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 360 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.
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. Counselors also include former campers who have completed our Counselor in Training Program.
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 2024 Schedule
Tuesday, June 4th: Work Crew & Chef Arrive
Monday, June 10th: Lifeguards Arrive
Tuesday, June 11th: Lifeguard Training
Sunday, June 16th: Unit Leaders, New Kitchen Staff and Maintenance Staff Arrive
Tuesday, June 18th: Program Staff Arrive
Wednesday, June 20th: General Counselors Arrive
Session 1: Friday, June 28th to Saturday, July 13th
Session 2: Wednesday, July 17th to Thursday, August 1st
Session 3: Monday, August 5th to Tuesday, August 20th
Wednesday, August 21st: Staff Depart Sunday, August 25th: Work Crew Depart
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, biking, arts and crafts, dance, nature and outdoor living skills, music, computers, video production, photography, 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.
Support Staff do not work directly with children but ensure that camp runs smoothly. These positions include Maintenance Staff and Laundry/Housekeeping Staff.
APPLY NOW!
To download and print out an application form, click here. You will need to submit three reference forms in order to complete your application. Click here to download and print out the reference forms. For more information about Camp Homeward Bound, including applying for the next summer camp season, please contact Beverly McEntarfer at bmcentarfer@cfthomeless.org or call 212-776-2020.
