Veteran Staff Application

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for re-applying for employment at the Lair of the Golden Bear. If you are fortunate enough to be selected again as one of the staff, your Lair experience will be one you’ll never forget! As you know, the Lair is a magical place that creates lasting memories for generations of Cal Alumni and their friends and families. As a veteran staff member, your role in developing those memories is extremely important. Our campers look to you and your peers to continue to create a special experience and we are counting on you, if re-hired, to be even more involved in making their stay fantastic.

Please take this application seriously. There is no guarantee that you will be hired back just because you worked during a previous summer. Additionally, if you are applying for a third or fourth year on staff, you need to convince us that you deserve to come back and take a spot from a potential staffer that could spend the next two or three summers on staff. Based on previous years, there is a high likelihood that we will turn away some veteran staffers because we have such a limited number of positions. Our goal is to fill our staffs with the best available talent, regardless of seniority. What we do in Pinecrest is too important for us not to put the best possible team together. You were hired originally because we believed you had what it takes. Please take this opportunity to remind us why we hired you and to show why your experience makes you a great candidate.

On behalf of the entire Lair team, I want to personally thank you for taking the time to fill out this application and for going through the entire application process. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Michael Yaley Director, Lair of the Golden Bear STAFF APPLICATION FACT SHEET

This brief fact sheet is provided to answer some of the most common questions regarding the Lair of the Golden Bear employment opportunity. If you have any other questions please call the Lair Office at 510.900.8257 direct, or (888) CAL-ALUM. You may also email [email protected].

ELIGIBILITY: In order to be eligible to staff at the Lair one must be enrolled in a two or four year college or have had graduated May 2013 or later. These terms of eligibility do not apply to the cooking staff.

DATES: ALL staffers are required to work for the full 2014 summer season. ALL staffers are required to arrive at camp on Friday May 30 if attending a semester school and NO LATER THAN Friday June 13 if attending a school on the quarter system, to begin orientation and training. ALL semester school staffers are expected to work through Saturday, August 23, 2014. ALL other staff will be expected to work through Sunday, September 21. If you have ANY conflicts with these dates, you MUST note them in the section provided on the application.

LOCATION: Camp is located 150 miles east of Berkeley, and 30 miles east of Sonora, in the central Sierra Nevada town of Pinecrest, CA (elevation 5600 feet). The Lair consists of three camps: Camp Gold, which opened in 1949, Camp Blue, which opened in 1957, and Camp Oski, which opened in 1997. The camps are located just one half-mile from one another and are connected by footpaths and service roads.

APPLICANT POOL AND SALARIES: In 2014, we expect to hire approximately one out of every four applicants. Starting staff member/crew salary for the summer is $975per month plus room and board. Staffers can expect to take home approximately $2000 for the summer

WORK SCHEDULE & TIME OFF: Beyond the work week, staffers will receive a designated full day- and-a-half off on either Sunday and Monday or Tuesday and Wednesday.

LIVING CONDITIONS: Typically two to four staffers live together in a semi-enclosed tent-cabin in the staff area. In general, staff cabins are spartan and allow very little privacy. The climate can occasionally be cold and conditions are dusty. Meals are served family style in the Dining Hall at each camp. The staff uses community men’s and women’s restrooms in the staff area.

CAMP SAFETY: ALL staffers must be certified in CPR and AED for the entire summer. *This is a condition of employment*. It is recommended that you make plans early to attend an upcoming training class. It is imperative that you are CPR and AED certified prior to reporting for duty at camp. First aid certification is also strongly encouraged. For lifeguard applicants, a state certification is required; W.S.I. is strongly recommended. If you are applying to be an age group staffer, you must be lifeguard certified prior to reporting for duty. Open water certification is a plus.

All staff will be required to complete and pass a DMV and Criminal background check. As a veteran staffer, you have already been through this process and will not be required to go through the process again unless you failed to complete the process last summer. We will however, process both background checks as a routine using the information that we currently have. If your drivers license status has changed, please let us know.

