The Fresh Air Fund provides orientation and comprehensive training before campers arrive. Issues covered during orientation include how to deal with homesickness, behavioral management, safety matters, and leadership techniques. Training is ongoing throughout the summer.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 18+ by the start of camp; have experience working with children; at least one year of college preferred; and commit to the full summer program.
- All staff are required to be fully vaccinated. Boosters are encouraged but NOT required. An application will not move forward without proof of full vaccination.
Summer 2024:
Learn more and apply today!
Hiring 400 Staff
Have an unforgettable summer!
Here’s How Our Application Process Works
STEP1
Fill out an application
We hire staff on a rolling basis. Applicants should apply as early as possible! Staff are encouraged to apply to any camp, regardless of gender. If you are interested in more than one camp or position, please only fill out one application, and mention all your interests during your interview.
STEP2
Interview
A Camp Director will review your application. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview held virtually on Zoom.
STEP3
References
You’ll be asked to provide contact information for two professional references that know you in an academic or professional setting – such as teachers, coaches and current/ former employers. Your references will be sent an online form to complete, later in the application process.
IMPORTANT STAFF DATES:
Staff need to commit to working at camp for the entire summer, which includes all orientation and session dates listed below. Please mention any scheduling conflicts during your interview.
2024 Staff Orientation Dates
All staff are required to participate in an extensive orientation before campers arrive. Orientation is mandatory for new and returning staff. Start dates vary by position. Staff will travel to camp on their orientations start date and stay at camp through the end of the first session. We provide free transportation from NYC to camp on specific orientation dates.
Director of Specialists, Waterfront Directors, Program Directors & Assistant Directors
Thursday, June 6thNurses, Lifeguards & Admin Staff
Sunday, June 9thProgram Specialists
Wednesday, June 12thGeneral Counselors
Monday, June 17th2024 Session Dates
Camps ABC, Hayden-Marks, Hidden Valley, Junior and Tommy:
Session 1
Thursday, June 27th – Friday, July 5thSession 2
Monday, July 8th – Thursday, July 18thSession 3
Monday, July 22th – Friday, August 2thSession 4
Monday, August 5th – Friday, August 16thCamp Mariah
Session 1
Friday, June 28th – Friday, July 19thSession 2
Friday, July 26th – Friday, August 16thStaff Testimonials
My campers taught me that flexibility and patience are key for anything you do. I hope that they learned a bit of code and a different way of thinking from me.
Hakeem, Coding Instructor & General Counselor
I love team building. Even though the campers only come for two weeks, it feels like years because the change you see in kids in just two weeks is so profound. I even switched my major from nutrition to social work.
Lindsey, Village LeaderWhat To Expect
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Staff training
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Living at Camp
All staff are required to live at camp during the summer. Staff live in cabins with a group of children while members of the administrative team live in staff housing. Facilities at Camps ABC, Hayden-Marks, Junior and Tommy are rustic. Some cabins do not have electricity and bathrooms are located a short walk away. Camps Mariah and Hidden Valley have more modern accommodations, but all staff should be comfortable living in a rustic environment.
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Cell phones and computers
Camp staff live and work with campers on a 24/7 basis and will not have access to cell phones, computers, and social media throughout the day. Staff may check their phones and/or use computer labs during their time off but not while they are on-duty.
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Transportation
We will provide free round-trip transportation between New York City and camp at the start and end of the summer.
During time off, van transportation is provided for trips into town. Transportation to and from New York City during session breaks is also provided. Staff members are permitted to have cars at camp.
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Time off
Time off schedules will vary by a staff member’s specific position and camp and will be determined at the start of each session. Staff can expect to have time off for at least one 24 hour period and an evening within each encampment as well some days off in between each camp session.
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College credit
The Fresh Air Fund will assist students who wish to earn college credits for their work at camp. Students should first check with their college to see if they are eligible to receive credit for working at camp and then discuss any requirements ahead of time with an assigned Camp Director to ensure that all necessary paperwork can be completed.
Working At Camp