Chimney Corners Camp YMCA
2019 Staff Guide
Chimney Corners Camp 2019 Staff Calendar
May 28 – June 5 AD Staff and designated Program Staff Arrival (arrival date varies based on position)
June 2 – June 8 Certification Week for designated Program Staff
June 3 – June 5 Lifeguard Recerts (Pre-Camp option available to staff whose certification expires before August 17, 2019. Staff who do not take this course will be expected to recert during camp)
June 9 (Sunday) New Camper Open House 2-4 PM
June 9 (Sunday) Program Staff, Support Staff and Work Week Crew Arrival 5-9 PM (Some staff will arrive prior to this date for Certification Week)
June 10 (Monday) Work Week Begins- Program & Support Staff Training and Work Week Crew Projects
June 14 (Friday) Work Week Ends for Work Week Crew. Day Off 12 PM Friday – 12 PM Saturday Program & Support Staff Training Ends. Day Off 5 PM Friday – 5 PM Saturday
June 15 (Saturday) Counseling Staff Arrival 9-11 AM Staff Training Week Begins
June 20 (Thursday) LITs Arrival 1 – 3 PM All Staff Day Off begins at 5 PM
June 21 (Friday) All Staff Day Off ends at 5 PM Make-up Training day (no day off) if you missed any days of Staff Training.
June 23 (Sunday) First Session and Starter 1A Campers Arrive Between 1 – 3 PM
July 6 (Saturday) Starter 1A Campers Depart 10 AM
July 7 (Sunday) Starter 1B Campers Arrive 1 PM
July 12 - 14 First Session Gibson Weekend July 14 First Session Family Day Second Session Only Staff – Staff Training arrive 5 PM
July 20 (Saturday) First Session and Starter 1B Ends. Campers depart between 9-11 AM Intersession First Session Only staff can depart if checked out after 5 PM
July 21 (Sunday) Second Session and Starter 2A Campers Arrive Between 1–3 PM
August 3 (Saturday) Starter 2A Ends. Campers picked up at 10 AM Reach departs following luncheon with Reach families
August 4 (Sunday) Starter 2B Campers Arrive at 1 PM
August 9 – 11 Second Session Gibson Weekend August 11 Second Session Family Day
CCC Staff Guide - Page 2
August 17 (Saturday) Second Session and Starter 2B Ends. Campers depart between 9–11 AM Aides depart following luncheon with Aide families Staff clean/pack and breakdown camp. Staff may depart if checked out after 6 PM Staff Closing Banquet 7PM
August 18 (Sunday) All staff not contracted past August 18th must depart by 10 AM. Summer Camp Duties End/Post Season Duties Begin. Please note that there are employment opportunities available after camp. Contact camp or speak to your supervisor for details.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 3 Dear Staff,
We have designed this guide to be helpful to you in preparing for your summer at camp. It is important that you read it cover-to-cover to ensure you will have everything you need for your summer ahead.
We want to thank you for choosing to spend your summer with us. We know you could have chosen a job with more free time or more money but you chose to spend your summer making a positive difference in the lives of children.
Our job this summer is to help girls and young women become the best people they can be by supporting their development, promoting healthy living and teaching social responsibility. This is the most important job anyone can have, and we ask that you take time before arriving at camp to prepare for your summer.
Please contact camp with any questions you have. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
Shannon Donovan-Monti Berta Sinclair Yana DeLuca Mik Monti Camp Director Assistant Camp Director Registrar Food Service Director
YOU COULD BE THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN A CAMPER’S LIFE.
You will be in a position to influence a child in a profound and meaningful way. You will be more influential than their teacher, their parent or even the thousands of media images that bombard them each day. If you do not believe me, think about your own camp experience. I am a camp director because of a camp staff member I met when I was 9 years old. There are people who have attended a university, joined the Peace Corps, or chosen a career path because of camp or someone they met at camp.
There are also people who have started a bad habit, lost confidence in themselves, or were traumatized at camp due to the actions of a camp staff member who did not properly prepared for their responsibilities.
You are going to be remembered for better or for worse. A child is going to be elevated or destroyed by you and the choices you make. This makes all you do to prepare yourself important.
We are here to help prepare and support you through your summer ahead but we need you to help us by taking this job seriously. We ask that you do the following to prepare: . Read all materials included with your agreement and any additional materials sent. . Complete all online training in advance of the summer. . Ensure you are in the best physical and mental condition for the summer. Alert camp if you feel you will be unable to perform the duties of your job for any reason. . Minimize distractions for the summer. If you are finding that you have a lot of other things demanding your time this summer, maybe it would be better to take a summer off and return when you have the time. . Start planning now to make a great summer for the campers. Gather ideas on activities, lesson plans, cabin chat topics, etc. from things you do during the year. Check in at the camp website and Facebook page for resources for the summer. Pinterest and YouTube tutorials can be great resources. Seek out information on child development, behavior management, teaching skills, activity ideas, girls’ issues, etc.
Each of us has a specific role at camp that we call our “job” but we all really have the same job. It is as follows:
Changing Lives for Good
CCC Staff Guide - Page 4
Each of us will bring this about in our own way and we challenge everyone to think about what they will do this summer to change a life for good. You have been chosen because we feel you are someone who can make this happen. We look forward to the part you will play in this exciting endeavor.
Our organization is guided by the following overarching statements:
Our Mission (reason for being here) To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
The Promise (Our Cause) Strengthening community
Vision We provide life-changing experiences in a safe, fun environment that build healthy spirit, mind and body, based on the core values of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty.
Inclusion We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where campers, participants, families and staff can discover and be their authentic selves. Through leadership, strategic planning, recruitment, training and program development, we strive to be inclusive in our practices and to promote equity and opportunity for all individuals. We respect, affirm and protect the dignity and worth of every member of our community.
YMCA Values Caring - Show a sincere concern for others. Honesty - Be truthful in what you say and do. Respect – Follow the Golden Rule. Responsibility – Be accountable for your promises and actions.
Areas of Focus As a camp staff member you want to look for ways to encourage the campers to grow in all aspects of their life. The YMCA has identified three areas of focus for all YMCA programs. These areas fit perfectly with the work we do at CCC. During staff training we will brainstorm ideas on all the ways we can meet these goals.
• Healthy Living • Empowering Ourselves and Others • Leading and Learning • Positive Relationships • Social Responsibility
There are a number of important concepts that are also reinforced as part of the CCC culture. They are as follows: Open Circle – Everyone Welcome -The Open Circle is the name of our Amphitheater but it is a philosophy that everyone is welcomed and invited to join our “circle” or community. We encourage campers and staff to seek ways to include others and to seek ways to make everyone feel a part of things. This is only possible through everyone’s commitment every day. We encourage campers to invite others to join them in activities and never to exclude.
PACE – Positive Attitude Changes Everything – At CCC we want to reinforce the power of positive attitude and belief in our lives.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 5 AGAPE (Pronounced AH-GA -PAY) – Living a life of unconditional love towards all humanity.
The concept of Agape was inspired by the following Martin Luther King, Jr. speech:
The Greek language comes out with another word for love. It is the word agape. And agape is more than eros; agape is more than philia; agape is something of the understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill for all men. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It is an overflowing love; it’s what theologians would call the love of God working in the lives of men. And when you rise to love on this level, you begin to love men, not because they are likeable, but because God loves them. You look at every man, and you love him because you know God loves him. And he might be the worst person you’ve ever seen.
