Frequently Asked Questions - Staff

Frequently Asked Questions - Staff Skyland Camp for Girls

Tell me about Skyland Camp for Girls. Since 1917, campers have come to Skyland and found something amazing. Themselves. At Skyland, people learn to embrace their own true selves, challenge their limits, and build some of their most meaningful connections with others.

With no more than 65 campers, each individual is an important member of the Skyland community. In fact, even the youngest and newest campers have opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute. Staff provide individualized attention that helps campers find mentors in all types of incredible girls and women. It is not uncommon for someone to leave Skyland feeling like she has gained a few grandmothers, lots of cool moms, aunts, older cousins, and scores of sisters.

What is Skyland’s Mission? Through traditional camp programs, Skyland Camp for Girls inspires girls to be curious, creative, confident and connected to each other, and to the world.

The following values support our mission and guide us both as an organization and as individuals in our work.

 Welcoming – We invite people to find space here, to feel safe, to create community, to feel at home and find nourishment. Our environment is nurturing, relaxing, stimulating and inspiring.

 Teamwork – We work together, inclusively, collaboratively, with energy, intention and commitment. We keep each other informed, share what we are thinking and doing, and expect the same in return.

 Service – We value the practice of service and what it teaches us about ourselves and our relation to others. Our campers and guests are here to experience the world in new ways. We are attuned to and care about their experience, needs and expectations. We treat each other with similar grace.

 Integrity – In business and in relationships, we conduct ourselves with honesty, fairness, truth, candor and respect. We treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated. We focus on the collective good.

 Accountability – We expect each of us to do what we say we will, to meet commitments and to be dependable and responsible.

How old do I need to be to work at Skyland? o Junior Counselor: 16-17 years old and have completed your junior year in high school and Skyland’s Counselor-in-Training program (or similar leadership training at a comparable facility). o Counselors: 18+ years old and a high school graduate. 2 o Administrative staff: 21+ years old and a college graduate or equivalent experience. Additional experience may be required depending on position. o Maintenance/Housekeeping staff: at least 16 years old.

What are the campers like? Skyland campers are girls ages 6-15 years old. Some are outgoing, adventurous, and excited and some are quiet, curious, and just learning to take risks and try new things. Our campers often represent a variety of states in the U.S., from the Southeast to the Midwest and all the way to the West Coast. We’ve even had campers and counselors from other countries! They come from all different kinds of families and backgrounds. Some campers are third- and fourth-generation Skylanders, and others are the first in their families to ever attend camp.

Who are my co-workers? While many staff members are former campers, we also hire plenty of staff who are new to Skyland. Most of the counselors are college-aged students interested in youth development, teaching, and exploring the outdoors. Administrators share similar interests and are often professionals in the activities they teach or in their administrative roles. The other part of the staff is our amazing team of maintenance and housekeeping staff, who are local employees responsible for much of the upkeep around Skyland Hill.

What are my responsibilities as a staff member? While each person at Skyland has a specific role and responsibilities, we work together as a team to provide the best experience for campers. Skyland hires people who go beyond the basics – people who will use their thoughtfulness, creativity, and ingenuity to make camp special. The job description for the position for which you are applying explains the specific responsibilities for your role. You should also expect to do some things that you would have never imagined doing this summer. That could be plunging a toilet or it could be sorting through hundreds of costumes to find the perfect one for a whimsical game of quidditch. The collaboration and versatility that each staff member brings to the team is part of what makes working at camp such a rewarding job.

Do I work all summer or can I pick just one session or a couple of weeks? Skyland programs operate best with continuity of staff. As such, priority is given to applicants who are able to work the entire summer. With the camp session just over five weeks long, plus on-site pre-camp training, most staff members find it refreshing to be able to work a season of camp AND have time for other interests either before or after their summer at Skyland. 2015 employment dates (including pre-camp training) are Sunday, June 21 – Sunday, August 2.

What is a camp counselor? Counselors are the front-line mentors and teachers for Skyland campers. At Skyland, counselors work as both cabin and activity counselors. They live and sleep alongside their campers in the cabin, facilitate effective (and sometimes goofy) bonding activities during free time, and help campers who might be learning new skills for the first time.

In their activities, counselors are the people who make the activity happen, from planning for each of the different age groups, to gathering supplies to leading the activity with campers. Counselors will also have special “additional duties” like planning an evening all-camp Clubhouse activity, handing out mail during mail call, or taking photos and video around camp, among others.

What will my living situation be like?

2 3 Residential staff members live with campers in the facilities provided by the camp. These facilities are permanent buildings and cabins that combine the comfort of an indoor shelter and the excitement of living in the fresh air of the Great Smoky Mountains. Living facilities are equipped with screened-in porches where campers and staff sleep and often spend free time. Staff members have rooms separate from campers in which to keep personal belongings. All living areas have restrooms, and shower facilities are available in the Big House and in separate ‘shower huts’ located near the cabins.

Will there be bugs, spiders, and other creepy crawlers? Absolutely! Don’t be surprised if a Daddy Long Leg spider dances on the mirror while you brush your teeth in the morning. On a rare occasion, we may see a harmless black snake sunning himself in the nearby woods. One of the benefits of working and living in the outdoors is interacting with all of the other cool creatures that inhabit our world.

