Questions most frequently asked by our staff applicants...

1. Where is Camp Merrie-Woode®?

Merrie-Woode is 60 miles southwest of Asheville, NC on Highway 64 near Cashiers and Highlands. Centrally located, it is a three-hour drive from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Knoxville.

2. How old do you have to be to apply as a counselor?

Counselors must have completed their freshman year of college or be at least 19 years old.

3. Can I apply if I've never been a counselor before?

Yes, we encourage those who have had experience working with children and enjoy the outdoors to learn more about Camp Merrie-Woode®.

4. Do I have to apply to work all summer?

Due to school schedules, we realize that not everyone is available for the whole summer; however, we do give priority to those who can work all three sessions. Our general policy is to hire individuals who can work at least two of the three sessions.

5. Could I get internship credit while working at the camp?

Camp Merrie-Woode® is committed to helping plan and monitor internships, which can enhance your camp responsibilities and allow you to earn college credit. Most activity areas are conducive to internships. You can create an internship by establishing a focus for an activity or subject area and presenting the idea to a sponsoring college professor. We can even put you in touch with our internship contact at nearby Western Carolina University to receive credit through them.

6. What are your camp's objectives?

Merrie-Woode seeks to provide the maximum opportunity for fun and growth in a wilderness setting. The purpose of Merrie-Woode is to build socially minded, considerate, resourceful persons who will be able to find so much interest in other people and every day existence that their lives will be rewarding.

7. Does the camp provide training?

There is an opportunity for certification through various entities. Camp will pay half of the expenses for most approved courses relating to camp activities. Merrie-Woode also pays you for the required week of general staff orientation.

8. How much money will I make?

The starting summer salary is $220.00 per week. The salary range increases to beyond $400.00 per week based on age, experience, and certifications. All staff wages include room and board. It is much easier to save money at camp than at many other jobs.

9. When do I get paid?

Wages are paid at the end of the contracted term, but weekly advances may be drawn upon request, during staff meetings.

10. What is there to do on my day off?

There are many hikes and scenic waterfalls in the area. Cashiers and Highlands have fun shops and restaurants to explore. Many counselors make trips into Asheville to shop and enjoy a movie for the day. Merrie-Woode has comparatively generous time off with each staff member given a full 32 hour period per week.

11. How many other counselors are there?

Throughout the course of the summer, camp hires approximately 80 counselors.

12. Where are they from?

Counselors come from all over the US and a few represent foreign countries.

13. Why do the counselors wear a uniform?

For convenience and as part of our commitment to a non-competitive community, all campers and counselors wear uniforms. The staff uniform is a green 100% cotton polo type shirt which we provide. You would bring your own khaki shorts.

14. What should I bring with me?

A list of what to bring will be mailed to each counselor, prior to their arrival. There is a complete list located in the employment section on our web site.

15. Is there a curfew?

Curfew is 12:00 am for all staff who are spending the night in camp. As a matter of safety all staff will check in with the senior staff person on duty.

16. Where do we eat and is there a vegetarian selection?

All on-duty counselors attend meals in our dining hall which are served family style. Salad bars and vegetarian options are available.

17. Will I have time to exercise?

Yes, when activity schedules allow. Camp has exercise equipment as well as a beautiful lake trail, which allows an opportunity for running and walking.

18. Do I sleep in a cabin and is there electricity in the cabin?

Yes, most staff members live in a rustic cabin with electricity. These cabins share modern, clean bathhouses directly behind the cabin line.

19. How many campers will be in my cabin?

For the younger age groups there are four to six campers in each cabin. The oldest campers live on "the hill" where there are eight to ten campers in each cabin.

20. When will I know about my campers?

During orientation, counselors will receive their cabin assignments and will learn about the campers by reviewing their files. This allows them to get to know the campers prior to their arrival.

phyllis@merriewoode.com