What are the hours of work each day?

Counselors, specialist assistants and lifeguards are expected to be at camp each day by 8:45 am for a morning meeting. Division Leaders, Specialists and Waterfront Directors arrive earlier, based on their morning meeting schedules. Staff members may leave after the buses have departed camp (approximately 4:15 pm).

What is a typical day like at Deer Mountain?

After our morning meetings, our campers arrive between 9:00 am and 9:10 am. We begin each day with a morning line-up designed to get everybody excited for the day ahead. Activities run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, including lunch time as well as afternoon snacktime. Each day concludes with an afternoon line-up and departure. Each day's activities are scheduled based on the age and interests of each of our divisions of campers. Activities include a variety of Sports, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Nature & Outdoor Adventure as well as Swim.

Will I ever be expected to stay late?

Each staff member is expected to work two "late nights" during the summer. Counselors and Division Leaders with groups who have evening parent visiting will work until approximately 8 pm on those evenings. Specialists may be asked to run activities during late nights. Some of our older camper programs include extended day and overnight travel options. Some travel responsibilities will be expected for staff working with these age groups. We will review the different age groups and discuss the various responsibilities with you during the interview process.

What types of responsibilities do counselors have throughout the day?

Group counselors work with a specific group of 10-12 campers. Along with a co-counselor, you spend the summer getting to know your campers, making them feel welcome and helping them integrate into the group. As your group moves through their activity schedule, you participate in and support your campers as they engage in Sports, Swim, Fine Arts, Performing Arts as well as Nature & Outdoor Adventure activities all led by members of our Specialist staff. As a counselor, you also lend your energy and enthusiasm to group line-ups and special events. A Deer Mountain day is incredibly active as well as full of spirit, challenge, triumph, opportunity, laughs and uncountable rewards. You will make a difference!

Who decides which age group I get to work with?

We work on that together. You have the opportunity to offer us information about your age preference on the application and during the interview process. We talk about what age groups are available during the interview process and if we move forward with the hiring process, we work with you to identify the best fit based on need.

Do I need to bring a lunch?

No, you don't. We have a catered lunch program that features a hot entrée, several sandwich options, a pasta and salad bar, dessert and fruit. We also give all campers and counselors a snack of ice cream or ices and pretzels in the afternoon. If you prefer to bring a lunch from home, you can store it in our refrigerators.

What should I wear at camp?

Come to camp ready for action! All staff members are required to wear a Deer Mountain Day Camp Staff T-shirt to camp each day. We will give you two t-shirts at orientation and you will have the opportunity to purchase additional t-shirts as well as different styles of camp logo clothing if you wish. Other elements of the counselor uniform include a pair of sneakers or running shoes and a comfortable pair of shorts or pants. All counselors are required to bring a bathing suit to camp each day and wear it during their group's swim periods.