And this is what Jesus means, I think, in this very passage when he says, "Love your enemy." And it’s significant that he does not say, "Like your enemy." Like is a sentimental something, an affectionate something. There are a lot of people that I find it difficult to like. I don’t like what they do to me. I don’t like what they say about me and other people. I don’t like their attitudes. I don’t like some of the things they’re doing. I don’t like them. But Jesus says love them. And love is greater than like. Love is understanding, redemptive goodwill for all men, so that you love everybody, because God loves them. You refuse to do anything that will defeat an individual, because you have agape in your soul. And here you come to the point that you love the individual who does the evil deed, while hating the deed that the person does. This is what Jesus means when he says, "Love your enemy." This is the way to do it. When the opportunity presents itself when you can defeat your enemy, you must not do it. -Excerpt from A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King,
“All who joy would win must share it; happiness was born a twin” – This was a favorite expression of one of our founding directors, Evelyn Smith. This expression encourages us to share joy with others.
“It’s the magic within you and the love you pass on” – This is a line from a favorite Chimney Corners song. It reminds us to show our true selves to others, to be aware that we have great power and potential and that we are capable of great things.
Anything you can do to prepare yourself for the job ahead will make your summer better for you and our campers. This summer you will have a tremendous impact on the children you work with. Many of these girls will remember you for the rest of their lives. It is up to you what you will be remembered for. Think of the great mentors in your life that have influenced you for the better and use what you have learned from them to influence your leadership style.
We know you will be great staff this summer and know you will do everything in your power to be prepared. Let us know what we can do to support this process.
PACKING FOR CAMP Please note that storage is limited in staff housing so be as efficient as possible. Label all belongings with your name. Use first and last names since others may have the same first name or similar looking things. A footlocker or trunk is a good idea and gives you a place to store your gear. Footlockers can be purchased in most large department stores. The footlocker should be 16 inches or lower in height so that it can slide under your bed. We do not recommend footlockers for international staff since they would be difficult for travel.
Bring older clothes to camp that are appropriate for the outdoors. Camp life involves a great deal of outdoor activity and clothes will get wet and dirty. Camp has no uniforms although campers and staff are expected to dress appropriately for camp (see Staff Decorum) and nicely (skirt, dress or dress slacks) for chapel. Camp staff members are given a staff shirt for opening days and other special events. Food Service Staff will also be provided a baseball style cap to wear while working.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 6 Campers are not allowed to bring radios, cell phones, computers, tablets or other electronics to camp. Staff may bring these items, but they may only be used when appropriate to the program, in designated staff areas and on staff time-off. Music may be played on a very limited basis for campers. The content of the music must be appropriate for children and volume should be kept low. There are several shows that require campers to learn the lyrics to popular songs so if you have a portable CD player/iPod dock it will be helpful to your cabin group.
A staff member may not bring: Pets, fireworks, illegal drugs (see notes on medication for prescription and non-prescription drug storage), weapons, tobacco or nicotine products (including Jewels/Vaping Pens), alcohol, pornography or sexually explicit materials, or drug paraphernalia to camp. Staff should not keep money or valuable jewelry in the cabins or in any staff housing. Valuables may be kept in an assigned locker or locked in the staff member’s personal car. Camp is not responsible for personal items brought to camp it is each staff member’s responsibility to care for their belongings. Cell phones may not be kept in the camper cabins but will be stored in the Unit Director’s cabin. Staff may not carry cell phones while working unless designated to for their specific job.
PACKING CHECKLIST
Clothing Toiletries Jeans, Slacks Toilet kit Equipment/Other (Required for riding, hikes and Toothbrush Flashlight construction) Tooth paste Battery-powered lantern Shorts Dental Floss Fan (battery powered for Long-sleeve shirts Soap cabin staff)* Short sleeve shirts Shampoo/ 2 Water Bottles Underwear Conditioner 2 Laundry Bags Socks (campers and staff are Bug repellent Footlocker/trunk - No taller required to wear socks while at Sunscreen (30 than 16 inches camp) SPF+) Crazy Creek/Camp Chair* Pajamas 6-8 Towels Camera* Bathrobe 3 face cloths Sports Equipment* Rain boots Deodorant Helmet for riding* Poncho/Raincoat Pen/Stationary* Hat to protect from sun If necessary: Stamps* Jackets (1 warm) Feminine Hygiene Journal* Sweater(s) products Bins for storage* Sweatshirt(s) Day pack/Backpack* 2 swimsuits Bedding Pictures from home* Sneakers- shoes often get 2–3 warm blankets Bike (See note on bikes wet. An extra pair is useful. under General Information and Hiking boots/Trail Shoes 2 sets of twin-size Policies)* Dresses, skirts or “dressy” sheets pants for Chapel Pillow Cases * Indicates optional but useful Dress-up (Fancy Dress) Pillow(s) items. clothes & costumes* 1 sleeping bag Indicates items that camp Riding boots* Foam pad* provides for International Staff
NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL STAFF
We recognize that it is difficult to pack a lot of gear when traveling a great distance. For our international visitors we provide two sets of sheets, a blankets/comforter, a pillow, 2 pillowcases, and 3 towels. A sleeping bag will be provided if needed for overnight camping trips. You do not need to bring a trunk.
We will get you off of camp to go shopping during your first few days after arriving so you can purchase any items you could not fit or didn’t want to take up room to pack (shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen,
CCC Staff Guide - Page 7 flashlight, water bottles, etc.) The Camp Store carries many toiletry items and necessitates as well for purchase.
Bring flags, costumes, recipes, songs, or any other items to help you present your culture to the camp community. Be prepared to participate in special events related to an international theme. Be ready to dress up, dance, and be silly!
If you sing or play an instrument – please do it at camp! We include song and music in as many activities as possible!
Make specific arrangements with your family about calling home when you arrive. Realize that it will take you some time to get settled and you may not be able to call immediately upon arrival. Designated staff computers are also available for email communication. You are welcome to bring your own laptop, tablet, etc. to use in designated Wi-Fi areas to communicate home during non-training/non-work time as well. And during the shopping outing you will be able to purchase a cell phone/pay-as-you-go phone if you so choose.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR ALL STAFF
Although it is summer, it can get quite cool in the evenings and even at times, during the day. Be sure to bring adequate clothes for cold weather.
Campers and staff are required to bring a water bottle so that they can drink water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated. You may also purchase water bottles from the Camp Store. Water bottles should never be shared. It is the duty of all staff to ensure that campers do not share water bottles or any other personal item.
Our health service requires that campers and staff wear socks at all times to avoid blisters and other foot injuries that can disrupt a happy and healthy camp experience. Campers and staff may bring sandals but they must be worn with socks and only where appropriate to the activity. Clogs and platform shoes are not allowed since they are not suited to the terrain at camp and can cause serious injuries.
The cabins do not have electricity and a battery-operated lantern is needed for lighting at night. A flashlight is necessary for walking at night.
It is important to bring both sheets and blankets and a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is for overnights and off-camp trips while regular bedding (blankets, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases) is needed for day-to-day living in the cabin. International Staff can borrow a sleeping bag from camp.
No nails or other forms of alterations to the cabins will be allowed so please leave your tools at home! Also, No Duct Tape – duct tape leaves permanent residue/markings. Painters tape or sticky tack should only be used for hanging items.
