Want to work at Camp this summer?
What does it take to work at Camp Ondessonk for the summer? Camp Ondessonk welcomes all types of people to work at camp over the summer. After all, we get all types of campers! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
- Do I have to be Catholic?
A: While our camp program is rooted in Catholic tradition, we encourage applicants of all faiths to apply to work at camp. Everyone must be willing to attend Mass on Sunday and be respectful during prayer or other faith-based sessions but you do not have to be Catholic to work at camp.
- How old do I have to be to work at camp?
A: Camp staff must be at least 17 by the beginning of the summer to get a paid position. Anyone who is 16 is welcome to apply as an LIT, which is like a junior counselor. LITs are unpaid and have most (but not all) responsibilities of paid camp counselors. They are mentored by our leadership staff and are able to try out multiple activity areas to see where they’d like to apply in the future.
- Is it required to have been a CIT to get a job?
A: Those who have gone through our CIT program or other leadership programs are probably well prepared for a camp job, but it is not a requirement in order to apply. In fact, you do not have to have ever been to camp before in your life to work as a counselor! Some of our best counselors found camp later in life and had never been campers or CITs.
- What is the time commitment?
A: Summer camp runs from June 3- August 4. We are looking for staff to work at least 5 consecutive weeks each summer. Our full summer runs for 10 weeks, including our mandatory staff training week May 27-June 2. Then staff will stay for the following four weeks or leave and return for the last 5 weeks beginning in July. Staff who can only work a week or two do not have as high a chance of getting a job as those who have more open availability.
- What about time off?
A: Staff are able to request time off prior to the summer for planned events or vacations. Once the summer begins, time off must be restricted to doctors appointments or unexpected/unplanned events. In general, staff have a few hours off per day. The exact times vary from day to day. Staff may not leave camp during time off. Often time off is just enough each day to allow staff to take a run, make phone calls or take care of personal emails. Every week, staff are off from Noon on Saturday until 11AM on Sunday with the exception of one weekend which you will be asked to do a weekend duty.
- Where do staff live?
A: Staff live in camper units but have their own staff cabin among the campers. Staff shower separately from campers and most staff members keep the majority of their personal belongings either in the showerhouses, in their cars, or in the staff lounge, although you can keep them in your cabin if you wish. Items like personal computers or musical instruments can be kept in the office or in another secured and climate-controlled space if requested.
- How do I apply?
A: Complete an application online or send in a paper application from www.ondessonk.com/employment by January 31st, 2018. Applicants who did not work last summer must submit 3 written references and all applicants must include a current resume. All questions can be sent to [email protected]