FAQs for Potential Staff Members

Pass this quiz and you can't pass up an Airy and Louise summer...

The fact that you're reading this indicates:

1. You're looking for a summer job...
2. You're considering working for us this summer...
3. You are a person of genuine warmth and caring and have skills you'd like to share with others...
4. You're an incredibly gifted, insightful person who obviously knows a good thing when you see it...
5. ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Our guess is that (E) is the right answer (bet you got that right, too!).

So, to help you along in the decision making process, we've assembled this page to help you as you consider the many alternatives for a summer camp position. Of course, we encourage you to look around as you make this decision. There are a lot of good camps out there; but as you will soon see, Airy and Louise are in a class of their own!

Take a few minutes to review this information, take a few notes for questions and then, decide... who knows, these few minutes of reading could very well lead to the best summer you've ever experienced...

• So tell me a bit about your camps...

  Our pleasure ... Camp Louise (in Cascade, Maryland) for girls started operation the summer of 1922 with the initial purpose of giving girls the opportunity to leave the "sweatshops" of Baltimore for a short fresh air experience that they would likely never otherwise have. Two summers later the boys camp, Camp Airy (in Thurmont, Maryland about nine miles down the road) was started with a similar intent. Much of the philosophy of the camps as set forth back in the 1920's by Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Straus remains to this day, though instead of serving the initial combined enrollment of less than 40 campers, Airy and Louise now serve approximately 2000 Jewish children each summer.

  While our camps are private operations, they also maintain not-for-profit status. Our subsidized fees and number of campers receiving financial assistance (camperships) can readily attest to that fact.

  Close to 70% of the Airy and Louise staff return every summer...2/3 of our combined enrollment of almost 2000 campers return each summer... Camps Airy & Louise must be doing something right!

• Where are Camp Airy and Camp Louise?

  Both Louise's 400 acre and Airy's 450 acre sites in the mountains of Western Maryland boast beautiful settings, incredible facilities and are located right in the middle of a very historic region. The two camps are about 9 miles apart and only about an hour's drive from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. To the north, only minutes away, is Gettysburg, PA and the south and west respectively are Harpers's Ferry, WV and Antietam in Western Maryland. (Of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Camp Airy's neighbor about 2 miles across the mountain... It's another camp called "David"... Up to this point its residents (Presidents going back to FDR) have yet to accept our numerous invitations to visit our camps!)

• So, what kind of people will I be working with?

  The best! (Hey, you're gonna be a part of our staff...aren't you?!) Our staff are literally from all over the world... we recruit staff from all over the USA as well as through the services of BUNAC - British Universities North American Club. Our staff comes to us with all types of backgrounds. Some are former campers, many are new to Airy and Louise but have camping experience and many have no camping experience at all. They are looking for an exceptional opportunity to gain experience appropriate to their field of study and/or opportunities to work with children.

  If you really want to make a difference...to others...and to yourself

• Tell me about the Airy/Louise campers...

  Airy and Louise campers are primarily from the Baltimore/Washington DC corridor; though we literally have campers from all over the USA. The fact that we are a third generation camp is part of the reason for this...former campers are now living elsewhere and want their children and grandchildren to experience the Airy/Louise traditions as they did two and three generations ago. Campers are of the Jewish faith.

  Campers are from all different socio-economic backgrounds...Children from two parent families with practically unlimited incomes to campers from single parent homes and families hit hard by the economy...we run the gamut. Typically, about 15 to 20 per cent of our campers receive camperships. Just think of the challenge of bringing together such a diverse group into a close, cohesive bunk of campers!

  Our campers range in age 7 to 17. Campers usually stay for two or four week sessions during the course of the summer. We divide camp up into "units"' so that we can offer age appropriate programming and offer training appropriate to the age group. The 16 and 17 year old campers are part of our "Trainee" program and their summer consists of training experiences as well as traditional camping activities. The 16 year olds are referred to as CAs (Counselor Aides), they must make a four week commitment to camp. The 17 year old, our CIT's (Counselors In Training) make an eight week commitment to camp.

• If the camp serves Jewish children... Do I have to be Jewish to work there?

  No, not at all...While our campers are Jewish, the emphasis of the program is not primarily a strong religious emphasis. Staff (about 40% to 60% non-Jewish - it varies from summer to summer) have found our Sabbath program to be most enjoyable and enlightening. Its liberal orientation allows everyone to enjoy the program at their own levels...many comment on the similarities to their religious heritages.

• What kind of choices do I have in my daily schedule?

  The way we see it ... you work hard year round. Now we're asking you to work equally hard (or harder) during the summer. So we're going to make the summer suit your interests, skills and needs as much as possible. You are given choices regarding the age group, department(s) and time off... and we do our best to accommodate your 1st, 2nd or 3rd choices. The feeling is that you have to feel happy in your job. Our campers are quick to pick-up on a disinterested/unhappy counselor...so if they see you are unhappy, then that will reflect on their experience, then that will reflect on the camp, then...well, you get the picture...