Personal Property: The camps assume no responsibility for loss or damage by any cause to personal property of staff. Staff must be responsible for their belongings. We strongly discourage money or valuable items being kept in staff quarters. All money, passports, traveler’s checks, cash and other valuables may be kept in an assigned locker or locked in staff member’s personal car. Conditions are such at camp that sensitive electronics or other delicate items can be damaged even when kept in housing. Be aware of this when choosing to bring items to camp.
Especially for Counselors and Assistant Counselors: You may find that you want "extra" resources this summer and it might be helpful to bring along some of your own supplies. Your Unit Directors will have supplies, but these items are especially useful:
Scissors Costumes Story Books Game Books/Ideas Markers/Crayons Hats Poems Scotch or Masking Tape (NO duct tape) Ruler Bandanas Elastic Bands CCC Staff Guide - Page 8
Horseback Riding: If you are interested in working with the riding program or if you know that you will be involved with the riding program, heeled riding boots, long pants and an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet are mandatory for both staff and campers. Boots should have a flat bottom (no ridges like hiking boots) and come up over the ankle. You may use “rubber riding boots” or “mucking boots” which can also double as rain boots. A local tack shop can be helpful in choosing appropriate foot wear.
The riding helmet must be ASTM/SEI approved and be designed for horseback riding. Helmets must have a chinstrap. ASTM/SEI approved helmets have been proven to be safer and more effective in reducing head injuries than other helmets. The helmets can be purchased at most tack shops often listed under “riding apparel” in the phone book.
Limited supplies of helmets are available to those staff required to work with the horses.
Construction Cabin: Construction campers and staff are asked to bring a claw hammer, a 16-foot retractable measuring tape, and a tool belt, for the work on the construction site. They are also required to wear a hard hat (provided by the camp), long pants/jeans, and work boots or sturdy, hard-soled shoes on the construction site.
Overnights and Off-Camp Trips: Counselors, assistant counselors and tripping staff will need a sleeping bag and a water bottle for an overnight campout with their cabin group. In addition, staff members who plan on going on off-camp camping trips may want to bring hiking boots a frame backpack or other camping equipment. Camp does have camping equipment, including backpacks, which staff may borrow when available. Hiking boots should be "broken in" before camp to avoid discomfort on the trail. Adventure Odyssey and LIT staff will receive a separate packing list for extended camping trips.
STAFF TRAINING AND ARRIVAL AT CAMP
On your contract there is a start date that you have agreed to. This is the date that you should arrive at camp. The Camp Director must approve early or late arrival/departures at camp, at least a month prior to your official start date. When you arrive at camp you will hand in any paperwork that you have not yet sent and receive your bunk assignment. Remember that this bunk assignment will be temporary. All camp staff should expect to move at least once during the summer if not more. We will do our best to communicate changes in housing in advance. Everyone will be given a tour of the camp property when they arrive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you arrive, we are here to help you get settled.
See the first page of this guide for specific start dates for each type of training:
Ad Staff Training Check-in at the BCCYMCA Admin Center The Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, Program Directors, Unit Directors, Reach Directors and Aides Directors make up the Ad Staff. While many of the Ad Staff members are veterans of the program, they still need time to be trained for their job. The group spends at least a week with the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director preparing for staff training and the summer ahead.
Program and Support Staff Training Check-in: Saturday beginning at 5pm - Check-in at the CCC Dining Hall The Program Staff will be working with the Program Directors, learning about all that it takes to provide high-quality programs and getting all of the program areas set-up and ready to go. Support Staff will be working with their supervisors to learn the ins and outs of their different roles. During training, staff members are expected to stay on camp property except when on official time-off. Evenings will be spent in training programs or camp social events. Some staff will arrive prior to this date to participate in Certification Trainings required for their position.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 9 Work Week Check-in: Saturday at 5pm - Check-in at the CCC Dining Hall Work Week is the time when we get camp ready for the summer ahead. One or two alumni staff is designated as the work week whips and they assign workweek staff to the various tasks around camp. The workday starts at 8:15 AM with breakfast and ends with dinner at 6:00 PM. The work is physical and may involve lifting, raking, scrubbing, painting, weed whacking or any number of jobs. You must be ready for the few inconveniences of being the first staff in camp preparing for those to come later! Work week is lots of fun, with time to socialize, but good attitudes and a solid work ethic are essential! Space is limited in Work Week and spots will be given on a first-come-first-served basis to counseling staff and alumni who are able to commit to the entire week. If you are interested, please email Shannon or Berta to make arrangements.
Staff Training Counseling Staff Check-in: Saturday at 9-11am. Check-in at the CCC Dining Hall All staff must participate in staff training. During staff training, staff members are expected to stay on camp property except when on official time-off. Evenings will be spent in training programs or camp social events. This is the only time the staff is together without campers and it is an important time for the staff to come together as a group. When you first come to camp, the staff will be mixed together. Staff will move into permanent housing later in the week. All staff should be prepared to move some time during staff training.
All staff members are expected to attend all of staff training. Anyone who has a conflict with training needs to contact camp as soon as possible. The day off for staff training will be Thursday at 5 PM to Friday at 5 PM. If you miss any days of training expect to attend make-up training sessions on this Thursday in place of the day off.
Pre and Post Season There are opportunities to come to camp early or stay beyond the summer camp season. If you are interested in working beyond the end of camp, contact the camp office for more information. Some staff have been contracted to work the post season. Check your contract to see what dates apply for your employment.
Staff Departure: All staff are required to stay at camp until the end of their contract and until all duties to the camp have been completed. There will be a staff banquet and social the last Saturday night of the camp season. Unless other arrangements have been made, staff members are expected to work until 6PM on the last Saturday. All staff must stay in camp on the last Saturday night unless they have checked out of camp completely and have no intention of returning to camp to sleep. Assistant counselors may not leave camp Saturday evening unless being picked up by a parent. All staff must depart by 10AM on Sunday unless contracted to continue working past this day. Staff who are contracted to work Session 1 only are expected to work until 5pm on the last Saturday of the session.
Adjustment to Camp Staff should be prepared for a period of adjustment to camp. Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit homesick in the first few days of camp. The key is to keep busy and have faith that your homesickness and insecurity will get better soon. You will find that many of your fellow staff will also feel the same way although they may not show it outwardly. It is important to reach out to other people and be honest about your feelings. Be prepared for a mix of new and returning staff. Returning staff will be focused on old friends, which is a natural response to returning to a special place. If you are new, be careful not to take this as a rejection, but see it as old friends getting reacquainted. Once people say their hellos, they will be ready to meet new people. It is easy to shut people off because you are homesick or unfamiliar with a new setting so extra effort to stay positive is necessary in the first few days of camp. If you take the risk to approach others you will find them open and eager to get to know you.
Returning staff needs to make special efforts to get to know new staff and to be sensitive to the fact that they are unfamiliar with the rules and traditions of CCC. Take time to share what makes camp special to you and to explain traditions and rules with a new staff member. You might want to invite new staff to join your group of friends when walking to activities or training sessions. Be open to new ideas offered by new staff. All the traditions, activities, and songs at camp were new at one time. A new staff person may bring our next tradition to camp this summer! CCC Staff Guide - Page 10
All staff needs to be committed to working hard during staff training to both learn about their summer roles and to bond as an entire group. Everyone should also try to get to know people from other parts of the camp program who they might not be working with directly during the summer.
