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:


About the job

Reasons to work at Camp SIGN:

Ø You enjoy working with children of all ages and backgrounds

Ø You want a new and exciting experience

Ø You like to learn new things

Ø You are interested in meeting new people

Reasons NOT to work at Camp SIGN:

Ø You need a vacation

Ø You want to earn money

Ø You love your privacy

Ø 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 .


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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.