2015 Intern
Information
Join us for our 80th Summer!
" If a child is to keep alive their inborn sense of wonder, they need the
companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering
with them, the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”
- Rachel Carson
A summer camp for boys and girls emphasizing a traditional,
farm, and wilderness program that nurtures the child while
fostering a connection with the land and the simple joys of
childhood. Founded in 1935.
Dear Prospective Intern,
Thank you for your interest in working at Gwynn Valley Camp as an Intern. We are a co-ed summer camp for
children ages 5 – 14 located on 320 acres in the mountains of Western North Carolina. It is our aim to provide
a program that nurtures the child while fostering a connection with the land and the simple joys of childhood.
There are 165 children in our Main Camp program and 40 in an “older” program called Mountainside. We also
run a Day Camp program, primarily for the local community, which operates the first 6 weeks of residential
camp with 30 children. Interns typically work in our Day Camp, Main Camp, Mountainside or Support Staff roles
typically for 6 weeks. Placements are usually A-C session or C-E session, however this is subject to space availability based upon the number of applicants we receive each year. Some placements may only be 3 weeks only
(A-B, C, D-E).
The Intern position has been established for individuals who have completed 12th grade, are at least 18 years
of age, and have a desire to learn more about the job of being a Camp Counselor or Support Staff. Although
Interns are not yet in the role of a full counselor, the Intern application process is the same.
Following, you will find information about Gwynn Valley Camp:
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Intern Positions
What to Expect at Gwynn Valley
Staff Policies and Information
Gwynn Valley Overview
Session Dates, Program Areas and Main Camp Daily Schedule
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. If you wish to apply for a position, please read
through the Application Check List below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Andy Savage and Maggie Howe
Assistant Directors
STAFF QUALIFICTIONS
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You need to be at least 18 years of age and completed 12th grade when you begin work at Gwynn Valley
You need to poses a strong desire to work with children
You should be full of enthusiasm and energy as well as have a positive attitude!
You need to hold a certification in First Aid & CPR which are valid through the summer of 2015
(It is not necessary to have current certifications at time of applying)
APPLICATION CHECK LIST:
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Read all of the information on the following pages, as well as our website - www.gwynnvalley.com
Based on all of this information, decide if the Intern position and Gwynn Valley is the right ‘fit’ for you
Complete an online APPLICATION and have 3 online REFERENCES completed on your behalf
Arrange a time to meet in person or schedule a Skype Interview
Sign up and complete a First Aid and CPR course
301 Gwynn Valley Trail, Brevard, NC 28712 Ph. 828-885-2900 Fax 828-885-2413
Andy Savage—andy@gwynnvalley.com
Maggie Howe—maggie@gwynnvalley.com
INTERN POSITIONS
Our number one priority in hiring Interns to work at Gwynn Valley is to find individuals who want to work
with children. We then examine the skills that you bring to the
program and community as well as your previous camp experience. You may work with different counselors, and teach in different program areas during different sessions. Gwynn Valley
Interns live in cabins but do not have sole responsibility for campers. They work a full day (morning and afternoon) in work areas
with evenings off, once campers are in bed. Interns receive 1
day off per week and are responsible for that time off. Room,
board and laundry services are also furnished.
Day Camp Intern: Work with a co-counselor to lead a group of
10 campers through activities such as nature hikes, arts & crafts,
sports, singing, and games. Day Camp hours are typically
8:30am - 5:15pm, Monday-Friday. Staff hours may be additional
and include an open house for families on Sunday afternoons as
well as evening activities in main camp such as community
chores, Campfire etc. Housing and meals are provided for staff.
Main Camp Intern: Live in cabins with two co-counselors and
8-10 campers in an area of camp referred to as ‘Main Camp’. Assist with the physical, psychological and emotional safety of the
children. Tasks in the cabin include waking children up and putting them to bed at night, personal hygiene of campers, consistent discipline, managing homesickness issues, as well as communication with the counselors. Teach daily during the a.m. and p.m. in one of our ten program areas. The
Main Camp Schedule applies to this Intern role.
Mountainside Intern: Same responsibilities as Main Camp Intern with addition of assisting with the leading of adventure activities and assisting with community building. Experience in some of the following areas
is required: Backpacking, Outdoor Living Skills, Hiking, Canoeing (flat water & whitewater), Rock Climbing,
Mountain Biking, Low Ropes Course, & Initiatives.