Transportation and Travel Staff 18 years old and older, may have a vehicle on property. Driving in camp is restricted and permission should be obtained from the office before driving into camp. Staff members who plan to travel to camp by car should notify camp of their approximate arrival time. Staff must keep their vehicles in designated staff parking lots. Staff members who are under 18 may not drive at camp nor drive to or from camp for time off unless they have permission from the camp administration and permission from their parent/guardian.
American staff arriving by air should arrive at Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT or the airport in Albany, NY as these are the closest airports to the camp—about 1 1/4 hours away. Arrangements can be made to be met by camp personnel if staff members notify camp in advance. If your travel plans change, be sure to notify camp of the change.
International Staff arriving on June 2 or June 9 must fly into Boston and be picked up directly from Logan Airport by a camp staff and a bus. You will be contacted prior to your arrival date with information as to where to meet the staff and bus at the airport. Be sure your flight is scheduled to arrive into Boston by 4:00pm.
International Staff arriving on all other dates must fly into New York City and will take a bus from Port Authority to Lee, Massachusetts and camp can pick you up in the town of Lee. The bus will drop you off at the Lee Premium Outlets. You should wait to be picked up by camp at the enclosed stop in the parking lot. If you call camp in advance of your arrival, a staff member will meet you at the bus. If no one is there to greet you, wait at the stop or inside the Food Court. Look for someone wearing a YMCA name tag or staff shirt. If you need to call camp, there is a pay phone at the Food Court by the bathrooms. Do not wander far from the pick-up spot or you may miss your ride to camp. Make sure a Chimney Corners Camp or Camp Becket staff member is picking you up. There are a lot of camps in the area and things can get confusing. If you will be getting to camp by some other means be sure to let camp know.
You can get the bus at the Port Authority in New York City. Staff members are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from camp unless it is provided by agreement from a staff placement agency. If you are an international staff entitled to reimbursement for your bus ticket be sure to keep your receipt, otherwise camp cannot reimburse you for the money.
Staff must make arrangements to be picked up at the airport or the bus station in advance with the camp office. If travel plans change you must notify camp. The camp office is open between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM and is not open on the weekends, so be sure to call during office hours. The bus and train stations are far from camp so do not plan to take a taxi to the camp. Call camp before you get on the bus to Lee.
If you get stuck or need assistance after 4 PM or anytime on weekends, call the following numbers: Camp Director’s (Shannon) Cell Phone: (413) 446-9944 Assistant Director’s (Berta) Cell Phone: (603) 661-6189
After hours there will be an automated answering system on the main camp line - (413) 623-8991. You can dial through to the following extensions: Camp Director’s Office - Ext. 102 Assistant Director’s Office - Ext. 140 Chimney Corners Office – Ext. 115
During the summer, camp provides transportation to town for staff on their time off on a limited basis. Staff members are restricted to using this service once per time off period. Staff members with vehicles are encouraged to offer rides to those who do not have their own transportation when convenient.
Driving directions to camp can be found on the camp website at www.bccymca.org CCC Staff Guide - Page 11
Staff Organization Chimney Corners Camp is part of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Other programs include Camp Becket for boys, Travel and Service Programs, and Berkshire Outdoor Center. Each department has a director and assistant director. The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA overall leadership is headed by our CEO and the Board of Trustees. The CEO is the direct supervisor of the Chimney Corners Camp Director as well as the program directors of all other departments. The Chimney Corners Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director and Registrar are year-round employees of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA.
The Administrative Staff: The Administrative Staff (Ad Staff) is made up of the Camp Director, Assistant Director, Registrar, Program Directors, Unit Directors, Aides Directors, and Reach Directors.
Support Staff: The support staff work in areas that are not directly related to programs but create the support to run camp. Support areas are food service, health service, facility maintenance and office.
• The Food Service Director supervises all the Dining Hall Directors, Kitchen Assistants, Cooks and Shift Managers. • The Maintenance Director & Assistant Maintenance Director supervise all Maintenance Staff and works with the Construction Foreman/Forewoman • The Office Manager supervises all Office Assistants and the Store Manager. • The Head Nurse supervises the Camp Nurses and Infirmary Assistants.
Program Staff: The program staff plans, organizes and delivers the specialized program activities offered at camp. Program Area Directors and Program Instructors are supervised by the Program Directors. The Program Area Directors and Instructors supervise the counselors and assistant counselors assigned to assist in their areas and schedule time off for these staff in cooperation with the Unit Directors.
Counseling/Cabin Staff: Counselors and Assistant Counselors live with the campers and are primarily focused on the care and support of the campers. All counseling staff members 18 and over will be called counselors. All counseling staff members under 18 will be called assistant counselors and will follow all rules for assistant counselors.
Staff Housing
During training weeks all staff will be living in camper cabins. This will not be your permanent housing for the summer. Prepare to move at least once in the first two weeks of your stay. We will try to keep moving to a minimum but good cheer and flexibility is appreciated. Remember that camper cabins do not have electricity. All staff should bring a battery-powered lantern and/or flashlight to camp and extra batteries. Flashlights and batteries will also be available in the camp store.
Staff are responsible for keeping their housing clean and free of damage. Staff will be assigned to clean common areas of camp. Cabin staff members need to make sure campers are cleaning the cabin and other common areas of camp diligently. Campers and staff are not allowed to put nails or print graffiti anywhere in camp. Staff members are responsible for ensuring that no damage is done to cabins including graffiti. Counselor rooms must be kept clean at all times. Staff will be charged for any damage to buildings.
Staff may not move furniture/mattresses between buildings or move furniture obtained outside of camp into any camp building without permission from the Camp Director or Assistant Director. Anyone moving in furniture without permission will be subject to disciplinary action.
Staff is expected to stay in the housing that they are assigned unless off camp. Staff is not allowed to have guests in their housing under any circumstance. Any staff person bringing a visitor into their living space without the expressed permission of the camp administration will be dismissed. Staff may arrange to have visitors stay in guest housing when housing is available and when the visit is approved by staff administration.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 12 Staff may expect the following types of accommodations:
Unit Directors: Unit Directors each have their own cabin with a bathroom, a living room and a bedroom. The living room of each unit director’s cabin is also the staff lounge and meeting area for the unit staff. Each set of unit directors will develop ground rules about the use of the unit director’s cabin but unit directors should be prepared to share the space with their staff. Staff in turn must help in keeping the space clean and respect the Unit Directors living space and time for privacy and sleep.
Counseling staff and some Program Staff: Counselors and Assistant Counselors live in the cabins with campers. Some Program Staff will also be assigned to live in Camper Cabins. Camper Cabins have 2-3 rooms for staff quarters. All staff should be prepared to share a room with another staff member, regardless of position.
There are 8-10 campers living in each cabin. Camper cabins do not have electricity, running water or bathrooms. Campers, counseling staff and program staff share a wash house in the unit. Wash houses have electricity, hot and cold water, indoor and outdoor showers, sinks and toilets. Campers and staff share the responsibility of keeping the cabin, wash houses and assigned parts of camp clean. Program Staff living in camper cabins must respect the leadership of the counseling staff for that cabin in regards to managing campers.
