Camp Haiastan

The 2017 STAFF APPLICATION is up!

Meet our Staff!

Our Executive Director

David Hamparian will begin his fourth summer as the Executive Director of Camp Haiastan. David is well acquainted with Camp Haiastan having been a camper for seven years, and the Summer Director in 1990. He was an active member of both the Watertown “Gaidzag” and Boston “Siamanto” AYF Chapters, and Boston Homenetmen. David lives in Belmont, MA with his wife Tamar who assists with camp nursing, and two boys Kevork and Daron who have spent most of their lives as campers or staff members in the summer months. He is an active member of the Boston AYF Alumni and a member of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church. David looks forward to continuing to advance the camping program, and to uphold the traditions and values that make Camp Haiastan a unique experience for the Armenian youth.

Our Summer Director
Sarine’s education and work have long been fueled by the Armenian spirit. Her early education began at the Armenian Sister’s Academy in Lexington, MA, and continued at Brandeis University where Sarine earned a degree in Political Science. Sarine has always been a community advocate leading the Central Executive of the AYF-YOARF as a young adult, and now serving as an active member of the ARF, ARF Advisor to the AYF-YOARF Central Executive, a member of the ARS and Co-Chair of the Parent Organization at the Hovnanian School in New Milford, NJ. Having been a camper, staff member and now parent, Sarine looks forward to her role as the Summer Director this year. When asked about her relationship with camp, Sarine says she “cares for the longevity of Camp Haiastan and what it stands for as a direct contributor to the history and preservation of our people and our region. Camp Haiastan has enriched many generations of young Armenians from around the world, and that is no small feat.”
 Our Resident Caretaker

John Miller returns for his tenth year on staff as Camp Haiastan’s caretaker. He maintains the grounds throughout the summer and the off-season. John is an Eagle Scout, and has lifeguard and aquatic director certifications — he’s an all-around seasoned outdoorsman.

Our Board of Directors

Camp Haiastan’s rich tradition and high standard of quality experience is upheld by our Board of Directors. These individually have dedicated much of their lives to the well-being of the camp and many began as campers themselves! Below is our list of current board members:

Levon Attarian, Chairman Massachusetts
Steve Mesrobian, Treasurer Massachusetts
Adam Boyajian, Secretary/Clerk New Jersey
David Papazian Pennsylvania
Hrach Mikaelian Massachusetts
Paul Haroian Rhode Island
Ralph Kourtjian Michigan
Peter Jelalian New Jersey
Raffi Varjabedian Massachusetts
MaryAnne Bonjuklian BOD ARS Liaison
Garo Tashian BOD AYF Liaison
Mark Alashaian BOD ARF Liaison

For all inquiries or to contact any of the board members or executive director, please email info@camphaiastan.org with the individual’s name in the subject line whom you would like to contact.

2017 Staff

Sarine Adishian Summer Director
Armen Alashaian Cabin Counselor
William Amaya Assistant Cook
Nishan Avedikian Staff In Training
Talar Bagdasarian Cabin Counselor
Karina Bakalian Staff In Training
David Barsamian Cabin Counselor
Ani Changelian Day Camp Director
Sena Changelian Staff In Training
Alexis Cormier Cabin Counselor
Nina Dakesian Staff In Training
Victoria Ezgilioglu Armenian School Teacher
Jacqueline Fales Lifeguard
Eddie Garibian Junior Staff In Training
Anoush Gigarjian Cabin Counselor
Adrineh Guzelian Junior Staff In Training
Isabel Hagobian Staff In Training
David Hamparian Executive Director
Thomas Houle Head Cook
Edward Hovannisian Head Counselor
Njteh Hovsepian Cabin Counselor
Tsoline Karakelian Armenian School Teacher
Sarah Karevicius Residential Nurse
Armand Keosian Cabin Counselor
Antranig Keshgegian Cabin Counselor
Nancy Keytanjian Cabin Counselor
Azniv Khaligian Lifeguard
Sarinar Khrimian Junior Staff In Training
Tina Kotikian Cabin Counselor
Seran Krikorian Cabin Counselor
Diana Krmzian Cabin Counselor
Sanan Mahrokhian Armenian School Teacher
Nikolas Manzo Staff In Training
Meline Markarian Junior Staff In Training
Gregory Masrof Staff In Training
Haig Megerdichian Staff In Training
Haig Messerlian Cabin Counselor
John Miller Caretaker
Carmen Mirachian Staff In Training
Jentina Mitchell Residential Nurse
Lori Mouradian Cabin Counselor
Anik Nalbandian Cabin Counselor
Gasia Oknayan Staff In Training
Ani Ouligian Staff In Training
Daron Pogharian Lifeguard
Garen Soukiasian Cabin Counselor
Aleena Surenian Cabin Counselor
Knar Topouzian Head Counselor
Charles Whittlesey Lifeguard
Paze Yeremian Cabin Counselor

Staff FAQ’s

Camp jobs offer invaluable skill-building, leadership, training and enrichment opportunities found nowhere else. We look for candidates who love working in the outdoors, being Armenian, and  are physically active and great with kids.