Support Staff Positions: Some Support Staff Interns live in cabins with children, but do not have direct
responsibility for them. Support staff may have
teaching responsibilities with children when
required.
Support Staff roles may include:
Farm Assistant / Stable Assistant /
Grounds Crew
Photographer Assistant / The Window (Camp
Store) / Tajar Times (Camp newspaper)
Kitchen roles may include: Assistant Cook /
Assistant Baker / Food Prep / Sanitation /
Cook-Out etc.
What to Expect at Gwynn Valley
As you begin to look into working at a summer camp, it is important that you understand an organization’s philosophy
and program. We hope that the following information will help you to gain more insight into our program and the values we embrace as it relates to working with children.
Working at a summer camp is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable jobs you can ever have. Summer camp employment is also hard work and we are serious about that work. At Gwynn Valley our staff members are the most important part of creating a successful summer and because of that our expectations are very high. Below are a few key
ideas that represent our philosophy when working with children.
We consider camp as an opportunity for education and youth development, not just recreation. We take every child seriously; our goal
is to help each camper gain resilience, responsibility, cooperative
skills, confidence and personal independence. Supervision is key in
our child focused environment. We constantly seek to find means
to empower children to make good decisions whereby each child
will shine in his/her own image. We are careful to be sure that no
child is frightened by "scary" situations in the name of fun. Instead
we try to develop a sense of security in the natural world where
order, beauty, and peace predominate. We encourage the children
to participate in group and personal decisions so they can build
their decision making skills and self-confidence. We try not to do
for a child what they can do for themselves.
Camp is highly organized. Much of that organization depends on
you as a counselor leading children in activities and in the everyday
routines of camp. Daily program provides some freedom for staff to
plan special outings and events with their cabin group. Be spontaneous and innovative with your group during these flexible points in
the schedule. You will plan your own cabin sleep-outs and cookouts.
We live in a natural setting that is probably different from your normal home environment. We offer the children wonderful alternatives from the many daily concerns of society that are a part of
their lives at home such as TV, video games, cell phones and computer. While at camp, we try to simplify our lives and reduce dependence upon material things for comfort and happiness.
We celebrate the diversity of our staff and campers. Diversity can be seen by the many cultures and countries represented at Gwynn Valley. Roughly, thirty percent of our staff members are international. We also honor the spiritual
dimension of our camp diversity. Our weekly vespers and collective prayers concentrate on the love of God. Many
campers and staff are Christian, but we avoid corporate reference to Christ in respect for other faiths. Children need
the hope that comes from a belief in things beyond themselves.
We really encourage all members of the camp community to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Camp could not be a better
place to do this given our 320 acres of mountains, streams, fields, woods, and farm. We pride ourselves on the
amount of food produced from the farm and the way it’s prepared and served from our whole food’s kitchen and table.
Camp life is very active, and we hope that our staff treat the physical tasks as invigorating and fun. Getting proper rest
is essential in ensuring your patience, alertness and optimism.
As potential staff, each of you comes with special skills that can enhance and develop our program offerings. We trust
that your creative spirit will be fully engaged and that you will feel free to try new program ideas in our setting. We
hope that everyone feels appreciated and utilized in our camp community.
We hope the above comments have given you more information about Gwynn Valley. Keep in mind that much
strength and support come from fellow staff members, and the leadership team, many of whom have strong backgrounds in child development. There are Head Counselors who are skilled at helping each of us meet our professional
and personal goals and communicate effectively with one another.
Staff Policies and Information
SALARY & BENEFITS
Interns are paid a weekly stipend for work in any combination of the following areas: Day Camp Intern, Cabin
Intern, Program Intern, Stables, Maintenance or Kitchen
Intern.
Paychecks are issued at the end of the season, although
advances may be drawn once per session up to the
amount earned. Due to varying session lengths, weekly
salaries are pro-rated on a 7-day basis, from beginning to
end of employment period (including time-off). Camp employees who are relatives of campers may arrange partial
tuition waiver as payment of services.
During the season, there are times when changing
job function for a session is necessary for the overall camp community.
FRINGE BENEFITS include room/board, camp laundry
service and Workman's Compensation Insurance which
covers accidental injury while on duty. You may send your
laundry in a bag marked with your name and cabin name
to the laundry on your cabin’s laundry days. If you prefer
to do your own laundry, there are coin operated machines
in the basement of the Center. Quarters for these machines are available at the Window. Staff members also
have free access to the camp's Physician and Health Care
Center (prescription drugs are not covered). Expenses for
treatment or hospitalization for sickness or for accidents
incurred when off duty must be covered individually.
FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS
In all activity and cabin groups, there must be a minimum
of one staff member who holds a current certification in
basic First Aid (or higher) and CPR. Higher levels of first
aid such as Lifeguard Training or Wilderness First Aid
(WFA) / Wilderness First Responder (WFR) may be required for specific program areas. Copies of all certifications must be filed with the office.
TIME OFF - During longer sessions, Main Camp Interns
take time off on Sundays when program areas don’t run.
(24 hours off between sessions). Day Camp Interns have
Friday evenings and Saturdays off. Mountainside and Support Staff Interns are off based upon their schedules.
Conduct, even when off duty, must reflect a high level of
character in our small community and surrounding area.
Camp facilities may be used during time off if it does not
interfere with the regular camp program and all procedures are followed. If you stay for meals on your time off,
you are expected to remain in the dining room until everyone is dismissed. Any emergency leave is evaluated on an
individual basis and is without pay.
EVENINGS AT CAMP
Unless it is your day off, all staff members are expected to
remain at camp, even if they are not responsible for a
cabin group. Staff members are permitted to socialize in
the evenings after campers are asleep as long as one
counselor remains in the cabin with sleeping campers.
Adequate rest is essential for performance; therefore, all staff members are expected to be in their own
cabins no later than midnight. The staff living room and
all other areas in camp close each night at 12:00 PM.
STAFF VEHICLES / TRANSPORTATION
Staff members may bring a personal vehicle to camp. You
are asked to park your personal vehicle in the staff parking
lot. There are staff at camp who don’t have cars so we encourage you to offer rides to others on your day off. We
recommend that you do not lend out your car. Camp vehicles are not available for personal use due to insurance restrictions. Camp bicycles are lent out on a limited basis and
are the responsibility of the borrower. Personal bicycles
may be brought to camp and must be stored in the bike
shed. Helmets must be worn at all times and cyclists
should observe the same traffic patterns as automobiles.
ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME
Curling irons and hair dryers are discouraged, but may be
ALCOHOL, DRUG, SMOKING POLICY
used in the shower houses (due to low amperage in the
We are a smoke/alcohol/drug-free environment. We re- cabins). Electronic games & keyboards, radios (this inserve the right to require an employee to submit to a drug cludes clock radios), pets or televisions are not allowed.
test if circumstances warrant (individual, random, or uni- We encourage you to “get back to basics” however; you
versal). Use of these or any illegal substances on camp may bring an iPod/MP3 player (to be used only in the staff
property is grounds for immediate dismissal.
living room), Cell Phone (to be used in specified locations
only) and a laptop or tablet for wireless internet connecAPPEARANCE & BEHAVIOR
tions. No possession of firearms, fireworks, or weapons is
Inappropriate slogans or emblems on clothing are not al- permitted.
lowed. Profanity is also not permitted. Appearance must
be neat and clean as an example to the children and a cour- Personal sports equipment such as bikes, boats, climbing
tesy to the parents. No tattoos or body piercings may be gear, etc. are permitted per the approval of Directors / Asobtained during the course of employment. We ask that sistant Directors and must be used in accordance with camp
body piercing other than in the ear be removed during your rules. Use of these and similar items is at your own risk.
entire employment period. Excessive earrings will be reviewed at the discretion of the Directors. Actions perceived
to have a negative influence on the children are grounds for
dismissal. Discrimination or harassment or any kind will not
be tolerated.
Violations of prescribed conduct will be considered a
breach of employment contract; therefore these policies
should be clearly understood before completing an application.
Staff Policies and Information
THE CABIN AS A HOME
There are two primary cabin counselors for each cabin
of campers who share the supervisory responsibility of
the children as well as who teach a half day or more in
program. In addition, the camp staff includes a large
number of people whose primary function is in support
areas. A few of these staff members live in town and
are full time in support services, but a much larger number are residents at Gwynn Valley and are an integral
part of the camp community.
You may be considered an additional staff member living
in a cabin such as a Day Camp Intern, Support Staff Intern, Program Intern, or third counselor Intern.
Day Camp, Support Staff & Program Staff may be involved in cabin functions and activities as time allows.