Ad Staff, Support Staff and some Program Staff: These staff may live in dormitory-style housing with electricity and shared bathrooms. Each room in the dormitory-style housing can accommodate from two to eight staff. Staff in this housing can expect to share their rooms and bathrooms with other staff of the same gender. Staff share the responsibility of keeping living space, common space and bathrooms clean. Different staff living in these spaces will have different schedules and thus come and go at different times. A sleep mask and earplugs are recommended if you are a light sleeper. Note that staff from Becket Day Camp/Berkshire Outdoor Center and TSP will also share this housing.
Camper Population
Chimney Corners Camp enrolls approximately 300 campers for each session. They are divided into three groups called units that are broken down in the following chart:
Unit Number of Number of Approximate Approximate cabins campers Ages Grades Junior 12 96 8 - 11 years 2nd – 5th grade Intermediate 12 96 11 – 13 years 5th – 7th grade Senior 12 108 13 – 15 years 7th – 9th grade Totals 36 302
In all cases, ages and grade levels within the units are approximate and vary between sessions.
The majority of campers are from the Northeast United States with high concentrations from Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. However, we have campers from all over the United States and the world including Washington D.C., North Carolina, Florida, California, France, China, England and more!
Daily Schedule
The following is a typical day at camp. Specific daily duties will be covered during staff training. The schedule on Sunday is different and will be covered during staff training.
7:30 AM Rise and Shine! 8:00 AM Unit Assembly/Flag Raising 8:15 AM Breakfast
CCC Staff Guide - Page 13 9:30-11AM Morning Cabin Time Each cabin group chooses activities for the cabin to do together. These activities will vary throughout the session and will be a mix of counselor lead and program staff led activities.
11:00 AM Free Activity Period Camp Store, waterfront and program areas open. Infirmary open for any campers or staff requiring medical attention. FREE SWIM. Staff are not on time off during free time unless on a scheduled day off or on a scheduled break. Staff should expect to have duties during free time including life guarding, coverage of cabins and coverage in program areas.
Noon Lunch Siesta (Rest period)
First Activity Period (2:00–2:50 PM) Second Activity Period (3:00–3:50 PM) Third Activity Period (4:00–4:50 PM)
The campers choose these activities after an orientation day. The campers choose six activities to participate in throughout the session. Depending on their swim level, camp will place each camper in 5 or 6 of the activities she has chosen. The campers will attend three activities on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and three activities on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sunday afternoon activities are usually all-camp events.
5:00 PM Free Activity Period Camp store is open for campers. (Free period for campers, most staff will have responsibilities during this time unless it is their scheduled time off) Day off begins and goes until the following day at 5:00 PM for those staff with a scheduled day off. The Infirmary is open for any campers or staff requiring medical attention. Staff are not on time off during free time unless on a scheduled day off or on a scheduled break. Staff should expect to have duties during free time including life guarding training, coverage of cabins, unit coverage and coverage in program areas.
5:45 PM Unit Assembly 6:00 PM Dinner
7:15 PM Evening Activity – Variety of Cabin, Unit or All Camp Activities
9:00 PM Goodnight Circle followed by Cabin Chat. (See description page 18)
10:00 PM The earliest a staff person may leave a cabin for time off or for staff snacks provided that all campers are settled for the night or asleep. Staff will be required to return to their cabin for the night is the cabin becomes noisy or disruptive.
11:45 PM All staff not on time off must be back in cabins/housing. All in-camp activity for staff is closed for the evening. Nights off end at 12:30 AM.
Activities Offered to Campers
This is a general list of activities that are offered to campers for afternoon classes each year. Additional activity options will be available dependent upon the varied skills and talents that staff can provide. Please note age and swim level restrictions on activities. As part of the application, staff filled out activity interest sheets. These will be used to place counseling staff in the appropriate activities. The needs of the campers comes first in activity assignments and while we will do our best to place staff in areas they enjoy, staff need to be open to working in areas as assigned.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 14 Arts & Crafts Land Sports (tennis, soccer, basketball, field Archery hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, fitness, rugby, Boating (Canoeing & Kayaking) softball, ultimate frisbee, yoga) Ceramics Music (Chimney Singers, A Capella, Guitar) Colonial Living Nature & Outdoor Living Skills Cooking Outdoor Cooking Dance (Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Photography Step) Ropes Course (high/low ropes, climbing) Drama (Improv, Musical, Playwriting) Sailing Farm & Garden Sewing Firefly & CCN (Camp newspaper & news show) Swimming (Swim Lessons, Advance Aquatics, Horseback Riding Lessons Swim Fun-tivities) Jewelry Making Woodworking
The campers choose afternoon activities after they arrive at camp. An orientation will introduce them to the activities, skill levels, and instructors/coordinators for each activity. All campers are expected to participate in afternoon activities. Program Staff and counselor coordinators of activities will be asked to give a presentation to the campers introducing them to the programs. This will be delivered in a fun, skit/commercial-like format. Counselors will help campers in the sign-up process and should make every effort to ensure campers are getting into classes that they want.
Activities are a time for campers to learn new skills over the course of the session. Campers and their parents expect a high level of structure and content in these programs. It is the responsibility of each staff member to prepare for lessons and keep the class on task and involved. Lesson plans need to be followed. Often campers will ask for an unstructured time in class but then complain at the end of the session that they did not learn anything in class. As the leader, it is your job to make sure the content of class is of the highest quality. It is our hope to give staff an opportunity to try some of the different program areas in which they have an interest, however, the needs of the campers must be a priority. Every effort will be made to give staff recreational opportunities.
All staff must take part in a swim assessment in order to swim or to use a boat. Staff swimming, sauna and use of boats is allowed only with permission of the Waterfront Director and only during designated staff times.
Staff Roles in Program Areas
Program Area Directors - Program area directors are responsible for an entire program area such as the Waterfront or Trip Program. Program area directors supervise the Program Instructors as well as any counseling staff, or LIT’s who work in their area. They are also themselves instructors. The Program Area Director is responsible for ordering supplies, maintaining safe, well run activities, evaluating staff and LIT’s and keeping the Program Directors informed. Collecting and coordinating time off from any program instructors and counseling staff is the program area director's responsibility. Program area directors teach morning, afternoon and evening activities.
Program Instructors - Program Instructors are specifically hired for their skill in a particular area, and work mainly in that area. Depending on the program, some Program Instructors are responsible for their entire area, including lesson plans, supply orders, supervising counseling staff and LIT’s, etc. and check in with an Area Director while other instructors work entirely under the direction of an Area Director. Program Instructors teach morning, afternoon activities and evening activities. All program staff members (including area directors) are expected to teach 6 activity periods (3 afternoon activities per day).
Coordinators– Returning counselors may be assigned to be the head instructor of an afternoon activity (at times these duties will be shared with another counselor) where a Program Instructor position does not exist. The Coordinator of an activity is responsible for reading and implementing that activities lesson plan, leading the activity and ensuring all activity periods are covered. Coordinators will report to the Area Director in charge of that department with any concerns.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 15
Counseling Staff - All counseling staff are required to assist in teaching afternoon activities. The Program Directors will assign staff to activities according to the interests of staff and the staffing needs of each activity. Counseling staff assigned to an activity are responsible for attending the activity (except on her day off), and teaching the activity when the program staff or coordinator is on time off. It is the responsibility of all instructors in each activity to plan time off accordingly in order to ensure that there is a staff member at every activity.
Camp Program Descriptions
Chimney Corners Camp is a very special place. It maintains many traditions as well as changing to meet the progressing needs of our campers. As a new staff member, it is helpful to become familiar with some of the traditions of Chimney Corners, as they are a valuable and important part of the campers’ and the staff’s experiences here. The following is a summary of many of the things that make Chimney Corners the special place that it is.
