FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Why work at camp
Working at camp puts you in situations where you have to exercise responsibility, care, and flexibility. As the leader of a group of kids with a co-counselor, you will make many decisions, work to communicate with your co-counselor, and serve as a mentor to children. Being a camp counselor isn't a job to be taken lightly, but if done well is extremely rewarding. You may watch a child finally succeed at a difficult task, help someone get over their fear of the dark, or get to be a listening ear to a story that needs to be heard.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for candidates who are at least 18 years old, have a passion for working with children, want to grow in their Christian faith, and enjoy the outdoors.
application process
1. Apply through our online application. Make sure to contact your references and ask them to serve as a reference.
2. We will review your application and you may be contacted by phone or email to schedule an interview. 3. Counselor applicants will go through a 30-40 minute phone interview. Coordinator applicants should plan for about an hour of interview time on Google Meet. 4. We will call and hear back from your references. 5. We will call you to tell you the results of your application. 6. If you accept a position offered to you, you will receive a work agreement and other information via e-mail. WHAT WE PROVIDE
As part of your job you get to live at camp for the summer! All jobs are required to be residential with the exception of the guest services intern and kitchen staff. Living at camp, you will be provided housing and meals over the weekend and during all contracted work.
Campers finish a week of camp on Fridays. Staff have dinner together on Friday and we promise to be finished by 7:30 PM. Over the weekends, food and some meals will be provided and staff are encouraged to stay on-site to continue building community. Laundry facilities are available to be used on the weekends. Please bring your own detergent. Over the weekends staff have access to a landline phone and Wi-Fi. Often on weekends, staff will plan to hang out together. Trips like going to the drive in, running to Walmart, or checking out the Salem Fair. We have plenty of experience having counselors who do not have their own cars. There are enough folks with cars who are willing to carpool. Camp staff are required to be back at 1:30 PM on Sundays for staff meeting. Contact Meredith Petty, Program Director, at program@altamons.org with questions. dates of camp
2023 Dates:
June 5 - June 9: Coordinator Training June 11 - June 22: Staff Training June 25 - June 30: Week 1 of Camp July 2- July 7: Week 2 of Camp July 9 - July 14: Week 3 of Camp July 16 - July 21: Week 4 of Camp July 22: All Camp Clean July 24 - July 26: Coordinator Wrap-Up time off
We ask that counselors and coordinators are available for the dates of their contracts and can attend all trainings. There will be limited exceptions made for staff training and/or coordinator training. During the week, counselors will get two one-hour breaks to spend time at camp for self-care (showering, naps, journaling, etc.) Time on the weekends between weeks of camp (Friday at 7:30 PM to Sunday at 1:30 PM) is time off to spend as you please.
staff training
Oh boy! Staff training is the time where counselors learn about living and leading at camp. Coordinators will come to camp in the weeks prior to staff training to receive their job specific training and prepare for camp. Staff training is an intensive time where we build a team and prepare counselors to serve our campers. During staff training counselors receive training on activities, conflict resolution, the chain of support, first aid, emergency procedures, mandated reporting, and so much more. We do the best to equip our staff for their jobs, and ultimately the best learning happens experientially the first week of camp.
packing lists
our campers
Our campers come from all over the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Some even journey to us from three to five hours away. Campers come from many different faith backgrounds: churched, unchurched, local Methodist churches, other denominational churches, and families who have never been to church. Whatever their experience with faith, all kids are welcome at camp. Our campers represent a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Our mission is to share God's love with each of them.
life at camp
Life at camp is demanding, beautiful, sticky, and wet. We live what we call Small Group Christian Camping. Campers are in co-ed groups (we call them units) of no more than 12 with two counselors. Units do everything together during the day, eat meals family style at one table, and sleep outside during Home in the Woods. This group is your family during the week and become the fastest of friends.
a summer in ministry
At Alta Mons you have the opportunity to give yourself away in service of others. We have the opportunity to share God's love with campers through the way we smile when we talk, take time to listen, and show them we care. We believe that through exemplifying Christian community, we can show campers what it means to live like a Christian in the world.
As a staff member you are surrounded by people who are working together toward the same goal. Wonderful things happen when you are suffering and celebrating alongside others. Our staff are a tight-knit community and stay close even after the summer is over. We have a whole page dedicated what it means for us to be A Christian Camp. Check it out! GETTING MAIL
You are welcome to send and receive mail from camp. Have friends address letters to:
Your Name c/o Alta Mons 2842 Crockett Springs Road Shawsville, VA 24162 ADDITIONAL WORK OPPORTUNITIES
After camp and throughout the year, we have people who come to Alta Mons for retreats. For some of these groups, we need staff to work programming: low ropes, high ropes, lifeguarding, games, nature education, etc. or in the kitchen. We offer competitive pay in addition to your contract for working outside groups.
INCLUSION
Alta Mons strives to create a fully inclusive culture and environment that values and fosters respect for all people. For campers, staff, and volunteers, we do not discriminate on any basis. We understand our Christian faith as a shared journey from which no one should be excluded. In keeping with the teachings of Jesus, Alta Mons welcomes all LGBTQ+ people to participate fully in our programs with this statement of inclusivity. We provide camp settings that are safe places for all campers, staff, and volunteers by offering unconditional love and providing guidelines and training for camp staff and volunteers. Should any questions arise regarding this policy please contact our office to speak with a staff member.
STAFF REUNION
All past staff and their immediate families are invited to our Staff Reunion! This is a day where we share a potluck lunch and remember good times spent at camp. Our 2022 Staff Reunion will meet at noon on January 7, 2023 at the Dining Hall.
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