CAMP PREFERENCES: If you have a preference to work at one of the three camps, we will take that into consideration. However, the needs of each camp will determine where you may be hired. Due to the limited number of available positions and the talents required at each camp, we are unable to make any commitments at the time of application or interview.

STAFF HANDBOOK: Guidelines and policies of the Lair of the Golden Bear are explained for hired staffers in the Staff Handbook. Violation of any policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND INTERVIEW DEADLINES

1. Print out, complete, and sign this application. 2. Submit your completed application to Daniel Prelip (510.900.8257) beginning December 1 and no later than 5:00 PM on February 14, 2014. Once your application has been reviewed we will contact you with the next steps. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application early. .

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM February 14, 2014 . Final selections will be announced by email no later than April 4, 2014.

If you have any questions, please visit or call the Lair Office. We are located at 2440 Bancroft, up the walkway on the right side of the building, second door on the left. Phone number: (510) 643-0103 or (888) CAL-ALUM; fax: (510) 642-6100; email: [email protected] or regular mail: Attn: Daniel Prelip, Lair of the Golden Bear, 1 Alumni House, Berkeley, CA 94720-7520.

COME AND MEET THE STAFF NIGHT Please join us on Wednesday January 29th for our Staff Information Night at the Alumni House in Berkeley. This night is used as an opportunity for potential applicants/staffers to meet and mingle with veteran Lair staffers and to answer some questions they might have about the Lair staff experience. Veteran Lair staffers play a huge part in the success of the evening, so please come out and bring a friend. The event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS: Brief descriptions of all of the Lair positions are noted below.

CREWS: Many staffers will be assigned to a crew position (described below), working in an organized group of 4-9 people. In addition to fulfilling specific job duties, all staff members are required to interact with our campers, be role models for the kids, and participate in all campfire shows and athletic events. Crew members are also asked to work in other areas as directed.

Kub Korral: Responsible for care and supervision of children (diaper graduates), aged 2-5. KK is a crew of four, including a director. Previous classroom or day care experience strongly recommended. Genuine love of youngsters required. Daily activities include arts and crafts (painting, coloring, and glue projects suitable for this age group), storytelling, music, swimming and recreational play. Required participation in day and evening programs. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Age Groups: Supervise age appropriate activities, including, among many other things, arts & crafts, athletics, pool parties, nature projects, campfires, music, boating, fishing, hiking, dances and movies. Day and evening hours required. Supply maintenance required. Age groups are divided as follows: 5 to7 year olds; 8&9 year olds; preteens- 10 to12 year olds; “Young Teens” – 13&14 year olds; and “Old Teens” – 15 to 17 year olds. Recommend strong communication skills, ability to exercise good judgment and group control experience necessary. Previous classroom or day care experience strongly recommended. Must be able to state and enforce camp rules. Must possess a valid driver’s license - job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Maintenance: Responsible for cleaning and upkeep of all camp facilities, including bathrooms and dish washing areas. Maintenance is a crew, including a director. Primary duties include washing meal dishes, garbage handling and removal, bathroom cleaning, recycling, miscellaneous camp repairs and overall camp cleanliness. One must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Assist age group directors with their programs, day and evening. Must possess a valid driver’s license - job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Art: Provide instruction to campers of all ages in ceramics (wheel and hand building), bisque ware, lanyards, textile painting and tie-dye. The crew will organize materials, and maintain inventory and cleanliness of materials and facilities. Lead multiple kiln firings each week. There is constant interaction with campers of all ages. A strong customer service and/or teaching background is necessary; flexibility, patience and diplomacy are all vital requirements. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Lifeguard: Responsible for operation and daily supervision of the pool and pool area, maintenance of equipment and deck furniture. Lead group-swimming lessons (and private as scheduled), lead water aerobics, lifeguard and supervise recreational swimming. Previous life guarding and instruction experience strongly recommended. One must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. One must have current Lifeguarding certification. Water Safety Instruction a plus. One must be willing to begin work early in the morning. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Store: Work in the Lair Store, which sells snacks, sundries and clothing. Operate cash register, balance daily receipts, maintain Store cleanliness, and display merchandise. The store is a very fast-paced, customer-oriented job. There is constant interaction with campers of all ages. Strong customer service background, flexibility, patience and diplomacy all vital requirements. Lead cashier for food and drink sales at the Burger Shack. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. One must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Kitchen/Cook: Preparation and execution of three meals on a daily basis and other duties as assigned under the supervision of the Head Cook. One must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to work within a tight knit team. Lair cooks are responsible for the overall quality of the food and the overall cleanliness of the kitchen and its surrounding areas. The kitchen is a fast paced and high energy hub that requires one to concentrate on the task at hand. Prior cooking experience is not a requirement, but a strong work ethic and the willingness to learn is. One must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Additional duties paid through room and board.