  ...Over 80 summers of camping tradition and excellence...You can only build when you have a strong foundation...

• Time off...You said Time off?!

  Of course you'll have time off... you'd go crazy otherwise! Each staff member is entitled to a day off (from dinner to dinner, 24 hours) and a night off (from dinner to breakfast) seven of the eight weeks you are in camp. This is your time to do as you please. Hang around camp and relax (you can sign up for a room in the "Counselor Lodge", visit the nearby sites or go home ( of course, this isn't an alternative for some). Just think, this may be the ideal time to see the sites in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Gettysburg, Antietam or simply to bowl a game, see a movie, mini-golf or hit a nice quiet restaurant in nearby Frederick, Waynesboro or Hagerstown. It's your time, you need it to stay fresh for a group of campers that rely on you...

• Speaking of time ...What is the camp season?

  Camp runs from Monday, June 23, 2008 through Sunday, August 17, 2008. Staff arrive six days early for our staff orientation. For the summer of 2008, that would be Tuesday, June 17. All staff must be in camp that Tuesday afternoon by 3:00 p.m. for the start of orientation.

  ...working with parents' most prized possessions...

• Orientation?

  Absolutely, this is where the summer really starts! This is a very intensive six day (as required by the American Camp Association) training session which can be broken down into three main components.

  1. learning your way around camp, routines and procedures
  2. child development - discussion and coping strategies
  3. socializing

• Socializing?

  Of course. The way we figure it, you'll be working with this group of people for the next 8.5 weeks. You work with them 24 hours a day, you come to rely on them...it sounds kind of corny now, but they become your family. Orientation helps to get this aspect of your summer off on the right foot.

• How do I go about applying?

  You already started by taking the time to read this. Your next step is to think about how you'd fit into this type of program. Why do you want to apply for a job like this? What do you want to get out of it? What can you offer the camps and the children we serve? If, after you ask these question to yourself, the response is "I want to do it"' then your next step is to send in your application as soon as possible. As soon as we receive it, one of the camp administrators will call to set up an interview with you. By the way, when you complete your application, note only those skills you are genuinely interested in teaching or assisting ... you're not hired based on the number of activities you mark... your hired based on what you can genuinely offer to our camp and campers.

  ...as featured in Smithsonian Magazine...August, 1990

• What kind of programming do you offer?

  Pretty much everything you'd expect in a typical camp (with the exception of the horseback riding and lake front activities). We're a general camp in scope; we just do so many things very well. Hey, with a staff the likes of you, who could expect anything less!!! Both camps really do offer a wide variety of age-appropriate activities for our campers.

  FOR INSTANCE? OK, here goes...

  • ATHLETICS: Team and individual sports (you name the sport and it's pretty certain we offer it). Take a look at the staff application to get an idea.
  • DRAMA: musicals, dramas, comedies, improvisation classes, and activities.
  • ARTS & CRAFTS: All kinds of media including ceramics, leatherwork, enameling, wood-working, silk screening, etc... (again, check out the application)
  • PHOTOGRAPHY: 35 mm black and white (from taking the picture through processing).
  • MULTIMEDIA: Digital Video production, D.J.'ing, Radio, Newspaper and Creative Writing, Robotics (Airy), Model Rocketry (Airy)
  • SWIM: Full Red Cross swim program, plus competitions, free swims.
  • OUTDOOR LIVING: In-camp site camping, initiative courses, trips (including white water rafting, tubing, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, caving, survival training, Appalachian Trail overnight hikes).
  • MUSIC: Instrumental and vocal.
  • DANCE: Modern, jazz, ballet, folk Israeli folk (primarily at Camp Louise).
  • PLUS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY AND INITIATE NEW ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS!

• What would my role in camp be?

  Assuming we're talking about a counselor position, your role would be two-fold. First, you will be a cabin counselor with a "co-counselor" responsible for up to 14 campers. This is the group you'd become very close to and protective of...after all, they're "your kids"! You'll eat and sleep with them (you have your own room within the cabin), you'll be with them during clean-up and at special activities. You really do get very close to these youngsters. [Or, you could be a "Unit Counselor" which means you won't be sleeping in a bunk with campers.] Second, you will be assigned to a department (or two) in which you'll be teaching and/or assisting. This department is determined by your skills and interests. The great thing about having these two-fold responisbilities is that in the bunk you have the opportunity to get very colse to one group of campers (for the two or four week session) and at the same time, you'll have the opportunity to conceivably meet almost every camper through your department responsibilities. This way you won't as readily feel that things are getting too routine and stale. Hey, everyone knows, variety is, indeed the spice of life!

• The Two camps are seperated - Will we ever get to see each other?

  Could you imagine it if we didn't! As far as our campers are concerned, they see the other camp on the average of once a week; too often for the younger campers...not nearly enough for the older campers. But by not seeing each other on a daily basis it makes visits that much more special.

