Join Our Summer Staff
If you love being outdoors and the challenge and opportunity of shaping and positively influencing young girls appeals to you, then you should consider summer employment with Girls Quest. All staff members reside at Camp for the duration of the camping session and typically enjoy the camping experience as much as the campers. A mandatory training session, which is conducted 4 days before the girls arrive at Camp, gives staff members a chance to become familiar with the campsite, begin to establish relationships with colleagues and develop a deeper understanding of the program and their responsibilities.
Camp Staff FAQs
What are the requirements for Staff members? Qualifications for all Staff include:
- A minimum of 18 years of age and a high school graduate.
- Desire to work and live in the outdoors for two-three (2-3) weeks in upstate New York.
- Maturity, good moral character, and integrity.
- Desire to work with children, patience and sensitivity to the needs of children.
- Willingness to work as a team player for the benefit of the girls entrusted to our care.
- Willingness to forgo significant use of technology except during unscheduled times.
- Willingness to bring your Superpower for the benefit of all.
- Upon acceptance as a member of our staff, provide a Medial History and Health Exam with a current Immunization record.
- Participate in Mandatory Staff Orientation and virtual online and Zoom sessions prior to camp.
What are the dates for camp in 2023?
- Position specific–Sr. Staff begin arriving on Saturday, July 8, 2023 with the entire staff on site by Noon of Monday, July 10, 2023.
- Staff training begins Noon of Monday, July 10th and continues until the arrival of campers on Friday, July 14th.
- Camper session will be Friday, July 14-Saturday, July 22, 2023.
- Staff depart the camp site by 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 22nd.
Who are the staff?
Our staff is carefully selected and is comprised of alumnae, volunteers, teachers, professionals, and college students who bring their Superpowers to engage our girls in a positive atmosphere which encourages growth. We are a girl’s camp, but some program and support staff positions are filled by males who live in alternative housing onsite.
How will camp operate during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic?
Having successfully operated camp in 2021 and 2022, Girls Quest will continue to use guidelines and protocols created by the CDC, the New York State Department of Health, the American Camp Association, and the Association of Camp Nurses. To provide the best experience, all staff and campers must provide proof of a recent “Negative” COVID test prior to arrival onsite. We will continue to use most of the NPIs (Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions) that made our 2021 and 2022 seasons possible and safe. The following are just a handful of the NPIs which will be part of how camp operates and will go a long way in helping us create a safe and healthy environment where all can heal, grow, gain independence, self-esteem, and take advantage of the opportunity to have a positive outdoor adventure.
Pre-camp protocols: The best camp sessions start with a healthy camp community and this begins at home.
- All staff must provide a recent “Negative” COVID test (24 hours) to enter camp.
- All staff will sign a COVID-19 waiver.
- All staff will be asked to complete a daily health monitoring form for the 10 days prior to camp arrival (Documentation form will be provided).
- All staff must submit a fully filled out medical history, physical exam, and immunization record, and recent “Negative” COVID test.
- Staff will receive intensive training in health and safety protocols.
At camp protocols:
- All staff will receive a health screening from the camp Health Director within 4 hours of arrival at camp site.
- Testing of all staff and campers on day 5 of the July 14-22nd session.
- Wearing a mask indoors, physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and camp sanitation.
- Daily temperature checks and health monitoring.
What is housing like at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah?
All Superheroes sleeping cabins at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah are rustic but do feature electricity and are near sanitation facilities. Cabins can accommodate up to 10 campers with 3 staff. In 2023, our cabins will hold 9 or 10 campers and up to 3 staff members.
How does food service work at camp?
Meals in our camp Dining Hall are nutritious, kid-friendly, and served “family style”. Our structure is quite spacious and can accommodate our camp population with distancing. Cabin groups will also have the option of taking their meal at the picnic tables adjacent to the Dining Hall. In addition to the “Camp” menu, our Superhero kitchen staff can accommodate vegetarian/vegan options and special dietary/allergy needs.
What are some of the program’s activities?
The program is designed to provide each participant with an opportunity to experience all the enriching activities offered during their stay as they explore and discover their individual Superpowers. Daily activities include swimming, boating, drama, dance, music, sports, fitness, nature discovery, hiking, and additional offerings that our staff is qualified to lead.
How is health care administered at camp?
The Health Center is staffed by a licensed RN to handle the day to day needs of the camp population. All medication must be stored in the Health Center. We review our emergency procedures with our local agencies yearly.
