What is the Junior Staff Program 

Former campers who have aged out of the camp program, but are not yet old enough to be counselors, have the opportunity to apply to be a Junior Staff member. During their second year of Pioneer Village each camper is observed by the staff with the Junior Staff program in mind. They are each given an evaluation based on a variety of aspects such as preparedness, maturity, and resilience. The program has become highly competitive over the years, as we are unable to offer every second year camper a position. For that reason we take the PV’s staff evaluation very seriously when considering applicants.

How does the application process work?

The application process includes a written application with references, and an optional volunteer opportunity at our Camper Reunion (applicants will not be penalized or given extra credit if they can/cannot attend, so don’t worry!). The process has been designed to reflect what it might look like to apply for a job where you aren’t already a part of the workplace community and is a great way to help prepare teens for what it’s like to apply for a job. We will ask for them to meet deadlines and submit references, much like future opportunities will ask of them. This portion will take until January, at which point they will be notified if they have been accepted or not into the program. If accepted, there is an interview (to determine the role they would best fit) along with a couple of trainings to complete before the summer begins.

How can I support my child in this process?

Applying for any job can be stressful, and it is especially so when you are emotionally invested in the program. We believe that the best way to support your child is to encourage them to take responsibility of the process. Answer their questions, encourage them along, allow them to make this process their own, and support them emotionally whether they get the job or not. This is an incredible opportunity for them to experience what it’s like to apply for a job themselves, and for many it will be their first try! Camp is a great place to come out of your comfort zone and grow!

As you may already be aware, we also have a general policy to communicate directly with the employee about matters concerning their position, and not the families of employees wherever possible. This policy is not meant to keep you out of the loop concerning their time with us, but to encourage personal responsibility in the workplace!

There is also a possibility that your child will not be successful when applying for a position on Junior Staff. Making that decision is extremely difficult, but made with the best interest of both the camp and your child in mind. They may consider registering for an additional summer at Pioneer Village, or take a year off and apply again next year. We do hope that you would respect any decision that is made and help your child to grow from the application experience regardless of outcome.

What will they be doing?

There are a variety of positions on Junior Staff, and the duties that go along with each vary. Everyone has the opportunity to interact with campers, but some jobs are based outside of the units, such as activity specialists and assisting in the health center. Some duties include setting up and breaking down overnights and special events, escorting campers to the health center, helping out in the kitchen, overseeing campers at activities and free times, helping with unit nights, tent nights, dances, and various other tasks depending on what the day requires (depending on their placement).  

Do they get any time off? Do they get paid?

Our Junior Staff program is unlike many in that we offer a stipend to our Junior Staff members. They are given this twice, once in mid-July, and again at the end of the summer. All staff have one day off per week, and Junior Staff get Saturday or Sunday off depending on the week. On these days, they have the option of joining a planned activity off camp (mall, movies, local attractions, etc), staying at camp, or arranging other plans as long as they are cleared with Unit and Camp Directors (family visits, visiting local Junior Staff member’s houses, etc). We do ask that any alternate plans they decide to make are communicated with their families, but it is their responsibility to do so and let us know. They will also have at least one period off per day. Junior Staff may also have family visits on camp visiting days, as long as they notify their Unit Director.

What is a CA Day?

CA* Days are a recent addition to the Junior Staff program. In addition to taking off-site trips to local attractions and helping to organize camp’s theme days, our Junior Staff will spend CA Days working towards receiving an American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate, or participating in a variety of workshops designed to better themselves or the camp community. Overall, they were designed as a way to help Junior Staff members develop professionally, and to invest in their future both inside and outside of camp, while also giving them a little extra constructive time away from their main position at camp.

*CA stands for Counselor Assistant, a term which is synonymous with Junior Staff member at Incarnation.