Staff FAQ’s

Where is Camp Wayne located?

Camp Wayne is nestled in the corner of beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania. We are just 2 ½ hours from New York City and Philadelphia. All applicants must live on campus and stay for the entire summer session.

What qualities do you look for in a Camp Wayne counselor?

More than anything, we are looking for counselors who love children! More specifically, we are interested in people who are skilled in interpersonal communication, respect children as much as adults and are interested in personal growth. We consider hiring counselors to be our most important job. We are known in the camping industry as having the highest standards of staff selection. That’s why we travel around the country to meet candidates for an in-depth, face to face interview. You must always be concerned first with the physical and mental welfare of your campers. Though you will have a tremendous amount of support from the Directors and Key Staff, it’s important that you fully understand that being a camp counselor at a sleep-away camp is a tremendous responsibility which requires a selfless attitude and a lot of hard work.

Will there be any staff training prior to the campers' arrival?

Yes, we have a strong support system in place from the moment you are hired to help you be the best counselor possible. You will receive your Staff Manuel before your arrival to camp, along with a great handbook filled with tips on working with children. All staff are required to report to camp seven days prior to the camper’s arrival for orientation which is jam-packed with icebreakers, educational sessions and social activities.

What types of positions are available?

For the most part we are looking for specialty counselors, which means that in addition to being a bunk counselor and taking care of your campers, you also have a specialty that you teach throughout the summer. For a list of specialty positions available click here. We also have other positions available such as a group leader, assistant group leader, driver/administrative assistant, nurses/nurse assistants, nanny, salad prep, bookkeeper, videographer and night watchperson.

Is Camp Wayne for Girls a uniform camp/Is there a dress code?

We are not a uniform camp. You will not be required to purchase anything for camp. We will give you two staff shirts that we will ask you to wear on weekends. Lifeguards must wear 1 piece suits or tankinis when teaching. Other than that, we just ask that whatever you wear be appropriate.

What are the living conditions like?

All of our bunks have recently been rebuilt. You will be living in very clean, spacious and comfortable bunks. They are all equipped with electricity and plumbing.

What are the campers like?

We think our campers are amazing! They are smart, fun loving, spirited kids who LOVE CAMP! The kids at Wayne are mostly from affluent backgrounds in the NY Metro area. We mostly attract campers from Manhattan, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, Westchester, Maryland, Philadelphia and Florida. The majority of our campers are “returning campers” meaning they start at Camp Wayne at a young age and continue to return for many years. Many also have siblings at camp or parents that were once Camp Wayne campers building upon our strong sense of family and tradition.

Is there a religious affiliation with Camp Wayne?

Though many of our campers are of the Jewish faith, the camp has no religious affiliation and our staff is derived from all backgrounds and faiths. We offer an optional Jewish Service on Friday evenings to all campers and staff. The entire camp participates in a Creative Service which is a values-based program focusing on relationships, personal growth and friendship.

How’s the food at camp?

We think it’s great! Remember, we have to eat here too! In our dining room we serve all three meals family style with waitress service so counselors do not serve or bus tables. In addition to our main courses, we offer a full salad/substitute bar at every meal including breakfast. The salad bar is always stocked with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables mixed salads, pasta, deli and other assorted options. We are a nut-aware facility and can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

I’ve heard a lot about “camp spirit.” Just how much spirit is there?

From the minute the kids arrive till the morning of their departure, be prepared to do a lot of dancing and singing at the top of your lungs. The best thing about a brother-sister camp is that the boys aren’t always around so the girls can act silly and not feel self-conscious. Camp is one of the few places where it’s cool to act like a fool!

Do I have any days off and how much free time will I have?

You will have a total of five days off during the summer. Nobody has off during orientation or the last two weeks because of Color War and Trips. On average you will have about 1/2 hour off during the day. Most of your free time will come at night. You are off 2 out of every 3 nights with a 1:00 am curfew. You are also welcome to remain on campus on your day off to enjoy the people and activities that make Camp Wayne so special.

What type of amenities do you provide for your staff?

There are two staff lounges, one with a TV and both with ample wi-fi. Staff are welcome to use the camp facilities on their time off when not in use by the campers. There is also a canteen where you can purchase snacks, hang out and play games like ping-pong and foosball.

We certainly recognize and appreciate the efforts needed to be a great counselor so we coordinate a variety of staff activities, as well as co-ed events with Camp Wayne for Boys, to make your social experience more enjoyable. Girls’ staff activities include ‘Bond’fires, weekly Tennis Clinics & Art Workshops, early bird Waterskiing, ropes and fitness, and more. Co-ed events include Bowling, Casino Night, Movie Night and Kong Pong (think ping-pong on a tennis court with a volleyball!)

How much will I make being a camp counselor?

Well you’re not going to get rich, but you will have an unbelievable experience, meet a ton of amazing people and learn invaluable lessons in dealing with children. The Salary range for counselors is $2,000.00 to $2,200.00 and is based upon the year of school you are in and the amount of experience you have with children and in your specialty. Remember that you also receive free room and board all summer as well as a travel stipend intended to cover about half your airfare. Because you have no expenses at camp, many of our counselors are able to save most of their entire salary to take home with them at the end of the summer. Staff receives their checks on departure day (the day after the campers leave). If you need cash during the season, you may request up to three salary advances which we will deduct from your final pay check.

How Will I get to Camp?

You have the option to drive or fly to camp. Staff that fly in are given three choices of dates in mid-June to fly into JFK Airport in NY. We will pick you up at the airport on the day of your arrival and drive you right to camp. Staff will also be given a ride back to the airport on departure day. Once you are hired you will receive more detailed information on travel.

What should I bring to camp?

Dress at camp is very casual. You will receive a complete packing list in one of your staff mailings. For the most part the weather is great; warm in the daytime and cool in the mornings and evenings. You are welcome to bring your car to camp and keep it in our parking lot. Many counselors find it advantageous to have a car on campus, especially on days off.

Are there other expectations or anything else I should know?

Camp Wayne for Girls is a smoke-free campus. In addition, staff members are expected to obey all state and federal laws as they relate to drug use and the consumption of alcohol. We have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use and staff members under the age of 21 are not permitted to consume alcohol during their period of employment. Alcohol consumption is not permitted on the camp grounds and staff members are prohibited from returning to camp under the influence of alcohol.

Certainly, camp is a fun and exciting place. It is also one where the action never seems to stop. Campers and staff are constantly on the go. Many people like to say that a day at camp is equal to one week in the “real world”. It can be exhausting at times. Therefore, it is essential that camp follow a certain structure and schedule. The camper’s happiness is largely up to you. We are counting on you, the counselor, to be a leader, set a good example, and keep the day-to-day rhythms of camp in tune.

Sounds great, now how do I apply?

If what you’ve read in these pages appeals to you… the fun, exciting and adventurous aspect of being a counselor as well as the responsibility, educational and challenging aspect then we would love to hear from you. Click here to fill out our on-line application and we will call you once we receive it.