“All-Camp” Programs (such as campfires, theater productions) will include all staff members. Consider yourself an important person in the camp community and a vital part of these EXCITING programs. Your participation is critical to the success of these events. Expect to participate in songs, skits, dance routines and to dress up in costumes.
All unit directors, counselors, and assistant counselors are expected to attend all unit and camp programs with their campers. Campfires and all-camp programs are not considered free time for staff. Campers are in the counselor’s care and under their supervision. Unit programs are intended for the campers and staff of that unit.
Campfires: There are numerous campfires throughout each session, both all-camp and unit campfires. The first week of each session there will be an all-camp campfire in which staff is asked to perform a song or skit together (i.e., unit staff, program staff, administrative staff, support staff) and the units introduce their cheers. Campfires will take place at the Open Circle or other designated fire circle. As with many all-camp activities, staff is asked to volunteer to be emcees for the campfires, which involves gathering acts, putting together an order and introducing acts (with enthusiasm). Any staff members who wish to play a part in this are invited to do so.
Wiff N’ Poof: This is one of the more anticipated events of the first session. Each cabin group will prepare a song to which they will learn all the words and choreograph a dance. The campers must also come up with their own costumes (none from the Prop Room should be used). Then, on the second Saturday of the session, they will perform the song in front of the whole camp. It is one of the few truly competitive events at camp, as assigned judges will score each cabin and a winner is chosen from each unit. The Aides make a sign and emcee Wiff N’ Poof.
Candlelight/Circle of Happiness: This event is very traditional. On the evening of the last Wednesday or Thursday of the session, the entire camp will go to the chapel where we are given a chance to reflect on the session. There are speakers from each of the units (campers) and a representative of the counselors, assistant counselors, LIT’s, program staff, support staff and ad staff. The ad staff will select the speakers based on their involvement and enthusiasm during the session. The event is rather solemn, and ends with each camper and staff leaving the chapel, receiving a candle and Good Night Circle being led by the LIT’s on the IGL field. More specific instructions will be handed out prior to the event. Second session, this event is quite similar and is called Candlelight.
Camper Banquet: Camper banquet takes place on the last night of camp and involves a special dinner and dressing up. Before dinner there is a final camp showcase where different groups perform (dance classes, music classes, etc.). The dinner is followed by awards and a slide show as well as one last Good Night Circle. The LITs plan and organize the Session 1 Showcase and Banquet and the Program Staff plan and organize Session 2.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 16 Song N’ Sign: This is much like Wiff N’ Poof, however, the cabin changes the words of the song to include the names of their cabin mates and counselors, and they paint a sign to include their counselors’ names and cabin name. It is judged much the way Wiff N’ Poof is.
Gibson Weekend: Both sessions, Gibson Weekend is an event which takes a large amount of planning and energy, but is well worth it. The mother or a female role model in the life of each camper will arrive on Friday afternoon and participate in all of their campers’ activities. Some campers will have designated mentors (LIT’s or Alumni) if a mom/female role model can’t attend. Activities will be twice as crowded, and need to be well thought out and exciting for visitors, as well as a chance for their campers to show off what they have learned. On Sunday at noon, families are invited to camp for “Family Day”, and they will be given a list of activities which are open for them. Activities include open boating, archery, land sports, ranch tours, etc. Much more information will proceed Gibson Weekend.
The parents of LIT’s and staff are not invited to Gibson Weekends since staff will be fully occupied with camp activities. Arrangements can be made to have your family visit at other times.
Good Night Circle: Each night, at the end of the Evening Activity, whether it is a Unit or All-camp Activity, ends with Good Night Circle. Everyone crosses arms (right over left) and holds hands with the person next to them. Then several songs are sung many from the Chimney Corners songbook. Usually, the coordinators or emcees of the evening’s event will lead Good night Circle. The second to last song is always “The Sun is in the West”, then hands are dropped and “Taps” is sung. Don’t worry if you don’t know the songs at first, its okay to hum along!
Cabin Chat: Before the campers go to bed at night, once they are in their pajamas, they light a candle in the middle of the cabin and the counselor poses a question for the cabin group. Then, one by one, each cabin member is given the chance to express her views, share her thoughts and get to know her cabin mates. This is a very special time in the cabin group, and all staff members are encouraged to become involved in cabin chats, as it is a great way to get to know campers and other staff.
Singing in the Dining Hall/Birthdays: Following lunch and dinner, one or two songs will be sung and anyone having a birthday will have a special birthday presentation by the LITs. There will be plenty of people to teach you the songs when you arrive. Songs are sung loud, fast and with great enthusiasm so be prepared. The camp birthday song is a bit different than the traditional birthday song.
General Information and Policies
Food: Camp works hard to provide nutritionally-balanced, enjoyable and varied meals. Vegetarian options are available at each meal but will at times contain eggs, cheese and other dairy products. A salad bar will be available at lunches and dinners to supplement the meals. Gluten free options are also available. Please contact camp to discuss dietary restrictions that will not be met by our meal plan. In no way would the camps seek to alter an individual’s beliefs in this regard, but extremely restrictive diets are difficult to accommodate in a camp setting.
Food cannot be kept in the cabins because it creates sanitation and storage problems. Staff must not keep food and must prohibit campers from keeping food in the cabins. Campers will have the opportunity to buy one food item per day in the camp store for immediate consumption. In addition, fruit is always available to staff and campers at the dining hall. Staff will also have opportunities during the day to purchase snacks. Evening snacks are provided to staff at the dining hall each night after campers are in bed.
Staff members are expected to create a positive attitude toward the food that is served at camp especially in the presence of campers. Staff members are also expected to act as positive role-models for campers in regard to healthy eating habits but to also be cautious not to unduly influence camper beliefs about food.
Keeping Camp Clean: All staff members are required to keep camp buildings and grounds clean at all times. Staff will be assigned regular duties to keep program areas, housing and common areas clean,
CCC Staff Guide - Page 17 including bathrooms. Staff members are to encourage campers to clean up after activities, keep cabins and wash houses clean at all times, and pick up litter on the grounds. Staff will be evaluated on these duties.
Chapel Attendance and Religion: As part of the all-camp program, a non-religious chapel service is held in camp every Sunday. Spiritual and inspirational stories, original skits and plays and music are a central part of the program. All campers and staff are expected to attend.
Staff may be required to take part in the planning and performance of the Chapel service. Staff and campers represent a variety of religious backgrounds, therefore the services aim toward an interfaith experience. As a YMCA camp, the Chimney Corners program reflects a faith in God and the Judeo- Christian values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
While we do have a concern for religious values and the spiritual life of our campers, we should not proselytize for a particular viewpoint. Instead we can be educators for religious living and the search for values and meaning. All staff should be sensitive to religious and denominational differences among us; emphasizing both those things we have in common and respect for the beliefs of each. Sharing of what is important to us can be an important goal. We should neither aim to impose our own beliefs on others or ask others to abstain from expressing their beliefs.
During the services, we encourage campers and staff to contribute money to YMCA World Service, which aids YMCA’s in other countries and various domestic projects such as the General Convention of Sioux Indian YMCAs.
A grace is offered at each meal. Graces reflect the diverse spiritual community of our camps and our Judeo-Christian tradition. Some of our graces are a tradition that date back to the early history of the camp and do have some religious overtones.
