Summer Staff Opportunities

Brookwoods and Deer Run are located in Alton, New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee. The eight week camp is divided into month and two week sessions for ages 8-16. We also have a 16 week Leadership Development Program for 17 and 18 year olds that runs over two summers.

Staff members are the key to success at all the camps.
Moose River Outpost is located in Moose River, Maine on 7,000 pristine acres surrounding Heald Pond. Great Adventures will be operating a 4 week camp for ages 11-16.

Staff members are the key to success at all the camps. We affirm individuals that are leaders yet followers, positive and creative, spiritually balanced and excited about their personal commitment to Jesus Christ, persons of integrity, competence, and character. We wish to avoid the inexperienced, immature, and unqualified.

We are looking for young women and men who have maturity to: (1) teach by promoting interest and fun through games, musical aids, competitive play, and high standards of achievement; (2) present guidance and appreciation for the people around them; (3) be at peace with themselves with true listening abilities and interest in young people; (4) recognize that common sense and realism for campers, staff, parents, and the organization is a top priority.

Starting salaries are based on one year of college and no previous camp experience. Wages increase with additional college and experience with our organization. For further information, call the office at 603-875-3600.

Contracts are signed for agreement to your responsibilities in two or more subject areas and mutual agreement to the camps. You will be asked to assist in other areas commensurate with your interests and abilities as stated on the application forms. Salaries will be paid at the end of the first four week camping period, and the end of the summer. In order to receive your contracted salary, you must complete the season as stated in your contract. Salary amounts are based on 8 weeks of pay for Brookwoods and Deer Run, and 4 weeks for Moose River Outpost. You are expected to attend scheduled training periods for the camps as part of your summer obligations. You will have one full 24-hour day off on a weekly basis, except the last week of camp, one night weekly, and a minimum of one hour daily.

We urge staff membership in the American Camping Association and Christian Camping International. The Camps help defray individual expenses for tuition to leadership training or special courses such as WSI, Canoeing, Riding, Archery, Camp Craft, and Tripping Schools at the discretion of the Executive Director. All staff members that are assigned to be with campers are required to report with CPR and First Aid training.

STAFF

The following is a brief description of several positions at the camps. Most staff members have responsibility for a cabin as well as an activity area. Staff pay does not include the required staff training and preparation period

Counselors: At least one year of college with a love for outdoor activities for a group of approximately 10-12 campers. Personal teaching skills for a specialized activity, along with swimming ability, is a must. American Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR required. Starting salary: $312 per week. (For example, if you work at Brookwoods and Deer Run for the summer, you will be paid $2500 for the summer, and this includes an expectation that you will be attending staff orientation.)

Junior Counselors: High School graduate with a love for outdoor activities for a group of approximately 10-12 campers. Personal teaching skills along with swimming ability is a must. American Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR required. Starting salary: $250 per week.

Tripping Staff: 20-21 years of age; at least one year of college with a perfect driving record; will oversee and lead day and overnight hikes (training provided); American Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR required. Starting salary: $250 per week.

Riding Staff (Brookwoods and Deer Run only): 20-21 years of age; at least one year of college; CHA certified (we will provide); experience caring for 10-12 horses and teaching young people beginning and intermediate riding skills. American Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR required. Minimum starting salary: $1900 per summer.

Unit Director: At least 2-3 years of college; camping experience. Supervision, leadership skills essential. American Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR required. Minimum starting salary: $375 per week.

Facility: Daily responsibilities include basic repair maintenance, trash pick-up, cleaning, etc. Must be flexible and able to work alone. Minimum starting salary: $200 per week.

Food Service Staff: At least 18 years of age; good work habits and positive role model. Minimum starting salary: $200 per week.

Medical Staff: Appropriate training and certification for assignment to the Health Center. Minimum starting salary: $250 per two week sessions or tuition benefits.

Office Staff: Organizational, typing and cheerful phone answering skills . Minimum starting salary: $200 per week.