DIRECTORS: In addition to fulfilling specific job duties, all staff members are required to interact with our campers, be role models for the kids, and participate in all campfire shows and athletic events. Directors also work in other areas as directed.

Kub Korral: Lead the KK Crew. Responsible for care and supervision of children (diaper graduates), aged 2-5. KK is a crew of four, including a director. Previous classroom or day care experience strongly recommended. Genuine love of youngsters required. Daily activities include arts and crafts (painting, coloring, and glue projects suitable for this age group), storytelling, music, swimming and recreational play. Required participation in day and evening programs. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Age Groups: All age group directors plan, organize and supervise age appropriate activities, including, among many other things, arts & crafts, athletics, pool parties, nature projects, campfires, music, boating, fishing, hiking, dances and movies. Day and evening hours required. Supply maintenance required. Age groups are divided as follows: 5 to7 year olds; 8&9 year olds; preteens- 10 to12 year olds; “Young Teens” – 13&14 year olds; and “Old Teens” – 15 to 17 year olds. Recommend strong communication skills, ability to exercise good judgment and group control experience necessary. Previous classroom or day care experience strongly recommended. Must be able to state and enforce camp rules. Must possess a valid driver’s license - job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board. Lifeguard certification is a REQUIREMENT if hired for an age group directorship Art: Lead the Art Crew. Provide instruction to campers of all ages in ceramics (wheel and hand building), bisque ware, lanyards, textile painting and tie-dye. The crew will organize materials, and maintain inventory and cleanliness of materials and facilities. Lead multiple kiln firings each week. There is constant interaction with campers of all ages. A strong customer service and/or teaching background is necessary; flexibility, patience and diplomacy are all vital requirements. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Nature: Organize and lead camper hikes in surrounding areas. One must have basic knowledge of Sierra flora and fauna. Must relate well to adults, have extensive hiking experience, outdoor safety awareness, and encourage an appreciation of the environment. Previous classroom or day care experience strongly recommended. Food preparation skills recommended. The candidate must be able to lead group hikes of various levels of difficulty. Must possess a valid driver’s license - job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Assistant Manager: Must have strong organizational skills and leadership experience. Responsible formultiple areas of camp program coverage- emphasis may include lifeguarding, store, dining hall, maintenance and age group programming. Strong customer service and/or teaching background required; flexibility, patience and diplomacy all vital requirements. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Store: Lead the Store Crew. Work in the Lair Store, which sells snacks, sundries and clothing. Operate cash register, balance daily receipts, maintain Store cleanliness, and display merchandise. The store is a very fast-paced, customer-oriented job. There is constant interaction with campers of all ages. Strong customer service background, flexibility, patience and diplomacy all vital requirements. Lead cashier for food and drink sales at the Burger Shack. Duties extend beyond regular program hours. One must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Dining Hall Hostess/Host: Lead camper food service effort three times a day. Serve as liaison between cooks and campers. Direct and schedule Dining Hall crew. The hostess/host (Dining Hall director) is responsible for overall Dining Hall appearance and cleanliness. Prepare side dishes for service. Excellent customer service a must. One must have strong organizational skills and leadership experience and must be willing to begin work early in the morning. One must also be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must possess a valid driver’s license - job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Maintenance/Head of Maintenance: Supervise maintenance crew; responsible for organization of crew and delegation of individual tasks. Monitor and manage all maintenance duties, Maintenance Shed, Maintenance Vehicles, tool use and inventory of required supplies. Assist age group directors with day and evening programs. One must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Must possess a valid driver’s license - job may include driving camp vehicles. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Athletic Director: Supervise and instruct tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball and other camper team sports. Organize and supervise tournaments for all ages, including posting results and awarding trophies. Carry out daily cleaning and maintenance of all athletic facilities and surrounding areas, including monitoring equipment needs. Make recommendations for replacement of equipment as necessary. Officiate the camp athletic events. Knowledge of sports rules required. Relate well to adults. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Music Director: Assist in musical and technical aspects of all camp shows and productions. Oversee auditions and organize acts for camper talent show and staff acts for Hootenanny: hosts both shows. Develop and lead Sunday morning Creekside program, and all ages in camper sing-a-long programs. Guitar skills and vocal skills required. Demonstrated peer leadership, established supervisory skills, and stage presence/public speaking are important. Additional duties paid through room and board. Lifeguard: Responsible for operation and daily supervision of the pool and pool area, maintenance ofequipment and deck furniture. Lead group-swimming lessons (and private as scheduled), lead water aerobics, lifeguard and supervise recreational swimming. Previous life guarding and instruction experience strongly recommended. One must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. One must have current Lifeguarding certification. Water Safety Instruction a plus. One must be willing to begin work early in the morning. Additional duties paid through room and board.