What does “time-off” look like at camp?
Any position at camp is a hard and demanding job! Not only do staff have to take care of children, but they must also take care of themselves. To help keep all our Staff at full capacity, here’s what time off at camp looks like:
- During Staff Training evenings, staff will be off after 8pm, and on July 13th staff will have off from 3:30 pm until wake-up the next morning.
- Once the campers arrive, each staff member has at least 1 program activity period off each day.
- During the 7 full days the campers are on site, each staff member will receive two, 5-hour mornings or afternoons off from camp responsibilities.
- Staff members will also have 1 evening (8:15pm-10:30pm) off.
- Time off out of camp will be strictly limited and only allowed in the safest environments.
How does the application and hiring process work?
- Visit our website at www.girlsquest.org to view job descriptions and fill out an application and return to campdirector@girlsquest.org.
- Provide a Resume and 2 written References along with a completed Character Reference form provided to you by the Camp Director.
- Upon receipt and review, the Camp Director will make contact to set up a Zoom interview.
- The Camp Director will contact you about the potential position within 4 days of your interview.
- If you are hired, the next steps include you completing, signing and returning documents, taking care of your part for your background check, and completing Orientation and training sessions.
- Additional material will arrive during the spring to prepare you for your camp adventure
How to Apply
Below are the 12 Staff Positions available. Take a look at the list and select the position(s) that interest you. Review the Brief Job Description and/or the Full Job Description. If you feel you meet the job Qualifications and you can execute the Responsibilities listed, download and print the Camp Staff Application ». Complete the Application and “Return to:” the person listed on the Application, along with a recent Resume and 3 Letters of Reference/Recommendation.
Open Positions
Unit Leader
Unit Leaders are responsible for the supervision and support of 2-3 cabins (18/27 campers and 4/8 staff) and report directly into the Assistant Director. They are housed with the camper population and are part of the daily camp life. They have close contact with their own cabin group of up to 9 campers and 2 or more staff members. Unit Leaders help organize daily activities with general and program staff, mediate camper behavioral issues, and handle unit problems in the appropriate manner. Planning is often on short notice due to weather changes and camper interest.
Cabin Counselor
Cabin Counselors provide supervision, leadership and guidance to the campers in their assigned cabin. They live with campers and are responsible for their everyday care. There are 10 campers and 2 Cabin Counselors in each cabin. They help plan daily activities, participate in camp jobs and all-camp events, monitor campers’ well-being and act as a positive role model. Cabin Counselors bring campers to meals, travel and actively participate with them in positive and productive activities. They listen to campers when they have a problem or just want to chat. Diligent supervision is required 24/7 with scheduled breaks. They are equal parts mom, sister, teacher, friend and psychologist.
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of camp’s daily and special activities, and orients, trains and supervises Program Specialists in the execution of their duties. Monitoring and enforcing program safety rules, policies and procedures is an important aspect of the job. Position reports into the Camp Director. The Program Coordinator is a part of daily camp. Alternative housing separate from campers provided.
Program Specialist
Program Specialists provide safe and positive activities for campers in the following areas: performing arts, outdoor living skills, sports/fitness, arts and crafts, visual arts, nature and literacy. They are usually scheduled for three (3) periods daily in their area, and they instruct activities for a group of 10 campers based on age, development characteristics, weather, and supplies/equipment available. Each Program Specialist will be responsible for their program area of camp and the required supplies/equipment associated with their program. They should keep their area clean, and ensure equipment is kept in good condition and supplies are available. In some instances, certifications are required to lead the program for which they are instructing. They may be housed with the camper population, or in other housing, but are still a part of daily camp life. Program Specialist will eat with cabin groups, participate in all-camp events, and assist Cabin Counselors in daily care for campers as needed.
Aquatics Director
The Aquatics Director is responsible for all activities and equipment on the waterfront. He/She orients, trains and supervises Aquatics Staffers in the execution of their duties, which are to oversee daily Instructional and Free Swim periods along with boating activities. The waterfront at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is the most active and popular area at Camp. Therefore ensuring the safety of campers by monitoring and enforcing strict waterfront safety rules, policies and procedures is an important aspect of the job. He/She must hold specific American Red Cross waterfront certifications. The position reports into the Program Coordinator. The Aquatics Director is a part of daily camp life participating in meals and other camp activities. Alternative housing separate from campers provided.