What about the food? Can you accommodate my dietary preferences/allergies? At Skyland, we pride ourselves for serving wholesome, made-from scratch food and using plenty of local produce. Three meals each day are served family-style and each table accommodates six campers and at least one counselor. As role models to campers, it is important that staff members eat what is served and encourage campers to try new things. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful at each meal and it’s not uncommon to see fresh fruits on the all-day snack table, a healthy salad bar at supper or an oatmeal bar at breakfast.

Staff also has access to a shared refrigerator and storage space for food they may want to have available, provided that it is kept in sealed containers and not eaten in front of campers. Unfortunately, Skyland is not able to accommodate severe or life-threatening food allergies, but does provide vegetarian options, as well as options for gluten and dairy sensitivity (100% gluten and/or dairy-free cannot be guaranteed). If you have specific dietary concerns, let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss options.

Does Skyland have a religious affiliation and/or service? Skyland is an independent camp and has no religious affiliation. Campers and staff of all faiths and beliefs are welcome to join and strengthen our community. In its early years Skyland (like many camps in that era) adopted some Christian practices. While most are no longer in practice, some of those rich traditions are still present today. You’ll see those traditions in the pre-meal blessings, or songs of thanks, as well as in our Sunday night Vespers service and some choir songs.

Vespers is a Clubhouse event held on Sunday evenings. It is a non-denominational service in which values such as friendship, loyalty, gratitude, and stewardship for the earth are honored. Vespers is also a beautiful opportunity to learn about, celebrate and respect the traditions of religions and cultures from across the world.

Is there staff training? Definitely! All staff arrives on Skyland Hill several days before opening day to prepare for the summer. In addition to classroom and experiential training, we learn the ins and outs of life at Skyland and prepare for the arrival of campers. These first few days are some of our favorites because we’re getting to know each other! In addition to on-site training, staff members complete pre-camp video training through our partner Expert Online Training. There may also be some books, or other resources you are expected to read. All pre-camp training is used to prepare staff 4 for on-site trainings at camp. All residential staff should be CPR/First Aid certified. Some positions (such as lifeguard) require special certifications. We will let you know if your position requires anything other than First Aid/CPR.

Do staff members wear a uniform? On most days, no. Staff are free to wear what they choose, permitted it is appropriate for the population and activities of the camp. Shorts, t-shirts, and closed-toe shoes are common camp attire, plus warmer layers for cooler days and nights. If you’re in the riding ring, you should wear jeans or riding pants, and boots. If you’re at the swimming pool, you’ll wear a swimsuit. For a handful of off-camp activities, like tubing or our campout, you’ll need sturdy water shoes that are secure to your feet, such as the water sock, Chaco-, or Teva-style shoes (not flip-flop or Crocs). Please don’t bring anything that advertises or is related to drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, tobacco, or, that suggests intolerance or lack of respect to others. Staff members will receive at least one Skyland staff shirt to wear on special occasions, such as on opening and closing days, outings, and our weekly Vespers service. More on what to wear and bring can be found on the staff packing list.

How are we paid? Skyland offers a competitive camp compensation package that includes weekly salary, full room and board, weekly laundry service and paid time off. You may choose to receive your pay at the end of each session or at the end of the summer. Can I bring my car? Sure, but you certainly don’t have to. Some staff members do drive their cars to camp, and we provide limited staff parking in which to keep those vehicles. Often staff members appreciate having their vehicle at camp so they can use it on their time off. If a staff member does not have a car, they usually take their time off with someone who does, or another staff member may lend them their vehicle. Those who choose to bring a vehicle to camp assume all risks and liabilities.

What if I get sick? The camp nurse and infirmary are available to camp staff just as they are to campers. If further medical attention is required, we will help you make arrangements to receive that attention. The costs of prescriptions, doctor and hospital visits, and any other services rendered are the responsibility of the individual staff member and that of their insurance company. Staff must submit health forms (signed by your doctor) and release waivers prior to arriving at camp.

Will I be able to stay in touch with friends and family at home? Yes, although it may not be the frequency to which you are accustomed. We encourage our staff to use the opportunity to ‘unplug’ at camp, just as we do the campers. What a great time to make use of good ‘ol fashioned snail mail! You may decide to bring cell phones and laptops, though individuals who do so assume all risks and liabilities. You are welcome to take care of any personal business on time off, including use of cell phones and laptops and keeping in touch with people away from camp. These special technology privileges should not detract from a staff member’s work nor be used in the presence of or made evident to campers.

How does time-off work? Residential staff members receive 24 hours of paid time off each week. Staff may use their weekly time off all at once or in 12-hour chunks. In addition, residential staff members have daily time off, either through a free activity period or other accommodation during which they do not have assigned camp responsibilities. Staff members use free time to take care of personal matters, relax,

4 5 and explore the offerings in the surrounding area. Time off is coordinated with a designated staff member.

What is the application process? We go to great lengths to hire staff members who are qualified, responsible, and a good fit for Skyland and its campers. All staff who are offered employment will have successfully completed phone, in-person and/or Skype interviews, reference checks, and appropriate criminal background checks.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Candidates may access the online application on the Staff page of the skylandcamp.com website.

Who do I contact with questions about my application? Please contact Madi Weisberg at [email protected] or (828) 627-2470.