BASIC FACTS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT

Staff Training: We want you to be successful in your ministry. Training times introduces you to your co-workers as well as prepares you for a memorable summer. This is an active, intense time of preparation regarding Bible study research, child abuse advice, danger signs of human sexuality, how to teach your skill area, and relationship development.

Required precamp training starts approximately 10 days before camp. Ropes Course staff will have a one day training session. Some staff will be attending Leadership Training School at this time. Staff members will be required to report to camp with a current medical history form completed, their drivers license, and if it is their first time employed by the camp, a copy of their birth certificate.

General Information: All counselors/staff will have American Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR. At the start of the summer Staff will be required to purchase a uniform, at cost, which will be worn on special occasions, such as Incoming days, and Sunday.

Paper Work: All staff/counselors evaluate their campers and programs twice during the summer, write parents’ letters home one time per camper, and complete mid-summer and end of camp evaluations before receiving final pay checks.

The transportation of young people is a very important part of our camping program. All counselors and staff who drive camp vehicles must have a clean driving record and be approved by the camp’s insurance company. Drivers License numbers will be required to allow the insurance company to complete a background check.

A CHECKLIST FOR PROSPECTIVE CAMP COUNSELORS

The following lists of characteristics essential to the role of camp counseling are a starting point for prospective counselors in their job considerations. Of course, no single set of characteristics could ever be devised that would guarantee successful counseling at any level, but counselors who can give an affirmative answer to the questions listed below will very likely possess the ability to make a significant contribution to the camp counseling mission.

Do I enjoy working with boys and girls (8-12 years old) and younger adolescents (13 - 16 years old) and have a desire to share my faith with them?

Campers are searching for new identities and new relationships and they need the guidance of adults who have a strong, secure sense of self. The insecure counselor may feel that his/her best efforts to help are often rejected and rebuffed. The successful camp counselor will take satisfaction in seeing dependent children grow into self-reliant young adolescents. The kind of counselor needed for campers (8-16) can be defined as “one who will enjoy children who are active, energetic, and loud, and will take teasing in stride.” He/she will be “flexible and sensitive to quick changes of moods and needs, and will sense group feelings and camper interaction.”


Do I have the interest and abilities to develop skill instruction in one of the organized camp activities?

The counselor who is developing his/her own self foundation in a particular activity area will have more respect for learning skills in general and will be better able to stimulate a camper to take delight in their activity skill development. Counseling in a camp setting will demand more specialization as the counselor is concerned about the attitudes of his/her campers toward the activity of skill learning and development as well as the skill itself.


Am I willing to learn to use a wide variety of approaches and programmed materials to help campers develop basic learning skills for today and tomorrow?

In general, educators have lagged behind industry, government, and business in harnessing the developing technology to aid in accomplished skill development goals. Camp counselors should be expected to take advantage of promising innovation in all physical, social, mental, and spiritual development areas.


Can I learn to work effectively in close collaboration with my colleagues in cooperative planning and skill development?

The potential cooperative planning and skill development is fantastic. The traditional role of the camp staff member has stressed individual autonomy, and conventional camp staff training programs have emphasized this pattern. Accordingly, counselors have had little experience in the complex management of affairs demanded by cooperative planning and teaching. The prospective camp counselor needs to give this aspect of counseling and programming a fair chance to succeed.


Do I have an open mind toward innovation and change?

Many counselors are uncomfortable in an atmosphere of continual searching for new and better ways to organize, direct, and evaluate camping procedures and program, but we are committed to an innovative approach. Counselors in the camp program will be expected to try out many new plans, materials, approaches, and techniques. The process of change can be very stimulating, but it is also very demanding. The prospective camp counselor should face candidly the question of whether he/she prefers the stimulating challenges to the security of a comfortable routine.

CAMP HISTORY

Brookwoods was born in 1944 when Dr. Lawrence H. Andreson, founder of the camp, purchased one hundred and ten acres which were to become Camp Brookwoods. The rugged natural beauty of our property on Lake Winnipesaukee with a quarter mile of waterfront has always enchanted people during the years that Brookwoods has existed.

