STAFF

Thank you for your interest in a position at Camp Howe. We believe our camp is only as good as the staff we hire, and we know our staff are great. We hire staff from across the US and from around the world, so we reflect the diversity of the world in the woods of Goshen.

Camp Howe's Staff is the single most important ingredient in the lives of our campers while at camp. They are the common denominator that gives the kids the best possible experience. They are the people who share, laugh, encourage, and care for our campers. They are the heroes, mentors, substitute parents, friends, and teachers.

What we look for

In order to accomplish the goals we set for our campers, we rely on a staff of enthusiastic, motivated, and skilled women and men who love camp (or look forward to learning more about it), enjoy working with youth, and have the knowledge they want to share. Our counselors are college students, educators, childcare workers, performers, and youth workers aged 18 or older.

We look for staff as diverse as the campers we serve. All of our staff are expected to work with all of our campers. Despite these differences, they have at least two things in common: they love children, and they love a challenge. If you are not prepared to work with staff and youth with disabilities, different cultural backgrounds, different religions, genders, and orientations - to name a few, then perhaps another camp may be a better fit for you.

More than a job

We maintain a staff of approximately 50 individuals who give 100% to the needs of the camp and campers. They grow through the experience in ways they never thought they would. They know they have made a difference in the lives of the campers because of the difference they have made in theirs. Being a staff member at Camp Howe often becomes much more than a summer job; it’s an unforgettable experience where you will work alongside staff from around the country and the world, make lifelong friendships, and create unforgettable memories in our fun and supportive environment.

Application

The Benefits of Working at Camp Howe

Gain Leadership Skills

The kind of leadership not taught in books, classrooms, or TedTalks. Real, hands-on leadership that you can only learn by being responsible for a group of children. Camp Howe provides leadership experience that will elevate your game for the rest of your life — at home, in school, and in your career.

HAVE
AN IMPACT OF YOUTH

Immediately, it becomes an integral part of the development of the next generation. Positively influencing the emotional lives of kids who have had anything but normal for the better part of the past year. Become a summer hero who mentors and guides young people into contributing members of society. As a legit youth development professional, you can make the world a better place, one camper at a time, MANY times each day!

MAKE
GENUINE CONNECTIONS

The essence of camp is in the human relationships we forge — something we are all craving right now. Camp is a lifeline that brings even the unlikeliest of people together in the most unimaginable ways. And the amazing thing is that we can make genuine connections virtually as well as in person.

Positions Available

We have many assorted roles at camp, from Camp Counselors to Administrators, Cooks and Kitchen Service, Activity Leaders, Maintenance, Lifeguards, and Camp Medical Staff. We provide up to 2 weeks of training to prepare you for every position at camp. We certify staff in lifeguarding, archery, adventure programming, first aid, and CPR.

Application

The Road to Camp

Fill out an application
Interview with at least one member of our leadership team.
Gather references
Complete the necessary paperwork.

Working at summer camp is a huge commitment. While certainly not without personal rewards, this is earned by making personal sacrifices. We want staff who are 100% committed to creating an inclusive community for the entire summer.

Important Dates

You will be given exact dates in your offer letter. Typically, camp begins in the middle of June and runs through mid to late August. Ideally, our staff works for the entire season, but we can be flexible (with reason) if you need to arrive late, leave early or take time off during the summer. We understand that life continues outside of camp. and will work with our staff.

"It was an amazing experience. I’ve made friends and memories to last forever and learned a lot about life and what I want to do with my future. I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived and felt that I could thrive in areas I haven’t been able to in other jobs. I didn’t know I could make this many friends, grow so much, and love a place so much!"

Frequently asked questions

Where is Camp Howe?

Camp Howe is about two hours from Boston in the wooded area of Goshen, Massachusetts. The camp is located on 52 acres on the edge of the D.A.R. State Forest. The nearest body of water is right at our toe-tips. It's a lake called Lower Highland Lake.

How do I get to camp?

Drive: For Directions, check out our Contact Us page.

Fly: The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport. We can arrange for rides from these airports.

Bus: You can take a bus from New York City. You will take a Greyhound Bus to Northampton, MA.

Train: You can take an Amtrak train from New York City to Northampton, MA.

We work hard to connect staff so that you may travel to camp together.

Where do staff come from?

We have one year-round administrative staff. Summer administrative staff increases to about total. There are 140 campers or so during each session. There are about 50 staff members. Staff come from all over. We hire locally, nationally and internationally. Our staff is diverse and multicultural, and we encourage you to bring your culture. Each country and individual US state will have a flag raised at camp, and we like to have each country represented to share their national anthem, so be prepared! Therefore, we encourage you to bring anything that may help you in this - music, pictures, slides, posters, money samples, books, clothing, stories, recipes...Your sharing is very important to us.

Where will I be living?

Camp Howe's rustic cabins are all-wood construction, with screens and doors, and have bunk capacity from 10 to 24 beds in each cabin, providing 200 beds. The unheated cabins are equipped with lights, electricity, bunks and mattresses. Although mattresses are provided, staff members should bring their bedding, ideally a sleeping bag. The camp is separated into Junior and Teen units, each with centralized bathhouses with toilets and hot showers.

Do I need camp experience?

Preference is given to individuals who have previously participated in a structured camp. If you do not have this experience, you must have at least four weeks of experience in a supervisory role with children.

Will I be given any training?

Yes – tons! Our staff orientation or “pre-camp” runs approximately 10-14 days before the first campers arrive. We will give you much information about working with campers, leading activities, and behavior management. We also cover topics pertinent to working with you - group management, communication, and team building (to name a few), all wrapped up in staff-only time filled with games, role-playing, and practice. We also have skill training and certifications in First Aid, CPR, Archery, Ropes Course, and Lifeguarding.

