We currently have a number of positions available for the 2008 summer program. Hiring begins in February and continues through April. We take the time to visit several job fairs and universities. Please feel free to contact us to find out more or to see if we are visiting your area during the recruiting process. The positions available for the 2008 camp season are Camp Directors and Camp Counselors. We also will work with you to incorporate internships into the camp in any fashion possible.
Position Title: Camp Director
Position: Full-time Summer
Dates of Employment: June 3, 2008 to August 12, 2008
Available Position: 2
Salary: $3,600-$4,000
Classification: Seasonal contractual, health benefits not provided
Position Description: The Camp Director will direct a residential summer camp in a Maryland state park. The Director will participate in and assist with the implementation of a scheduled camping and trip program which serves 15 campers per session (6 sessions during the summer). Outfitters, Park Staff/Naturalist lead many activities but our camp staff is responsible for the daily operations occurring during the camp week. The camps operate Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day. The director will oversee the camp at his/her site and participate in all camp activities. The daily operations include cooking, driving, cleaning, environmental education, and participating in all planned activities. The director will be prepared to handle staff interactions, camper behavior problems, and obstacles such as inclement weather. Directors will include other staff members in the decision making process. The Director will oversee 3-4 Counselors during each session and be responsible for daily reports, medical sheets, and inventory lists.
Position Qualifications/Responsibilities:
- Experience working with children in the outdoors, with camps, or residential settings.
- Competence in teaching, counseling, and guiding youth as well as peers
- Supervisory experience
- Patience, enthusiasm, initiative, drive, time-management skills, organizational skills, flexibility, and communication skills.
- College experience is beneficial. Concentrations in recreation, education, natural resources, or sciences is desired.
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Canoe Certification (we will certify)
- Tuberculosis Test
- Valid Drivers License
- Minimum age of 21
- Attend all of training and end of season cleanups
- Aid campers in maintaining their personal hygiene
- Take an active role in the implementation of all camp activities as directed by the camp coordinator
- Prepare meals in an outdoor camp setting.
- Advise Park Manager and Camp Coordinators of various camp situations.
- Purchase food and keep records
- Keep a current food and equipment inventory at all times
- Drive and maintain a 15-passenger van and mini-van.
- Interact with park personnel to create a positive working relationship
- Make decisions based on changing conditions for camp safety and efficiency.
- Maintain campsite and equipment.
Position: Full-time Summer
Dates of Employment: June 3, 2008 to August 12, 2008
Available Position: 8
Salary: $3,500-$3,800
Classification: Seasonal contractual, health benefits not provided
Position Description: The Camp Counselor will coordinate with the director and other counselors throughout the week at a residential summer camp in a Maryland state park. The Counselor will participate in and assist with the implementation of a scheduled camping and trip program which serves 15 campers per session (6 sessions during the summer). Outfitters, Park Staff/Naturalist lead many activities and our camp staff is responsible for the daily operations occurring during the camp week. The camps operate Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day. The Counselor will oversee the camp at his/her site and participate in all camp activities. The daily operations include cooking, driving, cleaning, environmental education, and participating in all planned activities. The Counselor will be prepared to handle staff interactions, camper behavior problems, and obstacles such as inclement weather.
Position Qualifications/Responsibilities:
- Experience working with children in the outdoors, with camps, or residential settings.
- Competence in teaching, counseling, and guiding youth as well as peers
- Supervisory experience
- Patience, enthusiasm, initiative, drive, time-management skills, organizational skills, flexibility, and communication skills.
- College experience is beneficial. Concentrations in recreation, education, natural resources, or sciences is desired.
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Canoe Certification (we will certify)
- Tuberculosis Test
- Valid Drivers License
- Minimum age of 18 and a high school graduate
- Attend all of training and end of season cleanups
- Aid campers in maintaining their personal hygiene
- Take an active role in the implementation of all camp activities as directed by the camp director
- Prepare meals in an outdoor camp setting.
- Purchase food and keep records
- Drive and maintain a 15-passenger van and mini-van.
- Interact with park personnel to create a positive working relationship
- Make decisions based on changing conditions for camp safety and efficiency.
- Maintain campsite and equipment.
Internships
Outdoor Discovery works with you to help receive college credit while getting paid. In the past, we have had office assistants, directors and counselors receive credit for coursework. We will work with you in any way possible to make your work with Outdoor Discovery rewarding and fulfilling.
Questions?? We have Answers!
How long is the hiring process?
I can only work for part of the summer, should I apply?
I am interested in year-round work, should I apply?
Do you hire high school students or recent high school graduates?
Do you accept interns?
Can we bring pets?
Do we have any free time to do our own activities?
How often do we get paid?
Are there any benefits included with the job?
Is there opportunity for weekend housing if I live out of state or farther away?
What do we eat during the week?
What do I wear during the week?
Can I participate in all the activities?
Can I have visitors during the week?
How do we apply for a position?
We do attend many job fairs and universities. If you don’t see us coming, try contacting us through email at chawkins@dnr.state.md.us or by phone at 410-260-8154.
We try to begin in February and continue with hiring until we fill each of the open positions.
Our program generally runs from late May until the third week of August. Unfortunately because our staff must attend training and certification, we need that full commitment from you. We do offer a week off in the midst of camp (July 14-July 18).
We do not offer year-round positions but many counselors and directors are now employed throughout the state by the DNR. We are a great stepping stone to your future.
The majority of our staff are college students, college graduates, and graduate students. We would only accept a high school graduate if he/she demonstrated a vast knowledge of the outdoors and camping experience.
Definitely. We hope you can enjoy your summer while getting paid and receiving credits. In the past we had employees receive up to 15 credits while getting a paycheck.
Unfortunately not. We do not allow pets during the camp week. Many of the parks we use do not allow pets and we want our staff to remain focused on the campers.
Each member will be given an hour or two hour break on a daily basis. What you do with your break is entirely up to you but many times, those times are great for relaxing and taking time for yourself.
Paychecks will be given out on a two week cycle. The paychecks will be issued on the Friday of the pay week.
We do not offer a benefits package with the offered positions.
Many times our out of town staff join up with staff members that live nearby for weekends to cut down on driving. In addition to that option, we can always arrange for a campsite at one of our parks for your weekend stays.
The staff will be preparing and attending meals with the campers during the week. Vegetarian options are available at every meal and vary during the week. If you have a specific need that we are unable to meet, you are able to bring food with you.
Outdoor Discovery provides each member with two t-shirts and two collared shirts for their stay at camp. In addition to the provided attire, we simply ask that all clothing is appropriate and tasteful. Further details will be given during training.
We encourage the staff to participate in all the activities. Being a staff member means being part of the group and the campers enjoy seeing the staff take the time and initiative to share the excitement. Unfortunately, there may be a time when time/weather does not cooperate and you will be unable to participate so the campers will have more time to do the activity. Remember, we are here for the campers!
We try to keep the same rules for staff as we do for campers. Of course if you need something, you can have someone come, but we shy away from visitors during the week. Again, this camp is for the campers.
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