Health Care Services
The key to good health is good hygiene and common sense. It is the role of the staff to act as good role models at all times. Staff is not only responsible for their own health and safety but that of campers. All staff must take this responsibility to heart and ensure that campers are well cared for at all times.
Even when following the best rules of good health, minor illness and the occasional scraped knee do occur. The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA is fortunate to have a contractual arrangement with Quincy Pediatrics for the delivery of on-site primary health care for campers and staff. Their practice is located in Quincy, Massachusetts, just south of Boston. Each physician has a faculty appointment at Tufts University School of Medicine. The camp physicians are all board-certified in pediatrics and one is in residence at the camps 24 hours a day. In addition, each camp employs three nurses and/or infirmary aides.
The health staff at the camps handles most illnesses and injuries. When necessary, referral to Berkshire Medical Center for x-rays, further laboratory evaluation, subspecialty referral, or hospitalization will be available. Coverage of any medical, dental, prescription services or eyeglasses repair not provided by Quincy Pediatric is NOT included and will be the responsibility of the staff or their insurance providers through direct billing.
ANY medications (including inhalers, injections, and over the counter medications) brought to camp by campers or staff must be kept in the camp infirmaries BY STATE LAW, and will be given AS PRESCRIBED, at our physician’s discretion (see Medications). The Health Department can shut down Camp if any medication is found in camper cabins or staff housing. Staff must comply with this rule.
Our health care professionals are available to discuss medical concerns prior to and during the camping season. Staff who wish to have more information about the Health Services Program may contact Dr. David Irons at:
CCC Staff Guide - Page 18 Quincy Pediatrics, 191 Independence Ave. Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 (617) 773-5070
Medications: Our camp infirmary will administer only those medicines prescribed by the camp physician or by the examining physician in writing on the examination form. Nonprescription medication must come in the original package with written permission from the camp physician. All prescribed medications sent to the camp must be in the original container bearing the pharmacy label which shows the prescription number, date filled, physician’s name, name of medication, directions for use and the staff’s name. Requests for dosages, which differ from the label, or from the recommended dosage for a person’s age/weight will only be accommodated with written instruction from a physician. Medication must be given to the health care staff at check-in. ANY medications (including inhalers, injections, and over the counter medications) brought from home must be kept in the camp infirmaries BY STATE LAW, and will be given AS PRESCRIBED, at our physician’s discretion.
Immunizations and Health Records: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that all campers and staff be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and rubella. In addition, all campers and staff must be free of terbuculosis (TB).
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA recommends that staff talk with their physician in regard to the meningococcal vaccine which can protect against some strains of the Meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcemia is a rare bacterial infection of the blood stream. This germ can sometimes cause meningitis (infection of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord) or sepsis (an infection of the blood). The bacteria are spread by close contact (involving the exchange of saliva) with an infected person or a person who is a carrier of the bacteria. A meningococcal vaccine has been recommended for participants in some residential programs such as colleges and the military.
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA requires a complete pre-camp physical examination within the last 12 months of staff’s arrival at camp. Health forms must be complete, signed and in camp’s possession by opening day in order for staff to be eligible to work. If you have had a health exam before receiving the camp health form, attach a copy of the physical exam report to the camp health card and fill in any additional information. Our camp physicians cannot perform these physicals. Staff without health forms will not be allowed to stay at camp under any circumstances.
Staff Services
Staff Valuables: It is best not to keep money in the cabins or staff housing. Camp cannot guarantee the security of shared living space. We recommend that each staff member keep money and valuables in an assigned locker or personal car. Staff may open a staff account for the camp store.
Payroll: Please note that no staff person will receive pay until all payroll forms have been submitted. Staff members who do not submit tax forms in advance of summer should not expect to get paid until enough time has elapse to process forms. Your salary for the summer will be divided into equal payments and paid bi-weekly. Pay will be direct deposited into a personal account you designated on your direct deposit paperwork or on a RapidPay Debit Card that camp will provide.
First Year International Staff will need to obtain a US Social Security Card in order to be paid. Camp will facilitate this process once you arrive but note that the process applying for and receiving your social security card can take several weeks. Limited cash advances will be available to these staff only if they are unable to be paid by the first pay period. We recommend traveling with enough cash to meet your spending needs for the first few weeks.
Issues with pay need to be addressed early in the season. Staff will only be entitled to pay reflected on the signed agreement.
Salary Advances: No advances on camp salary can be made unless there is a delay in our ability to pay a staff member such as in the case of first time international staff waiting for a social security number. Staff should note the payroll dates and plan accordingly.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 19
Camp Store: The CCC Store is open Monday through Saturday. The camp store stocks snacks, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, insect repellent, writing materials, stamps, camp clothing, souvenirs, etc. If we do not have an item you are looking for, let us know. Providing we can purchase in bulk, we may be able to stock it for you. Staff may use cash, personal checks or debit/credit cards for purchases.
Outgoing Mail: Mail going to the US Post Office should be deposited in the mailbox in the CCC Dining Hall or at the business office. It is picked up each morning (except Sunday) immediately after breakfast. Postage stamps and overseas airmail materials may be purchased in the store. Please check camper letters for stamps and proper address including zip codes. (A zip code directory is located in the office and our staff will be happy to help campers or staff members look one up!)
Incoming Mail: Incoming mail is sorted after lunch. Cabin staff mail will be sorted in with camper mail and picked up from designated cabin mailboxes in the dining hall during siesta. E-mail sent to the camp e-mail system will be put in with the daily mail. Any e-mail received after the mail has been delivered will be put into the following day’s mail. Make sure to tell family and friends to put your unit and cabin name or job title on your mail to ensure the mail is delivered properly. All other staff can pick up their mail in designated boxes after 2:00 PM. Staff should advise family and friends to put their full name, title and department on staff mail. The camp address is Chimney Corners Camp, 748 Hamilton Road, Becket, MA 01223. Please include name of cabin and unit or department in lower corner.
Internet/E-mail: Staff will have access to computers with internet access for the purpose of sending email on a limited basis. The camp provides this service to help staff living far from home to communicate with their family and friends. Please realize that each staff member needs to be considerate of others and limit their time on the computer as much as possible. This computer is not for use to “surf” the web or skype, but only for email or work related purposes. Staff may not download pictures, video, etc. using the camp computers. Staff not adhering to internet access policies will be shut out of the system for the duration of the summer.
Wi-Fi is available in the Dining Hall and Manor Lounge during designated times of the day only for those who wish to access the internet using personal laptop, tablet or cellular devices. We are an unplugged and rustic camp and campers should NEVER see any staff member on a personal laptop, tablet, cell phone or other electronic device.
Telephone: Camp telephones are for camp business and emergency calls only.
Staff are allowed personal cellular/mobile phones. As stated previously these phones can only be used in designated areas during designated times of the day. We are an unplugged and rustic camp and campers should NEVER see any staff member on a cell phone.
Messages: If someone calls for you or leaves a message on the camp phone, you will be notified at the next meal and be given a message slip in your mailbox. The phone is answered directly between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM. After hours, an automated operator will direct people how to leave a message and will also give them options for contacting someone if the call is an emergency. Please coach friends and family members as to the appropriate use of the emergency system.
Staff Lounge/TV/DVD: There is a staff lounge available to staff in the Manor. This is where the TV/DVD player are located. Camp has a supply of videos that staff may borrow but staff may want to bring some of their own as well.