One of the most important things that will happen during staff training is that you will become a team with your co-workers, and we will be a united group ready to welcome campers and get camp off to an amazing start!

At what age do you hire staff?

Our staff is unique as the majority of our staff are over the age of 21. We hire staff new to Camp Howe after their 18th birthday, having graduated school, preferably with a year of university/ college or life experience. Our Junior Counselors are 17 and are graduates of our Counselor In Training.

What will an average day be like?

Is there such a thing? Generally, the action begins around 6:30 a.m. (Polar Bear at 7:00 a.m.) when you wake campers. Breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m.; campers often do their chores after breakfast. The rest of the morning is for activities you plan with the kids or a scheduled activity like swimming. You may teach outdoor skills or plan crafts, followed by a game time or hike. Perhaps you will plan a picnic or cookout instead of lunch in the dining hall. We encourage a rest hour after lunch for napping, writing letters, or doing other quiet activities. Your afternoon may include swimming lessons and getting ready for an overnight. Supper in the dining hall is at 6:00 p.m. In the evening, you may have a meeting to plan more activities, have an after-supper swim, or have the nature consultant help your group with a night hike or stargazing. Making ice cream or having a campfire on a lazy evening are other possibilities. The children head to bed around 9:00 p.m. for our younger campers and 10:30 for our older campers.

Doesn't it all sound nice?

Now you add the challenges: a homesick camper, a child with a cut finger, a very hot or rainy day, you feel hot and tired, and the campers don't want to sleep. I must tell you - this is very demanding work! There are days when you may feel out of sorts and then still have campers who are counting on you. The hours are long, you often get dirty, and there are days when it seems that everything goes wrong or that there's no time for yourself.

You may be asked to do all kinds of things - take a sick child to the infirmary, help out at the waterfront, gather supplies for an activity, do one more thing when all you want to do is sit down-- and still we ask what may seem impossible - for you to keep good spirits and carry on.

If you're looking for an easy summer vacation, this may not be the job for you. If you are looking for a challenge, a chance to make a difference in a child's life, and to meet many different kinds of people and live in a caring and accepting community, then you've come to the right place!

What do summer staff wear?

Staff are free to wear their own comfortable clothing while working at camp. The only exception is opening and closing day, in which you are to wear the staff shirt provided coupled with a pair of tan shorts.

What should I pack?

Check out the camper packing list, as you will essentially need what they will. In our staff slack group, we also cover this in detail. We provide sheets and towels to staff from out of state or country.

Where do I do my laundry?

There are laundry facilities onsite free of charge.

What do I do with my valuables while at camp?

We recommend that you leave most valuables at home. For the things you need to bring, such as passports, money, etc, we provide a locker for you in the staff shack.

What is the weather like in Massachusetts?

A common quote around New England is, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!” The weather changes dramatically from really hot sunny days to cooler rainy days. We have mostly sunny and warm days and cool evenings. Staff orientation days in June can be cool, so we recommend a sweater. Remember to pack a rain jacket, too!

Is there Internet access at camp?

Yes. We have free wireless access available to you during your time off.

Will my cell phone work at camp?

Yes. Most people find that they get decent cell signals at camp. AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint are the most reliable. International phones may work depending on the carrier.

Will I get time off?

Every staff will get two hours off a day and at least 24 hours off a week (often 36 hours and mid-summer - Thursday night through to Sunday Morning). For the safety of all, there is an 11 pm curfew when camp is in session. Trust us, you will need your sleep!

What about days off?

Every staff will get one day off a week. Multiple times per summer, the camp completely closes, and staff have from Friday night to Sunday Morning.

What is there to do during my time off?

We provide staff with a staff lounge for staff to hang out. Staff usually connect online or watch movies. Staff are also welcome to enjoy camp activities if the appropriate supervision is available.

You may enjoy going to a local restaurant, movie theatre, or ice cream shop on your nights off. There is also a large outlet mall not too far away. Northampton and Amherst are our closest towns, both college towns, and have much to offer.

For weekends off, we organize trips to areas of interest of the staff – local amusement parks, Boston, and Outlet Malls – to name a few.

What skills will I gain or improve upon?

Leadership
Public speaking
Group Facilitation and debriefing
Risk Management
Boundaries and Expectations
Goal setting
Communication skills
Behavior modification
Collaborative problem solving
and much, much more.

When will I be paid?

Your salary is for a period starting at the arrival of the first campers and ending two to six days after the last camper leaves. In addition to your counselor and program instruction duties, all staff members participate in preparation for the camp season, including setting up your cabins, setting up equipment, and outfitting the waterfront.

Your salary, negotiated in advance and stated in your contract, is based on your responsibilities, skill levels, and experience. The full salary is for a full season's work. It typically falls between $2500 and $3300 depending on experience for front-line staff. If you must leave for any reason, your salary will be prorated based on the number of full days worked divided by the number of full days in the full season. During the summer season, there will be equal payment every two weeks.

How do I cash my paychecks during the summer?

Your salary will be directly deposited into your bank accounts. If you need to set up a bank account, we help with that.

What if I have special dietary needs?

If you have any special dietary needs, we will try hard to provide you with a healthy diet that meets your needs. We typically serve gluten-free, vegetarian, and lactose-free meals.

What do I do if I have any questions?

Our staff slack group is a perfect place to get answers if you are already hired. You can also contact the Director, Executive, or any of the leadership team.