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 apply
Summer 2019:
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 camps, click here. Staff are encouraged to apply to the camp(s) of their choice, regardless of gender. If you have multiple interests, please only fill out one application, and mention all your interests during your interview. Your interviewer will then make sure your application gets to another camp if needed. 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 virtually over Zoom.
STEP3
References
You will be asked to provide contact information (phone number and email) for two professional references. Your references should know you in an academic or professional setting, such as teachers, coaches, mentors and current/ former employers. We will send your references 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.
2023 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.
Director of Specialists, Program Directors & Assistant Directors
Friday, June 9thNurses, Lifeguards & Admin Staff
June 12thProgram Specialists
Thursday, June 15thGeneral Counselors
Monday, June 19th2023 Session Dates
Camps ABC, Hayden-Marks, Hidden Valley and Tommy:
Session 1
Wednesday, June 28th – Friday, July 7thSession 2
Monday, July 10th – Thursday, July 20thSession 3
Monday, July 24th – Thursday, August 3rdSession 4
Monday, August 7th – Thursday, August 17thCamp Junior
Session 1
Thursday, June 29th – Saturday, July 8thSession 2
Tuesday, July 11th - Friday, July 21stSession 3
Tuesday, July 25th - Friday, August 4thSession 4
Tuesday, August 8th - Thursday, August 17thCamp Mariah
Session 1
Wednesday, June 28th – Thursday, July 20thSession 2
Wednesday, July 26th – Thursday, August 17thStaff 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