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Programs & Services |
Staff
FAQs Program Staff
WHO ARE THE CAMPERS AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Although there is no typical Heartland camper, the majority of our kids are Latino or African American inner-city youth. Many kids are in foster care or have been orphaned by AIDS. Our kids range in age from 7 - 16. They are goofy, inspirational, crazy, lazy, fun, energetic, adorable and tend to drive us a little crazy everyday – pretty normal, right? The impact of HIV/AIDS in their lives can give these kids wisdom beyond their years and an appreciation for what really matters in life.
WHAT TRAINING IS PROVIDED TO THE CAMP STAFF?
Each summer, prior to camp starting, we require that all staff join us for orientation. It is during this time that you will be oriented to all of the nuances of camp, not to mention team building and fun in the sun! You will learn that Camp Heartland is like your “typical” camp. We sing, play, sit around the campfire, go boating, play sports, fish, hang out and just have fun! We also learn ways to help our campers experience a safe, accepting and loving environment. In the days before the kids arrive we cover topics on behavior management, daily schedules, AIDS 101, weather emergencies, counseling techniques, creative programming and more! This is your time to prepare for the important job you are about to undertake. Working together, we can develop skills that will enable our campers to find success in their week at camp.
WILL I LEARN SPECIFICALLY ABOUT HIV/AIDS?
AIDS 101 -Our staff come to orientation with varying levels of knowledge surrounding HIV/AIDS. During staff orientation, our medical team will hold sessions to discuss the essentials of Universal Precautions, the fundamentals of HIV/AIDS, and current research data. Club Meds should be considered a resource regarding any questions you may have throughout the camping season.
WHAT IS THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF CAMP LIKE?
Have you ever slept in a bunk bed, left your room to walk to the shower house or shared the sun with mosquitoes? The Camp Heartland Center is located in Willow River, MN (population 250), 2 hours north of Minneapolis and 1 hour south of Duluth. Camp sits on many acres of wooded land and shares three small lakes with neighboring farms. Living in an outdoor environment may be a very new experience for you. This is often the case for our campers, as well. You will have plenty of time during staff orientation to get comfortable with the new surroundings, bugs, starry skies, . . .and then boom, the MN sessions are over and we are off to Malibu. Our Malibu site is spectacular, sitting on top of a mountain that overlooks the ocean. The landscape is large and the weather is warm and dry.
HOW ARE SUMMER STAFF PAID?
Each summer, we have both volunteer (unpaid) and paid staff. In addition to room, board, outstanding training, an unforgettable summer and the chance to make a difference in the life of a child, camp pays a small weekly salary and a travel reimbursement. 2005 sessions will include 5 paid weeks of camp in MN. Due to our high level of available alumni volunteers, our Malibu session will be a volunteer based session.
WHAT QUALITIES AND EXPERIENCE DOES CAMP HEARTLAND LOOK FOR IN A CAMP STAFF MEMBER?
The qualities we look for in our camp staff include, boundless enthusiasm, putting others before self, sensitivity to camper needs, willingness to work, dedication and loyalty. Prior experience in a camp setting is not a requirement for working as part of our team. Work with children in professional settings is an asset to your application. Individual teaching skills and certifications are also assets to your application.
WHAT KIND OF REFERENCES DO I NEED?
You will need to find references who can speak to your ability to successfully work with children and adults. You want your references to be familiar with your ability to problem solve, handle challenging situations and interact positively with others. It is not advisable to send in personal references from friends or family. Look to people who have seen you work: your teachers, coaches or employers
WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THE SUMMER COMMITMENT?
Our summer consists of one week of staff orientation and four week-long sessions with campers. We will be running 2005 camp sessions in Minnesota from June 11- July 31 st . Staff get days off in between each session. Paid summer staff are required to make the entire time commitment to camp in Minnesota. The 2005 Malibu session will be staffed by volunteers who have been with us all summer or are joining us as alumni volunteers from previous years at camp.
CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR A SHORTER AMOUNT OF TIME?
We truly appreciate all the generosity of our volunteers, yet we must maintain a high ratio of staff who have been through our staff orientation. There are a limited number of opportunities for new one and two week volunteers. This option may require additional orientation and preparation prior to your arrival at camp. New one or two week volunteers who are not returning alumni staff will be considered in the application process after the full summer staff has been selected.
WHAT OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES DO SUMMER STAFF HAVE?
Summer staff members are also required to raise a minimum of $500 before they arrive at camp. The money we raise helps create the magic of camp. It pays for travel expenses, health care workers, food, extra clothing, and all of the supplies that make camp fun. Staff fundraising efforts translate into smiling faces around a campfire, crazy skits, singing goofy songs, and enjoying a week in the company of friends sensitive to the stresses often associated with HIV/AIDS. We have plenty of great ideas to help get you started... and it really can be a lot of fun! Because camp is free to campers, we depend on your efforts. We are here to help you succeed. Don't hesitate to call our offices with questions, concerns or requests for marketing materials. Your time and contributions are greatly appreciated!
Successful fundraisers from former staff have included....
• Write a letter to everyone you know telling them what you are doing this
summer. Ask for a small contribution.
• Create your own run-, bike-, swim-, walk-a-thon & ask people to sponsor you
• Hold a bake sale
• Have a venue (restaurant or club/bar) donate there revenue from business, or hold a special event
• Ask local businesses to make a donation
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES AT CAMP?
Cabin time: Cabin Time is special because you and your campers get to plan it together. You can have a cook out, go fishing, head out on the trails, or plan skits for evening programs. Creativity is the limit !
Skills: Each day campers & counselors participate in “skills”. Skills range from fishing and landsports, to climbing and arts and crafts. You may find yourself teaching something that is new to you. This is where flexibility is key.
Evening Programs: Evening Programs (EPs) are a blast!! Bring your costumes to camp. Plan on Dance night, carnival, getting messy and having a ton of fun. We want the campers to see your enthusiasm for everything and anything that you do.
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