 1 day off per 6 days. Days off typically occur between sessions. During these days, the Academy may provide free transportation to a nearby attraction or town.
Q. May I bring a car to camp?
A. Yes. There is a staff parking lot for those who drive to camp.
Q. Is there a dress code?
A. Yes. As positive role models for our campers, we require all Academy staff to dress appropriately and according to our policies. All staff are provided with logoed BSA shirts for each day of a camp session. Athletic and cotton/canvas shorts or pants are required. All shorts must be a presentable length. We ask that excessive tattoos and piercings be removed or concealed. Hair should be worn in a way that does not inhibit work.
Q. Where can I do laundry?
A. The Academy only provides laundry service for campers and staff in between sessions. In addition, staff can visit a local coin-operated laundromat nearby during their breaks. Additional laundry procedures will be discussed during Staff Orientation.
Q. What if my family needs to contact me?
A. The camp office contact information can be given to family members for use in case of an emergency.
Q. What if I get sick or injured?
A. Our fully equipped Health Center is staffed 24 hours a day by a registered nurse. We also have a full-time Athletic Trainer, and an on-call Physician who is available seven days a week. Our nurse is aware of all staff and camper needs via the Health History Form and distributes medication to staff at meal-times or bedtime. The Health Center can accommodate overnight stays, and there is a hospital within a 25 minute drive. Our full-time licensed Athletic Trainer is on the field during every soccer session and provides pre and post-training treatments in the Health Center.
Q. How do I get to camp?
A. Depending on where you are coming from, staff are provided an appropriate travel stipend to fly, ride, or drive to camp.