Staff FAQs

What's my time commitment ... when do I need to arrive and when can I leave?
June 19 - Aug 17. It's eight weeks total: a week of required training, a week of troop camping and six weeks of resident camp.

What time off can I expect?
Staff members get 2 hours off each day, 1 night off each week, and 24 hours off between sessions. For most sessions, that means Fri evening through Sun morning.

Where will I live?
With the campers in a unit, which consists of about 30 girls and 5 or more staff members.  Staff live approximately 5 to a platform tent, separate but within hearing distance of the girls' tents.  Platform tents are wooden structures with canvas walls. Each staff member has her own bed.

I want to work as a specialist.  Will I be responsible for girls in a unit, also?
All staff have live with girls in a unit, and take some responsibility for them when not working in their specialty.  They may help put them to bed or take them to pre-breakfast activities. When other staff members have a night off, you may lead their units' after-dinner activities.  Everyone pitches in for one another.  

How are the campers grouped?
By age and interests. The age groupings are by the grade as of fall 2008, with grades 2-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-8 and grades 8-12 grouped together.  Eighth graders are placed according to program.  Three or four counselors work with a group of 15-25 girls. Often, they split into smaller groups when going to activity centers, each with a counselor.

What if I don’t like a certain age group?
We ask that you try working with all ages, but if your skills are better suited to one level than another, we will try to place you accordingly.  But everyone must work with all levels at some points during the summer. 

I don’t have a car and I'm not from the area.  What's there to do in my free time?
Our camp is in one of the top tourist areas of the country -- Cape Cod starts in the next town.  All you have to do is sign out of camp and return on time to resume your duties.  Camp is an hour from Boston, an hour from Providence, less than an hour from Hyannis and minutes from  the ocean.  There are many local attractions, and no doubt other staff with cars will fill them with out-of-towners during time off.

Can I pick the programs I work on?
You can request particular programs for each session, and we will try to accommodate your wishes.  Staff are required to accept assignments as needed.  Flexibility and adaptability are desired in all candidates.

How do I apply?
Print Employment Application Form (4p) and Reference Form (2p; 3 references are needed for application)
Complete and mail to:
Meghan Schafer
Girl Scout Council
of Southeastern Massachusetts
111 East Grove Street
Middleboro, MA 02346

An interview will be scheduled after the application and all 3 references have been received.  Interviews may be by phone or in person, depending on the candidate's location, at the discretion of the director. Decisions are generally made within a few weeiks.

Other questions?  Call Meghan Schafer, 508 923-0800 x 43.