Staff > FAQ
Deacon Nishan Baldjian, Watertown, Mass. & Baron Peter Jelalian (Summer Director), Nanuet, NY
- Do I need to commit to work the entire summer (4 two-week sessions plus Staff Training Week) in order to be hired?
- When should I apply for a staff position?
- How do I apply for a staff position?
- Can I bring my car to camp?
- Does the staff sleep in the same quarters with campers?
- What if I take medications?
- Will I have time off?
- May I bring my cell phone and/or other personal electric devices?
- When will I get paid? Do I need cash at camp?
- May I invite visitors to visit me?
- What should I bring to camp, and what about my laundry?
- Will I receive training before I start my job?
- Do I need to speak Armenian?
FAQ Answers
Do I need to commit to work the entire summer (4 two-week sessions plus Staff Training & Orientation) in order to be hired?
We encourage staff candidates to commitment to work the full summer (4 two-week sessions plus Staff Training & Orientation). However we are realistic and know that circumstances may not allow all staff candidates to fulfill this commitment. On the Seasonal Summer Staff Employment Application you will be asked to designate your availibility for work. Keeping in mind that all staff must receive Staff Training and Orientation prior to beginning work, the minimum work commitment is 4 weeks (of course, plus Staff Training & Orientation). Commitments can be for 4, 6 and full 8 week commitments, however keep in mind that your first choice for when you can work may not be available. You should have an alternate choice in mind. You may qualify for a substantial incentive salary bonus for working all 4 two-week sessions or for working the last 4 weeks of the summer.
When should I apply for a staff position?
As soon as possible after January 1, 2008. Staff candidates will be selected and sent Employment Agreements by mid-April 2008.
How do I apply for a staff position?
- Download forms from this website on the apply page, complete, mail or fax them to Camp Haiastan; or
- Request an application packet by email: haicamp@verizon.net or via the contact form; or
- Write or phone in a request for an application packet, contact information can be found on the contact page.
Can I bring my car to camp?
Yes. The camp has policies regarding staff owned cars at camp that you must abide by.
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 premimum, there just is not room in staff living quarters for you to bring all the comforts of home with you.
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. So you must meet with the Nurse upon arrival and turn over all medications if you bring them with you to camp.
Will I have time off?
Yes. Staff are afforded one 24-hour day off, and one six-hour night off each week. Staff are strongly encouraged to leave the camp during time off, however personal transportation during time off is solely the responsibility of each staff. We cannot guarantee that you will be scheduled off with another staff with a car, and we strongly discourage the loaning of staff owned cars. Frequently scheduled public transportation is available in Franklin to Boston and can be accessed easily from camp. The camp also maintains a staff welfare/lounge area for evening gathering and socializing.
Will I have Internet access while at camp?
Camp Haiastan maintains an encrypted broadband connection and Internet capable computers for the personal use of staff when they are not on duty. The personal use of the camp’s computers and access to the camp’s broadband connection with your own laptop will be outlined in the Staff Handbook and discussed during Staff Training & Orientation. Violation of these policies and/or inappropriate use of the Internet can result in loss of use and possibly dismissal from employment.
May I bring my cell phone and/or other personal electronic devices such as a laptop, digital video or still camera, hair dryer or a fan?
Yes, in some cases, no in others. You must review and follow personnel policies governing the use of permitted items. As staff you would have more priviledges regarding bringing electronic devices to camp. However, our Staff Handbook has rules and guidelines for permitted devices. When the camp administration feels that these rules of use have been violated or electronic devices have jeopardized anyone’s health, welfare, or safety, or have violated basic appropriateness, common decency, moral judgement or state and/or federal laws, the device will be confiscated and possibly not returned.
When will I get paid? Do I need cash at camp?
Paychecks are issued once each session. Cash needs are minimal, but you may need things occasionally from town. Purchases from our Camp Store are deducted from paychecks each session.
May I invite visitors to visit me?
Although the middle Sunday of the session is Visiting Day for campers and their families, you will likely not have an opportunity to entertain your own visitors on that day, although they are welcome to camp as all visitors are. Your visitors are welcome to visit you on your day or evening off, and you must notify camp administration of their arrival to meet you, and you must immediately leave camp grounds with them. Visitors are not permitted extended stay in camp during time off periods unless it is Visiting Day Sunday. Your visitors, like all visitors to camp, are responsible for abiding by Visiting Day Policies and Rules.
What should I bring to camp, and what about my laundry?
Start by checking the “What To Bring” and the “What Not To Bring” sections of the Parent & Camper Summer Guide on the website. A Welcome Packet will be sent to all hired summer staff that will suggest types and amounts of belongings to bring. The Staff Handbook will outline what not to bring. Camp Haiastan has free washers and dryers easily accessible to you over the course of your stay. You only 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 formal Staff Training and Orientation prior to beginning work, dates of which are specified in the Seasonal Summer Staff Employment Application. Plus there are refesher in-service-training sessions held at the conclusion of each session. These formal training sessions are designed to help you become better equipped to do your job.
Do I need to speak Armenian?
No. However basic knowledge of Armenian culture is very helpful.