Program Director: Veteran staff position only. Produce Saturday Night and Friday Night staff shows (including writing, casting, rehearsals, directing, and securing of props, costumes and technical equipment). Duties include working closely with Manager as chief monitor and evaluator of camp programming. Also works with the Manager to help maintain staff morale and discipline. Must be able to state and enforce camp rules. Manage staff area cleanliness daily. Announce softball game, pool show and make mealtime announcements. Introduce guest speaker and organizes weekly adult dance. Chair weekly staff meeting. Demonstrated peer leadership, established supervisory skills and experience in a large recreational environment required Must possess a valid driver’s license - job may include driving camp vehicles. The PD also undertakes special projects as determined by the Manager. Additional duties paid through room and board.

All Staff: Each week staff members are required to participate in a Saturday morning ‘Big Clean’ of the camping grounds and facilities, and a Saturday morning staff meeting. Staff members are also expected, as part of their schedules, to participate in up to four campfire shows for the campers and various staff vs. camper sporting events.

IMPORTANT REMINDER CPR and AED Certifications are required by all staff. Lifeguard certification is a requirement for age group directors. Lifeguard certification is encouraged for age group crews. LAIR OF THE GOLDEN BEAR APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT Office Use Only Interview date______Time (Please print legibly or type)

Name______Current Class Year ______(ie: Sophomore, Junior)

Currently Attending______Major______Anticipated date of Graduation ______Name of School Mo. / Yr.

Your address at School ______

______City State Zip

Your phone # at School (_____) ______Email ______

Alternate Email ______Drivers License: State & #______

Permanent Home Address ______

______City State Zip

Permanent Home Phone (_____) ______

APPLICANT NOTE: This application form is intended for use in the evaluation of your qualifications for employment. This is not an employment contract. Please answer all appropriate questions completely and accurately. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination because of race, color, age, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military reserve membership, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic or condition protected from discrimination under federal, California, or local law. If hired, can you provide proof of eligibility to work lawfully in the U.S.? ______Yes ______No (Proof of identity and legal authority to work in the U.S. is a condition of employment.)

