Summer Job Descriptions

Activity areas that have traditionally been most challenging to campers are mountaineering, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and horseback riding skills. There are many options in the performing arts area through drama and a variety of studio arts openings as well.

Contact: phyllis@merriewoode.com with specific questions regarding summer staff positions and openings.

Cabin Counselors and Activity Instructor Positions

Most female counselors live in cabins with four to eight campers (depending on the age group). The cabin counselor role is one of the most important and rewarding parts of the counselor position. In addition to being responsible for a cabin group, counselors teach in their assigned activity area(s) throughout the day. (See activity qualifications described below.) As part of the camp community, all counselors are scheduled to help with additional general camp duties such as telephone coverage, package duty, or line duty.

Non Cabin Activity Instructor Positions

Male staff members, trip leaders, some activity heads and older staff members do not live in cabins with campers. In addition to their activity responsibilities, they will be involved in additional general camp duties.

Support Staff Positions

Other non-cabin staff positions include support staff. These areas include housekeeping, grounds and maintenance work, office support, and kitchen staff members.

Health Care Providers

Two licensed Registered Nurses staff the camp health center throughout the summer.

Activity Instructors

(The activity instructor qualifications and responsibilities stated below are minimums. Merrie-Woode activity instructors must be at least 19 years old and have a strong desire to teach and work with children.)

Arts/Crafts: Knowledge of general arts and crafts projects; also helpful to have experience with specific mediums such as painting or drawing. Teach/supervise 4 class periods daily under direction of department head.

Canoeing/Kayaking: Completion of Merrie-Woode Captains program or equivalent and strong leadership skills; lifeguard certification is helpful as well as ACA course work. Teach canoe and kayaking skills 4 class periods daily, maintenance of boats and department equipment under direction of department head.

Canoeing/Kayaking Trip Leader: Minimum age 21; extensive experience on rivers; certification in first aid and swift water rescue; clean driving record and the ability to drive a van and pull a trailer. Organize and plan river trips under the leadership of the Boating Head; instruct on the lake during activity periods when not on river trips.

Dance: Experience in modern dance, jazz, ballet and/or aerobics; be able to help choreograph dance performance for camp performances. Teach/supervise 4 class periods daily and prepare dance performances under direction of department head

Drama: Experience in performing arts and technical aspects of theater; be able to work cooperatively with group of staff under director of musical play. Teach/supervise 4 class periods, prepare final performances under direction of department head.

Landsports: Experience in and knowledge of field/team sports, especially soccer. Knowledge of a variety of team and group games; motivational skills and an enthusiastic personality. Teach/supervise 4 class periods daily. Conduct classes with instruction in soccer, softball, volleyball, and other field games under direction of department head.

Mountaineering/Rock Climbing & Trip Leaders: Male or female at least 21 years old with leadership and organizational skills with orienteering, first aid, high ropes course, strong climbing and backpacking skills; Assist in planning and implementing program - trips, climbing wall, orienteering, first aid training, schedules and equipment maintenance under direction of department head. During opening and closing of camp, the mountaineering staff organize camper luggage and travel to the airport.

Photography Instructors: Knowledge of photography and the ability to develop black and white film and mix chemicals for the dark room. Preparing film and chemicals for photography classes; teaching 4 activity periods/day.

Riding Director: An ideal position for a college graduate with instructional experience, horse knowledge, and organizational skills. The director oversees the riding program, instructs classes in hunt seat, sets up classes with instructors, manages the riding staff and oversees the care and feeding of up to 20 camp horses. Certification by the CHA or another qualifying organization is helpful. Must be at least 21 years old, college graduate or equivalent. Salary will commensurate with experience

Riding Instructors: Completion of one year of college or equivalent and at least 19 years old with teaching experience and strong riding skills; Instructors teach up to 4-activity periods daily with grooming and some barn work required under direction of department head.

Sailing: The ability to instruct basic sailing skills on Sunfish and Laser sailboats; knowledge of rigging and light maintenance required to keep up sailboats; lifeguard certification or sailing certification. Instruct 4 activity periods/day; maintain sailboats for use; supervision of scheduled sailing activities during free boat time.

Swimming: American Red Cross Lifeguard and WSI (Water Safety Instructor) Certification. Also helpful to have other experience from water games to swim team or synchronized swimming. Teach four activity periods/day of Red Cross swim classes or water games, synchronized swimming or team swimming. Lifeguard during scheduled free swim and help organize and supervise the swim meets.

Tennis: Knowledge of game and playing experience along with activities and teaching techniques for the sport. Teach/supervise 4 class periods daily, formulate goals and conducts tournaments under direction of department head.

Tumbling: Experience in gymnastics and floor work; knowledge of spotting and safe instruction; the ability to plan and execute a final tumbling show for campers. Conduct instructional classes in tumbling. Teach/supervise 4 class periods daily under direction of department head.

Weaving: Experience weaving working on floor looms, lap looms or inkle looms. Instruct up to 4 activity periods/day under the direction of the weaving department head or the head of the arts & crafts department.

Woodworking: Experience in woodworking and crafts; knowledge of safety and use of tools and equipment. Work under the supervision of the department head and teach four activity periods/day.

Support Staff Positions

Health Care Providers: Must be licensed registered nurse(s) with experience and interest in working with children. Daily responsibilities include dispensing medications to campers and staff and administering first aid. Must be a flexible and organized individual who enjoys the outdoor setting.

Kitchen Staff Members: Dishwashers, Bakers, Salad Prep; Work under the supervision of the Food Service Director. Kitchen staff works as a team to prepare and serve three meals/day family style to 275 campers and counselors. Benefits include room, board and salary.