Two powerful forces motivated the foundation of Brookwoods and continue to play an important part in the camp’s development today. Integrally woven into the camp and its future has been the development and operation of a unique camper-centered environment which is founded upon the historic Christian faith, centered in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through the years Brookwoods has utilized God’s exciting wilderness for campers to see the hand of God and to learn from it. Leaders committed to Christ, well-trained and able to teach, have been instrumental in developing campers’ deepening commitment to Jesus Christ. Careful programming has been designed to accommodate the different abilities and needs of each individual camper.

Today, Brookwoods remains dedicated to the development and perpetuation of our unique concept of camping. Brookwoods has always sought to present Christ to every camper in a compelling fashion, emphasizing personal commitment and values founded upon the Word of God. Dr. Andreson recognized that in order to fulfill his objective, he would have to offer Christian camping experiences not otherwise available to young people. Bible teaching, sound personal relationships, exciting staff members, and wilderness camping all helped to give Brookwoods a reputation for innovation and excellence which is well-known in the camping profession today. Over the years, Brookwoods did much to influence the growth of Christian camping.

Although Brookwoods had a small beginning with approximately 25 campers, the success of Dr. Andreson’s approach to camping helped Brookwoods grow to an enrollment of 100 for each camping session, a capacity that has remained unchanged for many years. During these years, Brookwoods’ facilities and program expanded to encompass a diversity of activities and experiences for hundreds of young people who have participated in the camp.

The summer of 1964 brought the opening of Deer Run, a sister camp to Brookwoods, comparable in every way in terms of purpose, philosophy, program, and leadership. This was the beginning of the exciting, innovative, and fruitful ministry of Deer Run as a Christian girls’ camp.

Late in the ‘60’s, along with most other segments of the economy, private camping began to sustain an increasing number of economic problems. With more camps closing every year, Brookwoods and Deer Run would have to undergo certain structural changes and program renovation if it was to retain a place of prominence in the camping profession in the remaining decades of this century.

God miraculously preserved the unique camping ministry of these two camps in a most gracious manner through the purchase of Brookwoods and Deer Run by Christian Camps & Conferences, Inc. The new Board of Directors developed long-range goals for the camps, as well as implemented immediate plans and projects. With many new ideas and the added impetus of more hands at the helm, Brookwoods and Deer Run became a very active and inspiring place. Along with campers, former staff members assisted in the development of a modern and relevant Christian camping program.

In 1999 the area that became known as Moose River Outpost was donated to Christian Camps and Conferences, Inc. The 7,000 acre facility is one of the largest camps in the United States, and contains room for unlimited possibilities. Since 1999, Moose River Outpost has been transformed with updated facilities, ready to open up with Great Adventures for the summer of 2005.

We have always felt that activities should be both fun and instructional. The program emphasizes activities that are educational and exciting, providing beyond any doubt that learning can be fun.

As might be expected, many of our activities in New Hampshire are water-related. We are fortunate to have a natural sand beach within the large, protected Chestnut Cove where most of our water activities take place. Swimming instruction under competent WSI staff members is carried on in the small cove, while sailing, canoeing, skiing, and playaking are extended throughout the large cove area.

Due to the tremendous number of water-related activities, we feel that campers who are unable to swim miss out on a great deal of the program thrust. For reasons of safety, we feel it is imperative that young men and women be able to handle themselves competently in the water. Thus, instructional swimming is required of all campers until they are able to demonstrate a proficiency that we feel adequate and which enables them to participate in our water activities safely.

Throughout their history, the camps have offered a program where direction and elective choices are combined in the best interest of the individual camper. Swimming is the only required activity. Naturally, their elective choices do not go unsupervised, especially for the younger campers who often need assistance in planning a well-balanced program. Older campers appreciate the responsibility and freedom that a program like this offers. Campers are able to select activities on a long and short term basis and are encouraged to try a wide number of activities while concentrating on the development of real skills in a few areas of particular interest.

