Staff FAQ's

What are the dates of employment?

Our start date changes each year, but typically our first week of camp is the third week of June. Our staff complete training during the first two weeks of June. Camp finishes after nine weeks, usually the second week of August.

Will I get any training?

Oh yes. We are very proud of our ten-day training program. You will get to bond with you're colleages, spemd time team-building, and learn all about camp, including it's history. You'll have fun learning chants, icebreakers, games and even get formal qualifications in first aid and outdoor recreation activities like rock climbing, lifeguarding and archery. You will also meet previous counselors, who will help you learn how to take care of yourself as well as the campers. We provide our staff with a training and policy manual and complete a variety of practical hands learning and classroom based training.

What is your Equity & ANTI-RACISM statement?

GROTONWOOD PRATICEs J.E.D.I. This acronym stands for: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Grotonwood actively promotes a culture that is free from bias and injustice. We are committed to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We are and will continue to serve and be accountable to marginalized communities, and for creating equitable and sustainable programs where social and restorative justice is woven into every facet, including our hiring practices. Grotonwood is a proud equal opportunity employer; We are deeply committed to building a workplace and community where inclusion is not only valued, but prioritized.

We are committed to creating an environment where all employees feel included and have a strong sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family/marital status, refugee or immigration status, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neuro-diversity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other non-merit based or legally protected grounds.

We encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission of providing a christian camping experience for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Grotonwood is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Camp Director.

Do camp counselors live in cabins?

Support Staff (Culinary, Maintenance and Day Camp Staff) usually live in the same cabins all summer long. Camp counselors will rotate across different buildings depending on the program they are working with. Counselors working with kids will most likely stay in Judson Village, Going Village or the Family Center.

Counselors working with our Adult Program will stay in Blanchard Hall or Prescott Lodge. You will lived in a shared cabin or room with at least one other counselor (maximum of 3). All of our lodging options have modern inside bathrooms with showers, hot water and electricity. Some even have WIFI and air conditioning!

To learn more about your accommodation, watch our facilities video: https://youtu.be/wGmJbyT4av0

What's the food like?

For breakfast you will have a choice of typical hot American breakfast foods, which include scrambled eggs, breakfast sausages, home fries, waffles or pancakes. We often also have a 'toast bar', which offers bagels, muffins and sliced bread. If you prefer continental breakfasts we have cereals, granola, yogurts and fresh fruit salad.

Lunch will cooked meal such as homemade pizzas or a cookout (BBQ). We always serve lunch with a salad bar and/or soup.

Evening meals vary and are typically something like a turkey dinner, pot roast or Tacos. We serve dessert in the evenings only.

Dietary restrictions and allergies: We always have options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten & Lacto free diets and cater to most allergies. If you have an allergy please let the camp director know and we'll have a tasty meal or treat prepared for you.

How many days off do I receive during the summer?

You will receive a full 24 hour uninterrupted window of time each week, usually from Friday 10 pm - Sunday 10 am (so actually more like 36 hours off!). Overtime is available for at least four of the weekends and depending on the department you are working with you are often welcome to work some or all of your time off for that week.

How often do I get paid?

You will be paid every two weeks, so a total of four or five times through out the summer (five for leaders). We pay your salary to your US bank account. Internaional staff will have the opportunity to open a bank account during training week and will have access to their funds through an ATM machine and debit (bank) card. Remember, we are required to deduct state and federal tax from each pay period!

How does staff laundry work?

You're in luck, no runs to the laundromat on your day off here! You have access to a staff onyl laundry room with several washers and dryers and we provide the detergent free to staff. Laundry must be completed during your time off or when prompted by your unit leader and at least once per week. laundry room etiquette is a whole section covered during training week.

What can I do on my day off?

We offer a different activity every Saturday to get you off-campus! Trips include sightseeing in Boston, beach days, Chunky’s Cinema, Merrimack Premium Outlets, hiking mountains, Baseball games and many more. Your welcome to join, arrange your own activity or stay at camp to relax.