Position(s) sought: ______

If choice(s) are unavailable, are you willing to consider another position? Yes______No ______

Do you have any conflicts with the date expectations noted on the staff application fact sheet? Yes______No______If yes, please explain.______

Do you have a valid California Driver’s License? Yes______No ______

Are you certified in the following: CPR: YES/NO Expires First Aid: YES/NO Expires Lifeguard Certification YES/NO Expires______

Other First Aid Experience?______

Have you read and do you understand the Lair Staffer job descriptions? Yes ______No ______Can you perform the essential functions of these jobs with or without reasonable accommodations? Yes______No ______Since your 18th birthday, or in the last 10 years, whichever is shorter, have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense? Yes ______No ______If so, please describe the circumstances in the space below. (A conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from employment. In accordance with company policy and applicable state and federal laws, factors such as age at time of the offense, remoteness of the offense, time since last conviction, nature of the job sought and rehabilitation effort, will be reviewed.)

Incident City/State Charge ______Comments ______

Please respond to the following questions on additional paper.

Please read this section carefully : It is extremely important that you fill out this application thoroughly and completely. Due to the anticipated high numbers of returning staff applicants and new staff applicants, we are not going to be able to grant interviews to everyone. For those of you who we know well and who make it clear on this application why you are a good fit for any of the positions you listed, we will likely skip the interview and place you in a position where we think you would best help the team. For those of you who are less clear or thorough with your answers, or for those who we are less certain about where you would best fit on the team, we will likely schedule an in-person, phone or Skype interview. Again, it is imperative that you take this written application seriously. As stated on a number of occasions last summer, there is no guarantee of employment in 2014 based solely on your being hired in 2013.

1. Tell us again what your first position choice is and why you are the best choice for that position. What 3 positions would you take if offered for 2014? Are there any positions you wouldn’t take? 2. What have you seen the returning staff do well in the past, and what would you like to do new or differently from past summers? 3. How can you make this season even better for the campers than last season? 4. Did you have any talents go unused last season that you would like to make better use of this season? 5. Do you have any new extra-curricular activities or work experiences of which you’ve spent a significant time since you have left the Lair this past summer that makes you an even better candidate than you were before? What are they? 6. Why are you a stronger candidate this year? 7. What can we do to provide better customer service to our campers? 8. What would you change about the staff experience, if anything? 9. After working for a summer or two, or three……what do you see as your strengths? Weaknesses?

10. Write a question that should be on this application. Nice! Now please answer it.

11. Anything you would like to add? CERTIFICATION AND RELEASE

I certify that I have read and understand the application and that the answers and statements given by me are complete and true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any false information, omissions, or misrepresentations of facts, whether on this document or not, may result in the rejection of my application, or if hired, termination of employment. 1) I authorize any representative of the Cal Alumni Association to investigate my background, including, but not limited to, my references, educational record, and work history. 2) I authorize and direct all of my former schools and employers, and any other individual or entity that possesses information about my background, to release such information about me upon request by a representative of the Cal Alumni Association, regardless of any prior direction to the contrary that I may have given. 3) I release all schools, past and present employers, and all other individuals and entities from any and all liability for damage of whatever kind that may at any time result to me because of compliance with this authorization and request to release information.

I also understand that the use of illegal drugs and underage consumption of alcohol is prohibited during employment. In consideration of my employment, I agree to conform to the rules and standards of the Cal Alumni Association, and all behavior guidelines of the Lair of the Golden Bear.

I further understand and agree that if hired, my employment will be “at-will.” This means that either Cal Alumni Association or I may terminate my employment at any time for any reason, with or without notice. I further understand that although the terms and condition of my employment with Cal Alumni Association may change, such change will not affect the at will employment relationship.

I also understand that all offers of employment are conditioned on the Cal Alumni Association’s receipt of satisfactory responses to reference requests and the provision of a satisfactory proof of my identity and legal authority to work in the United States.

Once you have completed the application, please sign your name and indicate the date of its completion.

Signature______Date______

Printed Name ______