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Staff Training

Staff Training

Orientation

For the first five days of camp, you will be involved in a comprehensive orientation. During orientation, we will cover most of the information and skills you will need to do a good job this summer. Our schedule will be similar to the camp schedule with regard to wake-up times and meals. During orientation, you will receive your cabin assignment and your campers’ names. After looking through files and getting to know your campers through their information, you will have time to move to your cabin and settle in. We will finish orientation in time for you to have an afternoon off to do laundry or go out to dinner before getting ready for Opening Day.

2018 Orientation Dates

Activity Specific Pre-Orientation Sessions

Boating Staff:  8:00am, May 20 – 5:00pm, May 25
Mountaineering Staff:  8:00am, May 20 – 5:00pm, May 25
Riding Staff:  8:00am, May 20 – 12:00pm, May 25
Drama Staff:  8:00am, May 22 – 5:00pm, May 26
Swimming Staff:  12:00pm May 24 – 12:00pm May 26

 

General Staff Orientation

May 27 – May 31, 2018

Additional Training Courses

 Advanced Wilderness First Aid 
(recommended for all Adventure Staff)

8:00am, May 16 – 5:00pm, May 19, 2017

Wilderness First Aid 
(recommended for all Cabin/ Traditional Activity Staff)

8:00am, May 25 – 5:00pm, May 26, 2018

Professional Development & Staff Training Opportunities (PDF)

 

Training Video Gallery

These videos are intended to be a refresher and practice aid for our Adventure Program Staff.  Please watch all of the videos that are relevant to the program area for which you have been contracted.  You will be expected to demonstrate proficiency with the skills in your activity area when you arrive for staff training.  Click on the title of the video underneath the thumbnail to see a full video description and a bigger screen.

Disclaimer: The following videos are intended for use by Camp Merrie-Woode staff only.  These videos are not intended for use by the general public, or anyone not directly affiliated with Camp Merrie-Woode.  These videos are intended to be a supplemental training references for Camp Merrie-Woode staff only, and is NOT intended to replace or reduce the need for hands-on training and experience.  Improper use of these skills and techniques can lead to serious injury or death.  Always use good judgment and common sense when performing and determining how to best use the skills described here in.

Knots for Boaters

These videos are intended to be a review of how to tie the knots below. Please use the videos as an aid to help you practice the knots on your own time. You are expected to know how to tie all of the following knots when you arrive at camp for staff training.

Bowline Knot

Figure 8 on a Bight

Overhand on a Bight

Truckers Hitch

Knots for Mountaineers

These videos are intended to be a review of how to tie the knots below. Please use the videos as an aid to help you practice the knots on your own time. You are expected to know how to tie all of the following knots when you arrive at camp for staff training.

Bowline Knot

Clove Hitch

Munter Hitch

Figure 8 on a Bight

Figure 8 Follow Through

Overhand on a Bight

Mountaineering Videos

The videos in this gallery can be used to review general mountaineering skills such as backcountry stove use, water purification, etc. These skills are especially important for campers on multi-day trips, or those involved with the Mountaineering Schools.

Backcountry Stove Management

Water Purification

Climbing Videos

The videos in this gallery can be used to review some climbing specific skills for the purposes of both practice and instruction. These videos are by no means a comprehensive illustration of any of these techniques, but will hopefully serve as a useful reference tool.

2-Bolt Top Rope Anchor

3-Piece Climbing Anchor

Belay Technique

Coiling a Rope

Paddling Videos

The videos in this gallery are intended to be a review of not only how to execute the skills, but also as a refresher on how to teach them. These videos focus on key areas of instruction and logistics where continuity of staff understanding is most critical.

Teaching the Wet Exit

Loading the Kayak Trailer

Staff & Employment

  • Work Here
  • Summer Positions
  • This Year’s Summer Staff
  • College Recruiting Schedule
  • Staff Training
  • Counselor FAQ
  • What Our Staff is Saying…

Apply Today

Do you believe you have what it takes?
Apply here!

Download the Applicant Reference Form here!

CMW Tweets

  • @CampMerrieWoode April 20, 2018

    Well, hello spring. Good to see you. #merriewoode @ Camp Merrie-Woode instagram.com/p/BhyzBVjAp-4/

  • @CampMerrieWoode April 19, 2018

    From the Centennial Archives...Pizza day at Sid’s table, 1995! #cmwarchives… instagram.com/p/BhwSFjVgTP1/

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Photography by: Ashley Helen Photography & Realities Photography. Site was designed byMarket Connections.