Working At Camp
People are the key ingredient for making camp the special place that it is. That is why Camp Tevya and the Cohen Camps place so much effort into recruiting, hiring, training and supporting the best camp staff possible. Our staff not only instructs children in activities but also instills values like teamwork, acceptance, sportsmanship and self-esteem.
While many of our staff members are college-aged or recent college graduates, we also look for and recruit more seasoned staff members, including those with families of their own, to be part of our community. These staff members provide specific activity skills, manage departments and supervise teaching staff.
Staff members live at camp and participate in all aspects of our camp community, but we also have some opportunities for day staff who can offer specialized skills.
Check out the present Positions Available.
Staff's Role
Staff positions at camp run the full gamut from support positions including food service, facility maintenance, housekeeping, and nursing; to counselors who provide instruction in our activity areas and lead campers through bunk life routines. Our support staff is the foundation of the camp operations, and an important and valued part of the camp community.
Counselors serve two roles:
- Bunk Life – most of the staff live in bunks with campers to oversee their health, welfare and fun; along with one to three other counselors depending on number of campers.
- Activities Areas – staff share their expertise by teaching, coaching, and demonstrating in their assigned activity area.
We are always open to adding new activities that capitalize on the expertise of the staff member. We encourage applicants to propose new activities that our campers may find interesting and exciting.
Benefits of Being a Staff Member
Many of our staff grew up in our camp. They became staff members because they were inspired by a counselor to whom they looked up. Teaching and leading a group of children can be the most profound and exciting experience of your life. You will grow as a person and make a tremendous impact on the lives of children.
Being a camp counselor is also a "real job". Working at camp allows you to gain the kind of resume building skills future employers look for - team work, creativity, communication skills, teaching and leadership skills. This practical knowledge is transferable and extremely applicable to future employment. And, where else can you learn to teach, manage, counsel and collaborate while having the time of your life?
Staff Selection
Counselors are hired based on their educational background, camping experience, and the ability to work with children. The most important qualities we seek in our staff are compassion, intelligence, fun, energy, patience, and a genuine love of children.
All potential staff members, both returning and new, participate in a full interview process, including mandatory reference and background checks. A Cohen Camps senior staff member personally interviews each counselor.
ACA accreditation standards limit the number of staff members we can employ under the age of 18.
Staff Development
All staff members participate in online pre-camp training, attend a mandatory pre-camp orientation program with teaching skill seminars to prepare them to be the best they can be for the summer. During this time, just before the campers arrive, staff learns almost everything they need to know about working with children in a camp setting: dealing with homesickness, discipline and bullying; fostering self-esteem; and encouraging teamwork. Ongoing support is provided through experienced supervisors and continuing in-service training.
