Summer Staff Applications

The Camp Gravatt program and activities vary by session, depending upon each age group, and include most of the traditional things associated with camp--archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, nature, time to play and swim in the lake, challenge course events, campfires, songs, skits, as well as time for worshiping and developing camp community. For all activities, the philosophy at Camp Gravatt is to provide a fun, rewarding experience for each camper. Camp Gravatt staff members work to nurture and develop campers' self-esteem, rather than their competitive expertise in a particular sport or skill. The goals of the camp experience are for campers to grow spiritually, make friends, share in an affirming, Christian camp community, and have a lot of fun in a safe and healthy outdoor environment.

Camp Gravatt is hiring for summer 2012. Being a part of the summer camp staff at Gravatt is a positive, life-changing experience. Camp counselors and program staff serve as Christian role models for campers and make a lasting impression in the lives of the children they serve. They also can't help but make great friends and have a fabulous time. Camp staff members grow in their own spiritual formation and develop skills that will serve them long after leaving Camp Gravatt at the end of the summer. Camp staff work hard and play hard. If you have something to gain, and a lot to give, please consider applying.

All positions—except junior counselors—are salary based within a range that may vary depending on certifications and experience. The director and/or assistant director will interview new applicants in person or by telephone. Some positions listed may already be filled or may not be filled. Likewise an applicant may apply for one position and be hired for another due to individual/administrative/staffing needs.

All permanent camp staff members are expected to be available from May 26 through August 6. Other meetings in the spring may be scheduled.

Staff may request minor exceptions (time off for weddings, funerals, family emergencies, college orientations, etc.) in writing with the application if possible. Only dates requested at time of hiring can be guaranteed off. In any case, staff must notify the director of any absence from camp. Staff will not be paid for days off.

All staff must be Safe Church certified at least every three years, and certification will be offered during staff training week. First Aid/CPR training is offered to all permanent staff not currently certified during staff training. Other training/certification courses may be agreed upon at the time of hire. Gravatt intends to offer canoe, archery, and lifeguard training on-site in May. Details are forthcoming. If applicants who are seeking certification are unable to attend courses when Gravatt offers them, they will need to coordinate certifications on their own.

The priority application deadline is 1/15/2012. Applications received after the priority deadlines listed will be considered only if positions are unfilled.

Position Descriptions

PROGRAM STAFF POSITIONS

Leadership Development Director(s) (LDD): The LDD is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Counselor in Training Leadership Development Program and the Junior Counselor Program, including hiring, supervision, and evaluation. The LDD participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

Lay Chaplain (LC): The LC is responsible for structuring and leading the Christian formation program, serves as a Christian role model for campers and staff, and works with priests of the Diocese in setting up weekly Eucharist for the camp. The LC works with counselors and program staff to integrate Christian formation throughout the camping program. The LC participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

Health Care Supervisor (HCS): The HCS is responsible for the day-to-day health needs of the camp, the campers and the staff, including maintaining health records, administering medications, and collaborating with external health care providers. The HCS participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 21 and hold some form of health or medical certification (such as Wilderness First Aid Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Registered Nurse, etc.).

Ropes Director (RD): The RD is responsible for supervising the Adventure and Discovery component (field games, low ropes and high ropes). These responsibilities include teaching staff needed skills (belaying and tying harnesses), and assisting campers in achieving their goals, learning new skills, and taking on new challenges. The RD participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 21 and hold a certification in challenge course programming (field games, low ropes and high ropes), and have experience working with children and young adults in these types of programs.

Assistant Ropes Director (ARD): The ARD assists the RD in every aspect of the Adventure and Discovery program. The ARD participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 18 and have experience in leading challenge course programming.

Waterfront Director (WFD): The WFD is responsible for all aspects of the waterfront, including program development for activity periods, supervising free swim, enforcing safety regulations and emergency procedures, scheduling of lifeguards and staff for free swim, and maintaining waterfront equipment. The WFD participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 21, hold a lifeguard certification before camp begins, and have waterfront experience at a camp or aquatics facility.

Assistant Waterfront Director (AWFD): The AWFD assists the WFD in every aspect of the waterfront program. The AWFD participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 18 and have lifeguard certification.

Arts and Crafts Director (ACD): The Arts and Crafts Director is responsible for supporting the Christian formation theme of the week through creative activities that give campers the ability to express themselves. The ACD participates fully in the life of the camp and may be assigned other duties. Applicants must be at least 18, and preferably have experience teaching children to be creative and use their imagination.

COUNSELING STAFF POSITIONS

Head Counselor (Male & Female): the Head Counselor’s responsibilities include all of those listed below for Counselor. In addition, the Head Counselor sets the tone on each side of camp, and works with the Director and Program staff in developing and maintaining the overall spirit of the Camp. Other duties include camper tent/cabin assignments, staff tent/cabin assignments, night duty assignments, weekly staff meetings, mediating staff differences/grievances, and communicating program goals and expectations to the rest of the counseling staff. In consultation with the Director, Head Counselors also assist in assigning Junior Counselors tents/cabins. Applicants must be at least 18 and have served as a Counselor at Camp Gravatt for at least one summer.

Counselor: Counselors are highly motivated, independent, mature and spiritually grounded individuals who serve as positive role models. Counselors live with campers in a cabin or tent, and guide and supervise those campers through the day-to-day camp experience (activities, chores, free time, meals, programs and worship). Applicants should be at least 18 years old, although consideration will be given to those who are at least 16.

SUPPORT POSITIONS

Kitchen Manager (KM): The KM works with the Camp Director and Gravatt’s Hospitality Manager to provide delicious, nutritious meals and snacks for campers and staff. The KM schedules kitchen staff, works with the Hospitality Manager to order food, cooks, and insures proper cleaning and care of the kitchen. Applicants should be at least 21 years old and have experience in an industrial kitchen. Management experience is also helpful. Live-in qualifications can be negotiated.

Kitchen Assistant (KA): KAs help the KM and his or her staff with various aspects of food service (setting up, food preparation, serving cleaning up, stocking, etc.), and are expected to be involved in all camp activities when they are free from kitchen duties. Applicants must be at least 16. The Director fills this position as needed, and strongly encourages all applicants for this position to apply for positions as Junior Counselors as well.

Administrative Assistant (AA): The AA works with the Camp Director, Assistant Camp Directors, and Office Manager to ensure proper record-keeping and communication with parents (including the coordination of daily online newsletters and photo postings). Applicants should be at least 18 years old and have working knowledge of computers (internet and Microsoft Office).