Camp SIGN 2014
Counselor Application Instructions
Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
4900 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 2169; Austin, Texas 78751
Thank you for indicating interest in applying for a camp staff position. The 2014 dates are
August 3-8, 2014. The following are instructions to assist you during the application process.
Complete DARS3932, Camp SIGN Application for Counselors, and submit to DHHS, along with
the following materials:
Current Resume;
Photocopies of specialized training certificates, if any;
Photocopy of your valid state driver’s license, and
Fair Credit Report (for criminal background check).
Submit completed application package by April 20th, 2014.
Staff application packages received after this deadline will be considered on a space-available
basis. Staff application packages with missing materials, such as a resume or photocopies, or
incomplete applications will not be considered until all information is made available.
Mail or email completed application package to:
Ann Horn
Camp SIGN 2014
Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
PO Box 12904
Austin, Texas 78711
Email: ann.horn@dars.state.tx.us
About the job
Reasons to work at Camp SIGN:
 You enjoy working with children of all ages
and backgrounds
 You want a new and exciting experience
 You like to learn new things
 You are interested in meeting new people
Reasons NOT to work at Camp SIGN:
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You need a vacation
You want to earn money
You love your privacy
You want to work 9 am-5 pm
You will get out of the camp experience exactly what you put into it. There will be long hours and
little monetary compensation. If you fully involve yourself with the program, you will find yourself
having a fantastic time and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
We expect the camp staff to be role models for the children at all times. We insist on high
standards of behavior and appropriate personal dress and grooming. We have many staff
policies that you are expected to adhere to at all times. SMOKING, USING AN ILLEGAL
SUBSTANCE AND CONSUMING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED
ON THE CAMP GROUNDS AND WILL LEAD TO DISMISSAL AND POSSIBLE ARREST.
Our goal is to focus on the campers’ interests, and not resolving staff problems. Staff members
are expected to demonstrate a high degree of dedication and teamwork.
Counselors must be available from August 2-Augsut 8, 2014, and must be available for the
entire period. The date of orientation and training for new and returning Camp SIGN staff
members will begin in the late afternoon of August 2, 2014. For position descriptions, please
see the next two pages.
About Camp SIGN
The mission of the camp is to provide an environment of acceptance and encouragement and
encourage all young persons who are deaf or hard of hearing from throughout the state to
participate, regardless of their communication mode.
Camp SIGN 2012 continues to use a wonderful campsite in the woodlands near Conroe, Texas,
just 35 miles north of Houston. Camp Misty Meadows is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts
of San Jacinto, Inc.
Children between ages 8 and 15 are eligible as campers. Youth ages 16 and 17 may participate
in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program which focuses on developing leadership skills to help
them become future counselors and leaders.
Camp SIGN depends on donations to keep the program running. Tax deductible gifts may be
sent to Camp SIGN, Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, at the address mentioned on
the previous page. For more information, contact Ann Horn by email at
ann.horn@dars.state.tx.us.
Qualifications and General Duties
Counselor
Minimum qualifications:
 21 years old;
 High school diploma;
 Sign language skills and ability to
communicate effectively with campers;
 Previous camp work experience; and
 Previous experience training or supervising
children.
Junior counselor
Minimum qualifications:
 18 years old;
 High school diploma;
 Sign language skills and ability to
communicate effectively with campers;
 Previous camp staff experiences;
 Experience training and supervising children;
 Previous CIT experience
Duties:
 Live in cabin with assigned campers,
 Keep track of the whereabouts of each
camper in cabin group;
 Spend at least half hour of quality one-on-one
time talking with each camper during the
camp week;
 Oversee cabin cleaning;
 Assist in assigned camper work
responsibilities;
 Gather campers at the appropriate times,
 Maintain order;
 Lead campers in camp activities,
 Help campers understand and follow the
camp rules;
 Discipline campers as necessary according to
the camp discipline policy; and
 Encourage campers to learn and to develop
new skills.
Duties:
 Live in cabin with assigned cabins and be
responsible for them;
 Keep track of the whereabouts of each
camper in their cabin group;
 Oversee cabin cleaning;
 Assist in assigned camper work
responsibilities;
 Help campers to understand and follow the
camp rules;
 Line up campers at the appropriate times;
and
 Encourage campers to learn and to develop
new skills
Cabin Counselor
Duties, in addition to the above:
 Oversee the cabin group;
 Prepare cabin and delegate work to
counselors as needed;
 Document and report behavior problems to the
Camp Director;
 Coordinate the work among senior counselors,
junior counselors, and CITs;
 Complete the camper evaluations at end of
camp week; and
 Other duties as assigned by Camp Director.
Nurse
Minimum qualifications:
 25 years old;
 Registered Nurse;
 Current CPR and first aid certified;
 Sign language skills and ability to
communicate effectively with campers;
 Experience as camp staff preferred;
 Experience training and supervising children
Duties:
 Stock and maintain infirmary;
 Check all first aid kits on the campgrounds;
 Greet campers and parents at registration
and check all health forms;
 Perform on-site health check;
 Maintain medical log;
 Administer and monitor medication for
campers; and
 Keep medications secured
 Maintain and promote safety and health of
campers
Activity leaders
Minimum qualifications:
 21 years old
 High school diploma
 Sign language skills and ability to communicate effectively with campers
 Previous work experience as camp staff
 Experience training and supervising children
 Skills and experience with some camper activity
Duties:
 Responsible for a specific activity
 Stay with one activity all day and teach that activity
 Goal is for activities to be fun yet very safe!
 Maintain counselor duties before and after activity periods and during lunch.
For Swimming: must provide photocopies of current certifications as Red Cross Water Safety
Instruction or Red Cross Lifeguard, plus First Aid and CPR.
For Horseback riding and archery: Activity leaders will be the Camp Misty Meadows activity leaders
unless Camp SIGN staff members have Certified Horsemanship Association certification or National
Archery Association Level I Instructor certification.
For Arts and crafts, Judo, drama, newsletter or other activity: Activity leaders must plan, direct and
teach cabin groups of up to 16 campers. Organize and maintain supplies and equipment. Serve as
support staff to counselors. Qualifications include training and experience in a specific activity,
experience with children and the ability to teach.