In keeping with our concept of wilderness living, campers continue to carry their own equipment, including food and personal gear. Lightweight packs and frames are used along with adequate food for extended trips. Campers are encouraged to participate with limitations being set by their own desire, skill, health, space requirements, and parents’ permission. Although many of the older campers find longer and more demanding trips to their liking, all of our trips are not rugged expeditions. A great deal of informal sleeping-out is done on the camp property. The informal camp-outs are a particularly good way to introduce young campers to the excitement of camping without ever having to leave camp property. In the event of wet weather, our camping equipment permits us to carry on with little inconvenience or any health hazards.

The staff is drawn from all over the country and also includes a handful of international staff members. We recognize them as the vital ingredient to the complete camping operation. The number one priority is the selection and training of these young women and men to offer campers teaching from God’s Word, inspiration, and a strong, committed camper-counselor relationship to Jesus Christ. Staff and campers live together in an informal and relaxed atmosphere which encourages a real awareness of others and growth in the discovery of God. While we require competence and talent in our activity instruction, utmost importance is placed on the association of each counselor with the campers in his/her cabin. A camper’s summer experience depends largely on the components of their cabin experience. Happiness and confidence in the cabin experience usually opens the door to a challenging and rewarding summer. Much time is given to cabin activities, and staff are encouraged to take cabin trips and to plan special cabin events.

Although there are many new aspects to the program, there is also much that remains unchanged. Buildings are carefully integrated into the physical surroundings, the cabins are spaciously scattered, connected by a series of paths. Skill areas and athletic fields are safely and beautifully located throughout the camps. The food is outstanding and with good reason — our food is always wholesome and substantial, with great variety and always well prepared. Tables are arranged family style, and campers share the responsibility for waiting and clearing the tables.

There is much more that can be said about Brookwoods, Deer Run and Moose River Outpost; however, the main thrust of our camps is found in a commitment to Jesus Christ and the finest staff, program, facilities, and spiritual emphasis for Christian camping. As there is much that words cannot convey, we hope that our campers will help you to communicate what we are doing and saying to you. We will be happy to furnish you with the names and address of representative camp families in your area whom you may contact about their experiences.

CAMPING PHILOSOPHY

Brookwoods was founded in 1944 for the express purpose of providing Christian parents with a camp that offered sound instruction, understanding leadership, wilderness experience, and a camping program thoroughly dedicated to the historic tenets of the Christian Faith. Brookwoods, Deer Run and Moose River Outpost uses the outdoor wilderness learning experience as a valid tool to develop maturity and confidence in the lives of young men and women. Camping experiences of this quality and dimension create challenge for our youth and provide opportunities for maximum growth in learning that cannot be obtained in the midst of the affluence and comfortable living in today’s cultural structure.

The heart of the program is strong commitment to an inspiring program of spiritual teaching and counsel based upon the Word of God. Every camper spends some time each day learning the Word of God and faces the challenge of developing a healthy relationship with Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Campers are challenged to: learn the essentials of personal Bible study, to seek Christian companionship, to dedicate their lives to the service of God and mankind, and to be faithful stewards of their possessions and talents.

First and basic to every phase of camp life, is health and safety. Our second concern is for the individual camper — what he is and what he can become. Each camper lives in a small group of approximately 12 individuals closely guided by mature members of the staff. Here the camper learns to live with others and makes new friends from many other communities and states.

Living in the woods is, in itself, a tremendous benefit of a summer at camp. Campers learn how to live in the woods and to develop an appreciation for the beauty and wonder of nature.

We want all of our campers to develop physically through our regular program. Camp is a time for fun, for freedom from close regimentation. We give campers free choice in activities, encouraging them to take advantage of different types of activities. The emphasis is on individual development through skills and learning experiences. There are numerous opportunities to grow in personality, in character, in new skills, and in a broader outlook on life. Camping, as a vital segment of the educational process, utilizes the staff as the focal point of its approach to the campers.