Aquatics Staffer
Aquatics Staffers instruct campers in daily swim lessons as well as guard them. They also teach campers and guard them in all boating programs. They enforce a strict waterfront safety policy. Aquatics Staffers must hold current Lifeguard certification in waterfront areas. The waterfront at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah is the most active and popular area of camp. Aquatics Staffers oversee Instructional and Free Swim periods along with boating which are scheduled daily. They also oversee additional early morning and evening dips, and evening staff swims. Aquatics Staffers may be housed with the camper population and are a part of daily camp life. Although they have close contact with their own cabin group of 10 campers, along with at least one additional Cabin Counselor, who is the primary care giver, they work with the entire camper population. Alternative housing is also available.
Health Director
The Health Director is one of the most important positions at camp. The daily monitoring of our campers’ and staff’s health and safety is the foundation for a caring and nurturing environment where all can thrive. The Health Director ensures that all health services are in compliance with American Camp Association requirements and state laws. The Health Director must follow all instructions and/or requirements for prescriptions, orders and procedures provided by a licensed medical professional. This individual must hold a current New York State RN, LPN, Paramedic or EMT license and a current ARC CPR and ARC RTE. Assists in the delivery of the Staff Orientation and training outline. Alternative housing separate from campers provided.
Chef
The Chef ensures healthy meal planning and preparation. He/She creates menus, is accountable for the Kitchen and Dining Hall and supervises and works effectively with the Kitchen staff. (Kitchen staff includes 3-4 full-time Kitchen Staffers and 1 additional support staff who rotate jobs each meal.) Since on time, tasty and well prepared meals are a part of the foundation of an enjoyable camp experience, the Chef is one of the most important positions at Camp. The position reports into the Camp Director. Alternative housing separate from campers provided.
Assistant Chef
The Assistant Chef reports into the Chef and assists the Chef in ensuring healthy meals are prepared and served. He/She assists the Chef in the daily operation and management of the Kitchen as specified in the Kitchen Manual. When necessary, the Assistant Chef is directly responsible for the Kitchen and Kitchen staff when the Chef is unavailable. Since on time, tasty and well prepared meals are a part of the foundation of an enjoyable camp stay, the Assistant Chef plays a role in shaping the overall eating experience for campers and staffers. Alternative housing separate from campers provided.
Kitchen Staffer
Kitchen Staffers assist the Chef with the preparation of food. They handle basic food prep including washing, peeling, cutting and mixing ingredients; as well as food presentation. They also complete cleaning and food storage tasks, along with kitchen set-up and breakdown.
Kitchen Staffers are considered as “Support Staff” and are a part of the daily life at camp. They provide necessary services that are the foundation of camp. Support staff is encouraged to participate in special camp days and campfires. There may be times when support staff may be asked to fill in for Cabin Counselors during the early evening, for example, helping at bedtime and during Cabin Counselor meetings.
Maintenance Assistant
The Maintenance Assistant works directly with the Property Manager and Camp Director to address maintenance issues and help maintain the safety of the grounds at camp. This individual helps ensure that camp is in good operating condition and performs general maintenance and repair of the buildings, grounds and equipment at camp. This position assists the Kitchen staff after the evening meal and supports the Camp Director with the camp program as needed. The Maintenance Assistant is expected to take the initiative to handle routine maintenance tasks as needed.
The Maintenance Assistant is considered as “Support Staff” and is a part of the daily life at camp. This individual provides necessary services that are the foundation of camp. Support staff is encouraged to participate in special camp days and campfires. There may be times when support staff may be asked to fill in for Cabin Counselors during the evening meetings.
Laundry/Housekeeping Staffer
The Laundry/Housekeeping Staffer performs a variety of activities that maintain camp sanitation and laundry services for the camp population. This position ensures that the toilet and shower facilities are kept clean and supplied, and laundry from the kitchen, Clinic and cabins is washed in a timely manner. This individual assists the Kitchen staff with the noon meal and supports the Camp Director with the camp program as needed.
The Laundry/Housekeeping Staffer is considered as “Support Staff” and is a part of the daily life at camp. This individual provides necessary services that are the foundation of camp. Support staff is encouraged to participate in special camp days and campfires. There may be times when support staff may be asked to fill in for Cabin Counselors during the early evening, for example, helping at bedtime and during Cabin Counselor meetings.
Girls Quest is a 501 (c) (3) organization and is incorporated in New York State.
All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.