Our staff is our most important asset, so we want to make sure our counselors are philosophically aligned with the mission and the values of our camp, have the skill set to provide quality instruction in the subject areas we provide, and have the maturity and responsibility needed to succeed as a Kingswood counselor.
With that end in mind, we take the screening of staff candidates very seriously.
The staff application process is a two-step process – a Zoom interview and a formal staff application.
Below is a little more information on both components so you know what to expect:
Step #1: The Zoom Interview
This interview will last about 30 minutes. To schedule an interview, contact us at wipfler@kingswoodcamp.com so we can find a mutually convenient time to meet.
Some of the topics we will cover include:
- Why do you want to work at Kingswood this summer?
- Tell us a little more about your CIT experience.
- What cabin(s) did you work with as a CIT? How did you enjoy it? What went well? What was more difficult?
- What clinic(s) did you teach? What went well? What did you learn through the experience / any areas for improvement or growth?
- Why should Kingswood hire you?
- What attributes or characteristics do you possess that would make you a strong counselor?
- What clinics or activities do you think you could lead or assist?
- Outside of Kingswood, do you have any experience working with children? If so, be prepared to tell us more about that.
- How would your peers, teachers, and other employers describe you?
- Questions about availability and certifications:
- What is your availability this summer? When do you get out of school?
- Will you be able to attend some or all of our staff orientation (Tentative schedule: Lifeguard training 6/19 – 6/11; Wilderness First Aid 6/12 – 6/13; Staff Orientation 6/15 – 6/21)?
- If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard or trip leader but can’t make the trainings offered at Kingswood, will you be able to get those certifications prior to camp?
- Do you want to work first session, second session, or the full summer? If you’ve typically attended first session, would you be willing to work both sessions or just second session if that was in the best interest of the camp?
Additionally, it’s always nice if an interviewee has questions for us. So think about what you might want to know about life as a counselor.
Step #2: The Staff Application
If we believe you have the temperament, maturity, and skills to work at Kingswood, and if we have a staff space available, we will ask you to complete the staff application.
Even if you have been a part of the Kingswood community for many years, it is important that you invest significant time and thought in your application.
To that end, we ask you to :
- write an essay on why you want to work at Kingswood and how you think you can strengthen the Kingswood community
- the thoughtfulness and quality of your essay tells us a lot about how you might perform as a counselor (thoroughness, attention to detail, etc.)
- list the camp activities you feel qualified to lead and/or assist (and what experience you possess in those activities)
- provide three non-Kingswood / non-family references who will be able to speak to your character.
One Final Note:
Being a good communicator says a lot about your maturity, your interest in working at camp, and your organizational skills. Therefore, we encourage you to “put your best foot forward” and respond to our emails in a timely fashion. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!