Cabin involvement by these non-cabin staff should be
for the benefit of campers with the purpose of enriching
the child’s experience.
Cabin interns are involved in ALL cabin functions and
activities to include cabin campouts, cook-outs, picnics,
off program activities, and campfire programs. Interns
are learning about the role of counselor; and are mentored and included in all aspects of cabin life to include
planning.
RELATIONSHIPS AT GWYNN VALLEY
Teamwork and community are important aspects of
camper and staff life at Gwynn Valley. As you progress
through the summer, you will more than likely form
some life-long friendships. Camp friends are able to see
many sides of you and together you will accomplish
amazing feats with your children and projects.
We want to be clear about expectations for relationships
at camp. Our history with dating couples has led us to
offer some insight and suggestions.
Our emphasis with the campers is that we can all relate
to each other as friends and not focus on the “outside
world’s” pressures to enter into a dating relationship.
We expect your work with campers to be a higher priority than your relationships with each other. Under no
circumstances are relationships between staff and SIT’s
(staff-in training) or campers allowed. Remember that
campers always come first!
BLENDING TECHNOLOGY WITH CAMP
PHILOSOPHY
We all know the wonderful ways in which technology
has enhanced our lives. 15 years ago we didn’t have
smart phones, laptops, iPods, tablets, or even the number of desktop computers we now have at camp. Email,
the internet, the ease of listening to music, and being
able to watch movies on a computer present some challenges in our child’s world. Each year with the technology advances we have to take into consideration how we
will embrace these advances and mesh them with our
camp philosophy.
The purpose and most valued aspect of summer camp,
which allows for many other objectives to be achieved,
can be boiled down into one word — relationships. Summer camp contains swimming, horses, arts, canoeing,
etc., but at the very essence of it all is the notion of interpersonal human relationships. These relationships
exist on many different levels: camper to camper, counselor to camper, counselor to counselor, counselor to
director, camper parent to camp staff, and the relationship of the camp itself (its reputation) to the general
public. E-mail has made it very easy to communicate
with many of you all from faraway places but let us assume that while we’re here at camp 100% of our interaction will be face to face. This is the one chance our
campers have to step away from the distractions of
modern technology at home. We’re asking you as staff
to facilitate this low tech environment while you’re at
camp.
Gwynn Valley Overview
Gwynn Valley is a co-ed camp for children ages 5-14.
We are a traditional, farm, and wilderness program that
nurtures the child while fostering a connection with the
land and the simple joys of childhood. There are 165
children in Main Camp, 40 in a Wilderness based program called Mountainside, and 12 in a Leadership Wilderness based program called Riverside. Additionally,
there is a Day Camp program where 30 children attend
each week.
DAY CAMP:
INTERN Program
5-10 year olds in K - 4th Grade
This is a non-residential program that mirrors the Main
Camp experience. There are 30 campers during each of
the six one week sessions. The campers arrive at 8:30
AM and are picked up at 5:15 PM, Monday—Friday. The
children are divided into small groups for the Morning
Activities and will visit a different program area each
morning. In the afternoon the children have the opportunity to make their own activity choices. These activities include: nature exploration, crafts, drama, sports,
creek hikes, creative writing and games. They will visit
the Farm and the Mill at least once during the week.
MAIN CAMP: INTERN Program
5-12 yr. olds in K - 6th Grade
8-10 children live in cabins with 2 co-counselors for a
residential camp experience. The children spend each
morning in two program areas they have chosen to be
part of. They visit these programs every other morning
during their time at camp. After morning program, we
meet to enjoy lunch and singing and head back to the
cabins for rest hour.
In the afternoon, campers have the opportunity to
choose what they would like to do during “Sign-Up”
time. This is a chance for the children to practice their
decision making skills and to more closely explore an
area that interests them. The campers are offered a
wide variety of activity choices which are rooted in our
program areas. A typical day offers a range of activities
including sports, basket weaving, the farm, fishing, tubing, writing for the camp newspaper, mountain biking,
pottery, archery, searching for salamanders, kayaking,
horseback riding, or climbing.
At least once during each week the cabin group will go
“off program”. This usually consists of a group activity
such as creek hiking, tubing on the river, or hiking.