  As far as the staff is concerned, its's very likely that for many of the inter-camp programs, you will be included. In addition, during your time off you are welcome to visit the other camp. We just ask you to bring your staff ID and understand the need for our curfews.

• What kind of living quarters will I have?

  Counselors have their own rooms in cabins that are far from rustic. These cabins (which we call "bunks") also house 12 to 14 campers. At Louise all bunks have toilet facilities and showers. At Airy, all toilet facilities/showers are within 2 or 3 buildings distance (that's actually pretty close...this is no joking matter!). Unit Counselors stay in dorm like buildings with private and/or semi-private rooms and toilet facilities and showers.

• What's the weather like there?

  Weather up at camp runs the gamut. As we say in Maryland...If you don't like the weather...just wait a minute! Prepare yourself for extremes of hot/hot and humid/to cool evenings and the possibility of rain. We send a suggested clothing list to all staff in the spring.

• Ok, bottom line- What kind of money's in this for me?

  Let's be frank ... no one is going to make big bucks working at a summer camp! You really need to decide if the reason for taking this job is the prospect of buying that new Porsche, or having the experience of a lifetime. (Hint: Don't plan on the Porsche!) At Airy and Louise we ask you to take three things into consideration:

  1. What you earn is what you take home...
  2. Your expenses while at camp are all reduced considerably.
  3. Working at a summer camp looks great on a resume to prospective employers.

  Sounds simple...and it's true! Look at it this way; we provide all room and board; provide fresh linens every week; we'll even do your laundry and we give you travel stipend to and from camp to help cover you expenses. In addition you really don't have lots of opportunities to spend money! With the exception of time off, you're ours! Resident camps are literally "full-time" jobs. And, while we don't encourage gratuities, frankly, we don't discourage them either. Finally, salaries are based on the number of years of college you will have completed. Your recruiter can give you more information...don't forget to ask about special compensation for WSI, LGI, ASA, ASTA, NAA and other certifications that may be needed by camp.

  Full time seasonal staff have an opportunity to earn extra money via our "Bounty" and "Signing Bonus" incentives. Be sure to ask your recruiter/interviewer for details.

  You may also want to talk to your interviewer/recruiter about the possibility of earning college credits while working at camp. It works for some of our staff incredibly well. Imagine - great job, good salary and getting credit at the same time...cool!

• What if I can't make it to the camp office for an interview?

  We realize that's just not possible for some, so we'll interview you by phone (plan on a half an hour or more). It's best to indicate on your application the "best time to call".

• What else is involved in the hiring process?

  Assuming the interview goes well (and why not!), we do have some additional steps to complete the hiring process...

  Each applicant has to submit to two(2) references (please, no references from family...usually they give wonderful references...but, come on!). Then each applicant needs to submit finger prints and a disclosure statement for background checks. This step is based on the law in the State of Maryland - all those working with children have to complete this process. We do send you all the forms and details on how to get this part of the hiring process completed as painlessly as possible.

• Then...What are my chances of being hired?

  Well, the sooner the application is submitted, the better your chances. We have only a limited number of available positions (about 60 to 70 percent of our staff traditionally return each summer). We won't keep you "hanging" - We'll let you know as soon as possible so that you can complete your summer plans, too.

• Anything Else?

  One last thing... this is more than just another summer job...this really is an opportunity! It's a hard job, very demanding and exhausting; but if you think you'd like to be in a position to make a difference in a child's life, to learn about others and yourself, then give a summer at Camp Airy or Camp Louise some serious consideration.

  Please feel free to call (410-466-9010) or E-Mail airlou@airylouise.org if you have any questions or concerns; we will do our best to answer your (or your family's) questions...

  Hurry up and send in your application! We want to hear from you ...SOON!

• Camp Airy & Camp Louise at a glance..

  • Camp Louise (for girls) - established in 1922
  • Camp Airy (for boys) - established in 1924
  • Brother/Sister resident camps, serving Jewish children, located in the mountains of Western Maryland - only an hour from Washington DC and Baltimore, Maryland...
  • An 8 1⁄2 week summer experience which includes a six day staff orientation...
  • At each camp a staff of about 140 including: counselors, specialists, medical staff (2 physicians/5 RNs each week), administrative staff and support staff...
  • Staff benefits include: all room and board, travel stipend, linen and laundry service, coverage by Workers's Compensation...
  • Competitive camp salaries based on year of college completed - plus bonus for certain certifications and special skills...
  • General camp programming featuring: Athletics, Crafts, Drama, Music, Photography, Nature study, Outdoor Living, Dance, Swim and lots more...
  • Serving campers, ages 7 to 17. Campers come for two or four week sessions...
  • Opportunities to be creative, gain/enhance leadership skills for the current summer and summers to come...
  • Opportunity to meet campers from all over the USA and staff from all over the USA as well as international staff members...
  • Accredited by the American Camping Association and licensed by the State of Maryland under the Maryland Youth Camp Safety Act...

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