Camp Homeward Bound Staff Experience
To be a staff member at Camp Homeward Bound is to be a part of an incredible community of people from all over the country and the world who work together to change the lives of 300 children each summer. The Camp Homeward Bound staff takes on the mission of the Coalition for the Homeless in a unique way by providing homeless children with an experience they will never forget, an experience that could help to shift the course of each of their young lives.
Who works at Camp Homeward Bound?
Most of the counselors are college/university students or graduates. Some are from the New York City area and majority come from various states and countries around the world. In 2009, our staff represented 14 countries and seven states.
What is camp like for staff?
Working at Camp Homeward Bound is demanding but it is also most rewarding. Our camp is beautiful and rustic. Staff members lead and supervise campers closely 24 hours a day, sharing a platform tent, nestled in the woods, with their fellow counselors and an average of six campers.
Click here to see our beautiful site at Harriman State Park in Upstate New York.
Summer 2010 Schedule
Friday June 4th - Work Crew and Chef arrive
Saturday June 5th - Volunteer Day
Saturday June 12th - Volunteer Day
Monday June 14th - Waterfront Staff Arrives
Tuesday June 15th - Lifeguard Certification Course
Saturday June 19th - Unit Leader, Nurse, Program & Kitchen Staff arrive
Tuesday June 22nd - Counselors arrive
Wednesday June 23rd - Staff Training Begins
SESSION 1 : Wednesday June 30th - Thursday July 15th
Sunday July 18th Staff In Service Training:
SESSION 2: Monday July 19th - Tuesday August 3rd
SESSION 3: Friday August 6th - Saturday August 21st
Sunday August 22nd - Staff Depart (except Leadership Staff and Cook)
Monday August 23rd. - Leadership Staff & Cook Departs
Wednesday August 25th - Work Crew Departs
Positions Available
Counselors are the core of camp life. Counselors live with the campers, participate in activities with them, and ensure that each child's daily needs are met.
Activity Specialists lead variety of different activities: sports and fitness, arts and crafts, dance, ropes course, nature and outdoor living skills, music, canoeing and kayaking, swimming and learn to swim, learning center, computer lab, and cooking and nutrition. Activity Specialists also work directly with assigned camper groups when not leading their specific activities.
Lifeguards spend their days at the waterfront. They must have up-to-date lifeguard certification, including CPR and First Aid. Camp Homeward Bound can arrange for staff to be certified or re-certified in the beginning of the summer. Also, like Activity Specialists, Lifeguards work directly with assigned camper groups when on at the waterfront.
Administrative Staff oversee various areas of camp - Unit Leaders supervise campers and counselors within their units, organizing and conducting night activities, and maintaining the facilities and supplies in their units; the Waterfront Director oversees the lifeguards and ensures that the rules and regulations of the waterfront are followed. The Program Coordinator plans, sets up and oversees all evening and special day activities, helps with program schedules and assists Assistant Director in any needed program areas as directed.
The Health Center Director and Nurse examine each child and work together to address all medical concerns of campers and staff throughout the season.
Support Staff do not work directly with children but ensure that camp runs smoothly. These positions include an Office Manager, a Food Service Director, a Cook, Food Servers, a Driver, and Maintenance/Housekeeping Staff.
To fill out an on-line application form, click here.
To apply for a position with Camp Homeward Bound, click here to download our application form in PDF format.
In order to complete the application you will need to submit three (3) reference forms.
Please download the reference form in PDF format by clicking here.