Laundry: Coin-operated washers and dryers for laundry are available to staff at all times. Camp provides a supply of detergent and dryer sheets, but staff may also provide their own supplies. Staff are responsible for managing your own items and making timely use of these shared machines. Staff can exchange $10 cash for a roll of quarters at the camp office during regular business hours.
Camp also uses a laundry service for camper laundry. Laundry is sent out twice each session and at intersession. Staff are allowed to send out laundry through this service on the designated 5 days in the
CCC Staff Guide - Page 20 summer. Note that in using this service that camp cannot be held liable for the loss or damage of any items.
Camp Lingo
For new staff, when you first arrive at camp, it may seem as if there is an entirely different language spoken here, whether or not English is your first language! The following is a brief “dictionary” of words and phrases commonly used around both Chimney Corners and Camp Becket. Read this list, and the preceding pages on special events, and you’ll soon feel like you grew up around here!
AC or Assistant Counselor: This is the next step in the Leadership-in-Training program and designated staff who are under the age of 18. ACs live in the cabin group under the guidance of the counselor, and function in the counselor’s role when she is off duty. AC’s have completed their 11th or 12th grade year in high school.
Ad Staff or Administrative Staff: The key leadership at each camp including the Camp Director, Assistant Director, Program Directors, Unit Directors (Village Directors at CB), Aides Directors and Reach Directors
Adventure Odyssey Cabin (also known as Odyssey): There is one Odyssey cabin each session that is a part of the Senior Unit. Odyssey participants have completed 8th or 9th . These campers and their counselors spend half of their time on camp participating in regular programs and half of their time off camp participating in outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, white water rafting, sea kayaking and hiking the Appalachian Trail. Off camp trips are led by a Trip Guide.
Aides: A step in the Leadership-in-Training program, these campers are taking their first steps towards being on staff. Aides have completed their 10th or 11th) grade year in high school, and you’ll see them around camp working in the kitchen, at program areas, participating in lifeguard certification and singing birthday songs in the Dining Hall, among other things. This is a part of the LIT program along with Reach. At Chimney Corners there are 28 Aides, while Camp Becket has 24 Aides.
AOD or Adult on Duty: Members of the Ad Staff and designated members of the Program Staff are assigned as the AOD each night. AOD’s patrol the camp from 10 PM to 12:30 AM.
BCC or BCCY: abbreviations used for our overall organization, Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA.
BDC: abbreviation used for Becket Day Camp. Becket Day Camp is a Berkshire Outdoor Center program and runs on our Lane Farm property on the backside of Camp Becket. They also run an international exchange camp with participants from China called Berkshire Happy Camp. Some Becket Day Camp Staff and related program staff live at Chimney Corners Camp and join us for meals and some programs.
BOC: abbreviation for the Berkshire Outdoor Center which is the year-round program component of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA.
Cabin Chat: This is an event that occurs each night in every cabin. The cabin staff prepares a thought- provoking question for the cabin group and once they are all ready for bed, the group will sit around a lit candle and share their thoughts on the question for the day.
CB: abbreviation for Camp Becket, our brother camp located 1/2 mile down the road.
CCC: abbreviation for Chimney Corners Camp.
Construction Cabin: There are 2- 4 construction cabins during each session. Construction cabins are in the Senior Unit and consist of our oldest campers who have completed 8th or 9th grade. These campers and their counselors devote a good portion of their time at camp learning carpentry skills while working on building a new cabin. This program is led by a Construction Director and instructor in cooperation with our director of facilities.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 21 ELC or Environmental Learning Center - This camp building is where Woodshop, Nature/OLS & Culinary Arts programs are based out of.
ICEP or International Camper Exchange Program, Part of the Travel and Service Programs. This is a program designed for campers that have completed 9th or 10th grade in High School. ICEP participants travel abroad to learn about community service and participate in cultural exchange with YMCA’s in their host countries. ICEP participants currently travel to Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, China, Vietnam, Japan, and Sweden.
IGL or Ina Gibson Lodge, The IGL is LIT housing for Aides and Reach. The chimney inside the lodge is the namesake of the camp.
Intersession: Period of time from when the first session campers leave to when the second session campers arrive. Some campers do stay through intersession for both sessions of camp. This is not considered time off for staff.
Long Night: The time off period that lasts from 5:00 PM until 12:30 AM, each staff can take one long night off per time off period.
NOLS – National Outdoor Leadership School – Part of the Travel and Service Programs. Program is available to participants completing 10th grade. This trip takes place in Alaska.
OD or On Duty: Members of the counseling and program staff who are assigned in each unit at night to walk around and make sure the unit is quiet, there are three ODs in each unit, one who sits in an assigned spot where she can be found by campers, and the others who walks around the unit. OD’s are on duty beginning at 10:00pm and remain on duty until all cabins in their unit are covered (between 11:30am – Midnight).
Pittsfield, Lee, Great Barrington and Northampton (Noho) - Nearby towns which are popular destinations for staff on time off.
Reach: A step in the Leadership-in-Training program, these campers are taking their first steps towards being on staff. Reach participants have completed their 10th or 11th grade year in high school and take a trip to South Dakota and spend time on the Sioux Indian reservation where they participate in various service projects and cultural exchange programs. You will also see them around camp for a few weeks working with campers and participating in lifeguard certification. This is part of the LIT program along with the Aides Program. There are 12 Reach participants at both Chimney Corners and Camp Becket.
Riding Cabin – The 2 cabins in which the campers spend each morning working with the horses and learning riding skills. There is usually one riding cabin in the Intermediate Unit and one riding cabin in the Senior Unit. This program is run by the Ranch Director and staff.
Snacks: After 10:00 p.m., a snack is put out at each dining hall and staff members can gather at the dining hall to socialize and/or get a bite to eat. Unless otherwise scheduled, snacks are generally open to staff from all camps/departments.
TLS or Teen Leadership and Service: TLS is a TSP trip for teens which involves cycling along the coast of Lake Champlain in Vermont and New York and performing community service along the way. This is a program designed for campers that have completed 9th or 10th grade in High School
TSP or Travel Service Program, is the department that manages ICEP, TLS, YAS and NOLS. TSP participants are Chimney Corners and Camp Becket campers who have completed 9th or 10th grade. All TSP groups will stay at Chimney Corners at some point during their program. They will eat meals with us and utilize program space as available. TSP leaders also live at Chimney Corners for a period of time when not leading a trip.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 22 Unit: Chimney Corners Camp is divided into three sections called units. Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. At Camp Becket, these sections are called Villages and there are 4 called Iroquois, Pioneer, Frontier and Rangers.
Unit Assembly: Each unit has a designated spot around a flagpole where they meet before breakfast and dinner to raise or lower the flag and share announcements and songs.
Unit Director: The staff members in each unit who supervises that unit’s staff and oversees the activities of that particular unit. At Camp Becket, a Village Director (or VD) leads each village.
Wash house: The centrally located bathroom/shower area located in each unit. At Camp Becket, these same buildings are known as Automats.
YAS or Yellowstone Adventure and Service, a Travel and Service Program that travels to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to participate in service projects helping the National Park Service. This is a program designed for campers that have completed 9th or 10th grade in High School
Accreditation The American Camp Association accredits The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Camp Becket, Chimney Corners Camp and the Becket Day Camp comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and are licensed by the Town of Becket Department of Public Health.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 23