Do I need to commit to work the entire summer (4 two-week sessions plus Staff Training Week) in order to be hired?
We highly encourage staff candidates to commit to work the full season (Staff Training Week and 4 two-week sessions).  This is one of the top priorities for you to be offered employment as we will consider full-season applicants and returning staff applicants first.  However we are realistic and know that circumstances may not allow every applicant to offer this commitment. On the Seasonal Summer Staff Employment Application you will be asked to designate your work commitment (all staff must attend Staff Training Week prior to beginning work regardless of the length of commitment). Our staff application process is very competitive as we are successful at attracting a large number of applicants and our hiring process is more favorable toward qualified applicants offering a full-season work commitment.
When should I apply for a staff position?
As soon as the Summer Staff Applications are posted on this website (usually January).  The deadline for submitting a complete application including all supporting documents is April 1.  We will not consider incomplete or late applications.  Staff candidates will be interviewed during February, March and early April and hiring notices will go out as soon as possible (after April 15).
Can I bring my car to camp?
Yes. However, the camp has policies regarding staff owned cars at camp that you must abide by.  Note that you must be at least 18 years of age in order to bring a car to camp
Does the staff sleep in the same quarters with campers?
Except for the very youngest cabin group of campers, Cabin counselors have separate quarters adjacent to their campers. Non-counseling staff have separate male and female cabins. In all cases living space is at a premium — only bring your necessities!
What if I take medications?
The Camp Nurse securely stores and dispenses all medications, prescription or over-the-counter, for all campers and staff while at camp. You will meet with the Nurse upon arrival and provide him/her with all your medications.  Your medications (prescription and OTC) must be in their original container labeled with full information, and you must submit a Staff Medication Authorization Form.
Will I have Internet access while at camp?
Yes, Camp Haiastan maintains a wireless encrypted broadband connection for the personal use of staff when they are not on duty.  Access to the camp’s broadband connection with your own laptop or Internet device is outlined in the Staff Handbook and discussed during Staff Training Week.
When will I get paid? Do I need cash at camp?
Paychecks are issued once each session.  Paychecks will be direct deposited to your bank account. Cash needs are minimal, but you may need things occasionally from town so it is advisable to have less than $100 cash and/or a credit/debit card. Staff purchases from our Camp Store are deducted from your paycheck.
What should I bring to camp, and what about my laundry?
If you are hired, we will send you a Staff Handbook, which contains details on what to bring and what not to bring. Camp Haiastan has free washers and dryers easily accessible to you over the course of your stay. You will need to purchase laundry supplies. You may arrange for our outside laundry service (wash, dry & fold) through the Camp Store. A bag of laundry can cost from $10 to $15. You can have this service once per week and you may charge the cost of this service to your Camp Store account.
Will I receive training before I start my job?
Yes. All staff must attend Staff Training Week prior to beginning work, date of which is specified in the Seasonal Summer Staff Employment Application.
Do I need to be able to speak Armenian?
No. However basic knowledge of Armenian culture is very helpful.

Staff Positions

Camp Director

The Camp Director is in charge of the summer operation of Camp Haiastan. He or she assists the Executive Director in recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating the summer staff. Staff and camper supervision, assignments and schedules, as well as program and activity supervision and schedules are important Camp Director duties. The Camp Director must coordinate the Support Staff, Counselors and Program Staff to ensure a smooth, seamless operation. In a broad sense, the Camp Director must make sure that the camp operation is true to our mission of offering a high standard of safe, healthy and enjoyable camping with an emphasis on the appreciation of, and preservation of our Armenian culture and heritage for all campers and staff.  The Camp Director is also responsible for helping protect the investment in property, reputation and assets of Camp Haiastan. The Camp Director reports directly to the Executive Director.

Qualifications: At least 25 years of age, Bachelor’s Degree with professional employment experience in education, and/or physical education and recreation, and/or organized residential camp administration. Previous experience as an Assistant Camp Director, Program Director or Head Counselor is preferable. Computer skills and detailed record keeping is required.

For a full job description, click here.