The daily schedule is a carefully planned but flexible program which includes a wide scope of activities. Campers choose these activities and attend on a weekly basis. The camp offers choices in over twenty different activities under competent instruction. Camp activities vary by location, but might include: Horseback Riding, canoeing, sailing, boating, waterskiing, swimming, riflery, archery, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, campcraft, crafts, jet skiis, music, mountain trips, canoe trips, fishing, nature and wildlife, and Bible study. Evening programs are carefully planned and are among the most vivid memories of all our campers.

The framework of camping philosophy is the same for each camper whether he attends camp for two, or four weeks. Our goals are:
  1. To provide a challenging experience of adventure, discovery, and learning in God’s fascinating wilderness.
     
  2. To develop personal skills in a unique program of woodsmanship, wilderness canoeing, and mountaineering.
     
  3. To develop a sound set of values, personal human relationships and meaningful lifestyle through dedicated Christian leadership and teaching based upon the Word of God.
     
  4. To develop a growing understanding of oneself as well as maturity in decision-making and problem-solving.

The implementation of these goals come through:

  1. A structured instruction-oriented program with controlled freedom of choice and participation.
     
  2. The use of the wilderness for overnights, extended canoe trips for those in our Leadership Development Program, and mountain expeditions with graded challenges for the youngest and oldest campers.
     
  3. Alert, dynamic, well-trained leadership, able to stimulate self-reliance, resourcefulness, a love for God and His great out-of-doors.
     
  4. Selected areas of instruction, both group and personal, in woodsmanship, water-related activities, wilderness canoeing, and mountaineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LIFE STYLE AND ATTITUDES

Biblical Expectations

Scripture teaches that certain attributes are available to individuals through the Holy Spirit. These attributes include “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-24 NIV). This “fruit of the Spirit” is to be sought, encouraged, and demonstrated in our relationships.

In contrast to encouraging these positive attributes of the heart, Scripture condemns attitudes such as greed, jealousy, pride, lust, and hatred. Although these attitudes are sometimes difficult to discern, they can hinder relationships with God and others and lead to unacceptable behavior.

Certain behaviors are expressly prohibited in Scripture and therefore should be avoided by members of the Brookwoods, Deer Run, and Moose River Outpost community. They include theft, lying, dishonesty, gossip, slander, backbiting, profanity, vulgarity (including crude language), sexual promiscuity (including adultery, homosexual behavior, premarital sex), drunkenness, immodesty of dress, and occult practices.
In keeping with scriptural admonitions to bring ourselves under the authority of government, members of the community are expected to uphold the laws of the local community, the states of New Hampshire and Maine, and the nation. An exception would be those rare occasions in which obedience to the civil authorities would require behavior that conflicts with the teaching of Scripture. On such occasions, each individual would submit voluntarily to the civil penalty for his behavior. Behavior resulting in civil arrest on or off camp grounds is subject to review with the camp disciplinary procedures.

Expectations

In addition to subscribing to biblical expectations, members of the camp community voluntarily commit themselves to the following standards of behavior. This commitment results from the connection that these standards serve the good of the individual as well as the camps. These standards are not set forth as absolute or as an index of Christian spirituality but rather as expectations of this community. Because of the importance of trust in and responsibility to one another, violations are considered as a serious breach of integrity within the community.

The following standards apply to campers and staff at Brookwoods, Deer Run and Moose River Outpost:

1. Corporate worship, fellowship, and instruction are essential to our community. Therefore, all staff are expected to attend all worship services and staff meetings, etc. Regular attendance is understood as a mature response to our community goals.