Cabins also camp out for the night at a shelter where
they cook supper and sing & tell stories around a fire
until going to sleep. Evenings for those not on a campout consist of after supper activities and a ‘campfire’
program. Cabin skits (plays), singing, stories, dancing,
and drama are all part of the evening programs. Before
heading to bed the children and counselors participate in
a friendship circle where they discuss their camp experiences, feelings, friendships made, and special moments.
MOUNTAINSIDE:
INTERN Program
11, 12 & 13 yr. olds in 5th - 7th Grade
Mountainside is a good option for many young people to
continue their Gwynn Valley experience, or to attend
Gwynn Valley for the first time. Mountainside has two
10 day sessions and two 3 week sessions and gives
campers the opportunity to become an essential part of
a community of 40 campers and 10 staff. In Mountainside, campers are asked to take on more responsibility
for themselves and the community. With this responsibility however, comes more freedom, spontaneity, and
involvement in the program.
Mountainside campers participate in daily activities in
addition to a 4 day wilderness adventure during the
three week sessions and a 3 day adventure during the
10 day sessions. Throughout the time on Mountainside,
activities are centered on positive peer interaction, community building, and learning skills and preparing for
their adventures. Mountainside provides a wonderful
opportunity to begin learning new outdoor activities and
to build upon existing skills. Learning to understand and
respect people as individuals who contribute to the community is a key component. Those who are willing to
challenge themselves through independent outdoor living skills, successful group living, and who show responsibility and initiative, will have a great experience in
Mountainside.
Session Dates for 2015
Adventure Staff Training May 24 - May 28
Full Staff Training:
May 29 - June 4
Main Camp:
Session
Session
Session
Session
Session
A
B
C
D
E
Day Camp
Saturday, June 6 - Friday, June 12
Sunday, June 14 - Friday, June 26
Sunday, June 28 - Friday, July 17
Sunday, July 19 - Friday, July 31
Sunday, August 2- Sunday, August 9
Monday, June 8 - Friday, July 17
Program Areas
THE FARM:
Animal Care, Gardening,
Veterinary Science, Meteorology
CRAFTS:
Beading, Tie-Dyeing, Batik, Papermaking,
Candle Making, Pottery, Weaving, Bead Working
1890’s GRIST MILL:
Shuck / Shell / Grind, Fishing, Cornbread making,
Corn Crafts, Wheel-churned Ice Cream
HORSEBACK RIDING:
Hunt Seat, Barn Lessons, Ring and Trail Riding
WATERFRONT:
Swimming, Lake Kayaking, Tubing, Traverse Line,
Zip Line, Water Mat, Creek Hiking
SPORTS:
Archery, Soccer, Flag Football, Touch Rugby,
Basketball, Volleyball, Thunderball
ADVENTURE SPORTS:
Mountain Biking, Whitewater Kayaking,
Whitewater Canoeing, Backpacking
Rock Climbing, Tree climbing, Wall Climbing
FINE ARTS:
Drama, Creative Writing, Music, Dance
WEB OF LIFE:
Hiking, Nature Study, Aqua Biology, Ecology
OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS:
Camp-outs, Cook-outs, Fire-Building, Orienteering, LNT
Mountainside:
MS1 A
MS1 B
MS2
MS3
Saturday, June 6 - Monday, June 15
Wednesday, June 17 - Friday, June 26
Sunday, June 28 - Friday, July 17
Sunday, July 19 - Sunday, August 9
Riverside:
RS1
RS2
RS3
Saturday, June 6 - Friday, June 26
Sunday, June 28 - Friday, July 17
Sunday, July 19 - Sunday, August 9
Main Camp Daily Schedule
8:00
Wake-up, followed by cabin chores
8:30
Breakfast
10:05-12:15 Morning Program Time
1:00
Lunch, followed by
Singing in the Lodge
2:30-3:30
Rest Hour
3:30
Snack
3:55-4:45
Sign-up Activity or Swim
4:55-5:45
Sign-up Activity or Swim
6:15
Supper
7:15
After Supper Activities
7:45
Evening Campfire Program,
followed by cabin Friendship Circles
9:15-9:45
Serenade and Bedtime
"Imagination
will often carry us to
worlds that
never were.
But without
it we go
nowhere"
Carl Segan
Gwynn Valley Camp, 301 Gwynn Valley Trail, Brevard, NC 28712
www.gwynnvalley.com; andy@gwynnvalley.com
Phone: 828-885-2900 Fax:828-885-2413
Gwynn Valley is an equal opportunity employer and hires without regard to
race, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical ability.