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 years or older by the start of camp
- Must have experience working with children
- At least one year of college preferred
- A demonstrated commitment to work with children from underserved communities
- Must be able to commit to the full summer program. Click here to see dates.
This Summer:
82were alumni of FAF programs
OVER 475 Staff hired
176 were international
Here’s How Our Application Process Works
STEP1
Fill out an application
During the application process, you will have the chance to indicate which position(s) and camps you are interested in applying for. To learn more about our six different camps, click here. Staff are encouraged to apply to the camp(s) of their choice, regardless of gender. While we do not have an application deadline, we encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible since we hire staff on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
STEP2
Your application will be reviewed by one of our Camp Directors
If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you to schedule a time to speak with one of our Camp Directors. We conduct interviews over the phone, Skype or in-person (for local applicants).
STEP3
References
You will be asked to provide contact information for three references. Your references should know you in an academic or professional setting, such as teachers, mentors and current/ former employers. We will send your references an online form to complete, later in the application process.
NOTE:
Returning staff members should email camping@freshair.org for instructions on how to reapply.
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.
2020 Staff Orientation Dates
All staff are required to participate in our extensive orientation program prior to the arrival of our campers. Orientation is mandatory for new and returning staff members. Start dates vary by the specific position a staff member is hired for. Staff will travel to camp on their scheduled start date and will stay at camp through the end of the first session. The Fresh Air Fund provides free transportation from New York City to camp for specific dates during the orientation.
Waterfront Directors & Assistant Directors
Wednesday, June 10Administrative Staff (Village Leaders, Program Directors, etc.)
Friday, June 12Waterfront Staff without Red Cross Certification
Friday, June 12Waterfront Staff with Red Cross Certification
Monday, June 15Program Specialists, Ropes & Farm Staff
Monday, June 15General Counselors
Friday, June 192020 Session Dates
Camps ABC, Hayden-Marks, Hidden Valley, Junior and Tommy:
Session 1
Mon, June 29 - Fri, July 10Session 2
Mon, July 13 – Fri, July 24Session 3
Mon, July 27 – Fri, Aug 7Session 4
Mon, Aug 10 – Fri, Aug 21Camp Mariah:
Session 1
Mon, June 29 – Wed, July 22Session 2
Wed, July 29 – Fri, Aug 21Positions
General Counselors
General Counselors are guides and role models to a group of up to 12 campers. Two counselors accompany campers to daily activities, plan programs and supervise them in their cabins, dining halls and evening activities. Counselors are required to provide 24-hour-a-day supervision of campers and participate in rigorous outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.
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Program Instructors
Program Instructors are assigned to a specific activity area during the day and are responsible for developing lesson plans and teaching four to six one-hour activity periods each day. Activities include but are not limited to: Art, Athletics, Ceramics, Chess, Coding, Creative Writing & Journalism, Culinary Arts, Dance, Drama, Fashion and Sewing, Martial Arts, Music, Nature and Hiking, Outdoor Living Skills & Pioneering, Photography, Robotics, SCRATCH & STEAM, Sign Language, Video & Film and Yoga. Program Instructors live in cabins with campers and take on General Counselor responsibilities when they are not teaching in their program area.
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Lifeguard & Waterfront Staff
Lifeguards supervise free swim periods, boating and special events held at the waterfront areas. They also instruct swim lessons. Lifeguards are responsible for maintaining waterfront and boating facilities to comply with all safety regulations. Applicants do not need to be certified to apply but must be strong swimmers. We will provide training and a certification course during orientation.
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Leadership & Administrative Staff
Leadership staff help in the overall management of camp by supervising staff, planning activity schedules and running various programs throughout camp. These positions are for applicants who have prior experience working at a camp and are looking for an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a camp program. Positions include: Assistant Director, Head Counselors/Village Leaders, Program Directors, Teen Program Directors, and Camper Liaisons.
LEARN MORECamper Liaison
Camper Liaisons are responsible for assisting staff members with camper behavior issues. This includes reviewing daily camper reports and providing support and guidance to staff members who have challenging campers.
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Camp Nurses and Nursing Assistants
Camp Nursing Staff work in our camp health centers and are responsible for all health-related care of campers and staff. Camp Nurses are the primary medical staff in camp and administer medication, assess medical needs and provide emergency care as needed. Nursing Assistants work alongside our Camp Nurses and assist them with daily routines and camper supervision in the infirmary.
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Ropes Course Staff
Ropes Course Staff facilitate on our challenge courses—two separate team challenge courses and a high ropes course consisting of twelve climbing elements. Campers from all five camps have the opportunity to participate in the challenge course program, as well as group dynamics games and activities. We hire Ropes Course Facilitators to facilitate classes throughout the day as well as a Ropes Course Director who is responsible for the overall implementation and supervision of all ropes course activities.
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Farm Staff and Nutritionists
Farm staff maintain and teach on a demonstration farm that introduces campers to basic animal care and organic gardening. The Farm also has a Nutrition Center that is dedicated to teaching farm-to-table nutrition and healthy eating by using farm produce. The Fresh Air Fund hires farmers, nutritionists and a Farm Director to work at the Model Farm each summer.
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Junior Counselors
Junior Counselors are staff members under the age of 18 who successfully completed The Fresh Air Fund’s Counselor-In-Training Program. They work alongside General Counselors during the summer and are assigned to live with a cabin of 6-12 campers each session. Junior Counselors will immerse themselves in daily camp activities and routines with their campers. They will never be left alone in charge of a group or with an individual camper and will participate in ongoing trainings throughout the summer to prepare them to work as General Counselors in the future.
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Office Manager
Office Managers are responsible for keeping the camp office organized and running smoothly. Office Managers answer all incoming phone calls and serve as the first point of contact for parents who are calling camp about their children. They are responsible for mail management, maintaining files and camp paperwork, and reconciling camper, cabin, and bus lists in the online database each session. Office Managers work directly with the Camp Director and administrative staff as well as with all members of the camp community, including camp staff and NYC office staff.
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Operations Staff
Our camps are located on Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, NY, which is set over 2,000 acres of beautiful land with lakes, ponds, streams and hiking trails through the woods. Sharpe Reservation hires seasonal staff to work in a variety of roles to help keep our camps running smoothly. These positions are paid hourly and do not include room and board unless indicated in the job description below. Approximate employment dates are from mid-June through the end of August.
LEARN MORECamp IT Specialist
The IT Support Specialist will be responsible for supporting the technology used at camp which includes Windows, Chrome OS and Apple computers, laser printers, network hardware and AV support. Support Specialists will be presented with opportunities for career development and are likely to be asked to participate in project work directed by our NYC-based IT team. This is an excellent opportunity for current and recent Computer Science graduates to gain professional experience.
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Teen Program Staff
At Camp ABC, the Precious Center for Teen Leadership is intended to give young women a safe, nurturing environment to focus on their futures. Teen Program Specialists will design and lead workshops for teen campers (ages 13-15) around topics such as leadership, personal growth and community service. They will create approximately six workshops that will be conducted throughout the summer and will act as General Counselors for teen program campers as well.
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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 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. Staff traveling 300 miles or more to camp are eligible for a small travel stipend to help with the costs involved with getting to New York City.
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 as the days 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