Aquatic Director

The Aquatic Director will oversee the instructional and recreational activities at the swimming pool and Uncas Pond waterfront. This includes the instruction of non-swimmer and beginning-swimmer lessons for ages 5 – 16, and beginning to intermediate level instruction of canoeing, kayaking and Sunfish sailing. In addition the Aquatics Director will direct, supervise and evaluate lifeguards and instructors assigned to the program and teach along side them as well as responsibility for the basic maintenance and operation of the swimming pool and camp’s small craft at the pond. The Aquatics Director reports directly to the Summer Director.

Mandatory Qualifications: At least 21 years of age. Valid possession of: Water Safety Instructor or Aquatic Director, Life Saving, CPR/First Aid, and Small Craft Certifications through the Red Cross, YMCA, Boy/Girl Scouts, or other nationally or internationally recognized organization. Demonstrated ability to direct, supervise and evaluate subordinates. Computer skills, record keeping and maintenance are required.

Preferred Qualifications: Valid possession of Certified Pool/Spa Operator, and recent previous experience as Water Safety Inst., Head Lifeguard, and swimming and small craft instructor in a camp environment equipped with both swimming pool and pond or lake waterfront.

Head Boys & Girls Counselors

Two positions, one for a man and one for a women to work and live directly with campers and counselors.  The Head Counselor will assist the Camp Director in supervising and scheduling of the Cabin Counselors in all aspects of the Counselor’s functions.  Head Counselors can be responsible for performing the duties of Cabin Counselor.  Head Counselors report directly to the Director.

Mandatory Qualifications: At least 19 years of age, minimum 1 year of college with employment experience in education, and/or physical education and recreation programming, and administration and/or organized residential camp counseling. Previous experience as a Head Counselor and/or Cabin Counselor is preferable. Demonstrated ability to direct, supervise and schedule subordinates.  Computer skills, record keeping and maintenance are required.

Cabin Counselors

Positions for men and women to work and live directly with campers within a cabin group teaching, guiding and mentoring the skills of daily small group living away from home. In essence the Cabin Counselor is the surrogate parent for campers assigned to them for two-week sessions. Cabin Counselors are responsible for no more than eight campers. Cabin Counselors are accountable for their campers at all times and will mentor them in aspects of camp life including but not limited to: Activity participation, daily personal hygiene, dining, all-camp activities, free-time and quiet time. Counselors, where qualified will teach within the program areas of the camp, but all counselors assist with all programs and activities of the camp. Computer skills, record keeping and maintenance are required. Cabin Counselors report directly to the Head Counselors, and Camp Director.

Preferred Qualifications: At least 18 years of age. Previous experience as a paid or volunteer camp counselor, Staff-In-Training, youth leader, recreation leader, teacher’s assistant and/or Camp Haiastan camper.

Activity Instructors & Teachers

Specialists and instructors work with and supervise campers in various program and activity areas of camp. These areas include: Waterfront/small craft, swimming pool, Armenian culture, archery, outdoor living skills, arts & crafts, multimedia, ROPES challenge course, sports & games and many more.

Preferred Qualifications: Are the same as Cabin Counselors.  Specialists and instructors must have proficiency skill as well teaching/participation experience.  Computer skills, record keeping and maintenance are required.

Mandatory Qualifications:  By law, valid certification is required for many Instructor positions: Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard, Small Craft and Archery.

Staff-In-Training

Exclusively for young men and women who turn 17 by the first day of staff training week.

This is a great opportunity for 17 year olds to make the transition from camper to staff and get paid!  SIT’s have responsibilities and assignments each week and are held accountable as any other staff person.

SIT’s will work under supervision in three areas of the camp on a rotating schedule: Counselor-In-Training, Kitchen and Maintenance in order to become prepared and trained to work as future 18 year olds in any of these areas of camp.

Computer skills, record keeping and maintenance are required.

SIT’s report directly to the Camp Director (and caretaker, at times).

Support Staff

These positions provide support for overall camp operation: Health Center, kitchen, maintenance and summer office. Computer skills, record keeping and maintenance is required.

Age and/or certification requirements:

Camp Nurse: Must be licensed RN or LPN and experienced in residential camp environment.  Reports directly to the Camp Director. Click here for a full job description.

Nurse’s Assistant: Must be enrolled in RN degree program with CPR, AED, and First Aid Certifications.  Reports directly to the Camp Nurse.

Secretary: Must be 18 years of age, computer savvy, photography skills preferred. Must have good organizational skills.

Staff Expectations

To prospective staff candidates:
We expect that all staff members display a high level of personal and professional responsibility. Camp living is in “tight quarters” and works best when each person is caring, respectful, responsible and supportive of each other. Camp Haiastan has high standards for the behavior and conduct of its staff. Work at camp is very demanding, yet is also extremely fulfilling.