How many campers are there?

We typically have 120-150 campers at camp each week. This is a mixture of Day Camp, Kids overnight camp and Adults with Disabilities camps.

What is the cell phone policy for staff?

Counselors must keep cells phones and other electronic devices (including smart watches and headphones) in their cabins or in the camp office safe. Counselors are not permitted to use, or have on their person, their phones during working hours. Phones can be used in living areas (before and after work). Cell phones must never be used in the presence of a camper. This rule is strictly enforced. Adult campers are able bring their electronic devices to camp. Kids are NOT permitted to bring their electronic devices to camp.

What is the camp’s policy on drugs and alcohol?

We are a dry campus meaning that the use of and/or possession of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes (vaping), dab pens, illegal drugs or CBD related edible products is strictly prohibitted and will result in instant dismissal. We are a wholesome community striving to lead clean lives that glorify God and provide a safe environment for our campers. We encourage staff to become the rolemodel they wish they had in their youth. Children specifically are great imitators so, give them something great to imitate.

CAN I bring my CAR TO CAMP?

Yes. You will find yourself very popular if you have a car at camp! All cars must be parked at the end of the parking lot, away from accommodation leaving the most accessible spots for our guests. The speed limit around camp is 5MPH and we will not be held responsible for the loss or damage to your vehicle.

As a Christian Camp What Do you Believe?

Click here to check out our Statement of Faith: https://grotonwood.org/statement-of-faith

HOW CAN I stay IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

There is a computer in the staff lounge which has internet access. If you are an international member of staff we will arrange for you to check in with family and your sponsor agency when you arrive at camp. Cell phones can be used during your time off to connect with the world, but remember 'never around campers'.

Are you a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community?

Yes. Grotonwood does not discriminate against age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender, religion or disability. We welcome all persons into our Christian community, including equal participation and decision making in the life and ministries of the camp.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO CAMP?

It can get very hot during the day (95FH/30C) but cool in the evenings, and it often rains. Bring clothes that can be layered and remember a waterproof rain jacket. We will provide you with a uniform, which consists of one t-shirt per day for six days and a staff lanyard (name tag). You just need to think about what you will wear on your legs and feet.

You will need clothes for your day off and for the end of summer banquet. Good shoes like sneakers for hiking, and sandals/flip flops/slides for the waterfront. Don’t forget sunglasses, bug spray, sun screen and a hat.

Remember to pack any prescribed medications you might need. We ask that you bring your own toiletries and linens unless you are coming from out of state or overseas.

International and out of state staff will be given a bedding kit upon arrival. We also take our staff to Walmart and the Dollar Store in case you forget to bring something essential from home, like adaptors/power converters, toiletries or a watch.

WHy do I have to wear a staff lanyard?

Lanyards are worn by all camp employees as helpful identifiers for campers and guests. They make others feel safe, and allow campers to approach you more comfortably. You are required to wear your lanyard during working hours except when unsafe to do so. Your lanyard should never be given to campers or other staff to wear. Report your lanyard lost or damaged to the camp director as soon as possible so a replacement can be provided.

WHAT CAN i buy at the CAMP store?

Our Camp Store sells grotonwood branded hsts, hoodies, t-shirts, pajamas and other clothing items, plus icecream, snacks, drinks and toiletries. Staff receive a 20% discount on all branded merchandize.

WHAT CAN i NOT BRING TO CAMP?

Anything that might be dangerous in the hands of a child or an adult with a disability. No knifes or other weapons, fireworks or sharp objects. Medication can be stored with our clinic if preferred. If you’re not sure about an item please contact the camp director in advance or leave the item at home.

How do I know what job will suit me best?

Check out the 'Learn More' section of the website for individual job descriptions: https://grotonwood.org/work-with-us

If you would prefer to speak to the Camp Director call the camp office at (978) 448 5763.

HOW CAN I APPLY for a job?

click the link: https://grotonwood.campbrainstaff.com