2. The community recognizes the danger to one's physical and psychological well-being in the use of certain products. Therefore, members of the community are to refrain from the use of tobacco in any form, alcoholic beverages, hallucinogenic drugs and substances (including marijuana) or narcotics not authorized by a physician. Under no circumstances are the above to be used, possessed, or distributed on or away from the campus of Brookwoods and Deer Run or Moose River Outpost. Staff members are expected not to abuse the use of legal substances.

3. Gambling (exchange of money and goods by betting or wagering) is viewed as an unwise use of God-given resources and, therefore, is not acceptable in any form.

4. Because of our concern for the worth and dignity of persons, each member of the community is expected to be sensitive to the special need existing in our society and on our campus. Therefore, discrimination against others on the basis of race, national origin, sex, or handicap is not acceptable.

5. Any kind of demeaning gesture, harassment, threat of violence or physical attack directed toward another person will not be tolerated. Vandalism of property is also unacceptable.

6. Brookwoods, Deer Run and Moose River Outpost urges its members to be selective in their choices of entertainment and recreation. Activities and entertainment that are of a questionable value or diminish a person’s moral sensitivity should be avoided.

7. The pornography industry exploits people. Further, the use of the industry products printed or musical (tapes, songs, etc.) is immoral. Therefore, pornographic materials are not to be used, possessed, or distributed on or away from camp.

8. Appearance of staff members is subject to camp standards. We do not desire to be legalistic, we simply want to make a good impression for the parents and we realize that generational differences in appearance impact how parents feel about the camp. The Brookwoods and Deer Run image is described as a neat, clean, and modest appearance that will enhance a positive witness for Christ. Clothing choices should not distract from the mission of Christ.

All Staff
  • Neat, clean personal appearance
  • Modest clothing
  • The Directors reserve the right to ask a staff member to remove any jewelry which may appear offensive, or represent a health or safety hazard

Women
  • One-piece bathing suits only
  • No jog/sports bras without a tee shirt or tank
  • No spaghetti straps, backless tops or dress, or any top which displays one’s midriff
  • Skirt length should be modest
  • No pajamas in the dining hall
  • Underwear should never be visible

Men
  • Staff members who come to camp with a beard, moustache or goatee must maintain it on a daily basis
  • Underwear (including the boxer waistband) should never be visible
  • Shirts are to be worn in camp, unless at the waterfront or athletics
  • Haircuts need to be neat and not extreme (no carved letters, shaved heads)

9. Members of the community are subject to the demands of integrity, credibility, and honesty in all dealings and operations.

10. Compliance with day-to-day policies and procedures of the camps is expected from all staff members. These routine terms are listed in the Staff Manual. The intent of this statement is to identify expectations that assist the camps in functioning as a Christian community and in achieving its goals as an organization of Christian camping. The statement addresses relationships and behavior; these emphases are parallel and vital to the quality of our experiences together. The behavioral portion of the statement includes standards that are specific to Brookwoods, Deer Run, and Moose River Outpost. These standards are important to our community and must be consistently maintained to assure a proper climate for growth. Nevertheless, these standards must be kept in perspective with the biblical responsibilities for relationships and behavior.
Biblical mandate (Colossians 3:12-17 NIV).

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

The following is a specific list of procedures for application:
  1. Complete the Employment Application and return to the main office of Christian Camps and Conferences office as early as you can.
     
  2. Be sure all Reference Forms are given out to your references for mailing directly to the camp office.
     
  3. All interviews are normally held at the office, in Alton, New Hampshire. Call the camp office (603-875-3600) and schedule a personal interview. If your location prohibits you from visiting the camp, area representatives throughout the United States and Europe will conduct the interview. The interview may consists of a video tape, problem solving questions, and organization perspective.
     
  4. You will be evaluated on constructive and pertinent information, understanding of camp life, creative and verbal abilities, leadership qualities, tact, attitudes, organizational wisdom, and common sense.

If you have any questions, please call the office at (603) 875-3600.

AS OF APRIL 20TH, WE ONLY HAVE POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE FOOD SERVICE AND TRIPPING DEPARTMENTS.