The 2019 STAFF APPLICATION is up!

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.

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 alongside 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.

Behavior Specialist

Position Summary: A Behavior Specialist is responsible for supporting daily camping operations through individual and group assistance while promoting, modeling and implementing positive behavior management strategies for campers and staff alike. This individual will be a motivated team member who has displayed a record of achievement in effective supervision & management of youth. The candidate must be capable of building positive relationships and ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers and staff members throughout the summer season.

Background Required and Qualifications: 2-5 years of relevant experience working as a behavioral specialist or licensed school counselor Behavior management experience as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Previous experience working with children in a supervisory or administrative capacity

Principal Duties or Responsibilities: Monitor safety and all procedures as they pertain to the complete supervision of all campers and staff Develop behavior strategies for all campers/counselors to be successful at camp Responsible for handling behavior management issues camp wide Coach administration on effective strategies to minimize common behavior problems Responsible for implementing a range of positive strategies that promote positive behavior, including crisis intervention and family support and involvement Develop relationships with parents and guardians; keeping close communication with them when necessary Develop positive behavior management plan guidelines Develop positive behavioral intervention strategies Evaluate positive behavior management plan and revise as needed Assist Executive Director and nurse in whatever capacity needed Monitor groups for behavior trends: positive and negative Help to provide an atmosphere for developing good morale and well-being Facilitate trainings two times per summer based on behavior concerns and issues.

Program Coordinator

Essentially, you have experience working with youth and/or camp counselors in teaching activities that focus on creative ways to engage both campers and staff to add value to sports, arts and crafts, games and the like. You may have coached sports and know how to connect with young adults. You may be a teacher or a parent with experience in making the mundane exciting.

Background Required and Qualifications: College student or graduate. One year experience instructing children in a group setting. Two or more years experience is preferred. Teaching experience preferred. Coaching background preferred. Ability to motivate and engage children and manage behavioral challenges. A positive attitude, you must be enthusiastic, energetic, creative & sensitive to children. Good judgment and sound decision making. Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Facilitate programming to advance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of our campers while prioritizing safety. Ensuring program activities are scheduled and carried out on time. Encourage staff engagement and responsibility during all activity periods. Follow licensing regulations/standards, such as reporting child incidents and proper health and hygiene procedures. Continuously monitor environment, to maintain a safe and healthy site. Provide a caring family-oriented environment where positive staff, child, and parent relationships are fostered.

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.

Lower Office 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.