Welcome Prospective Staff Members

Available Positions | Staff Application

Employment at Lochearn Camp for Girls

Thank you for your interest in Lochearn Camp for Girls. You are probably considering a number of camps. Let us tell you what distinguishes Lochearn from other summer programs.

For those of you interested in pursuing careers in education, recreation, psychology, human resources, or child development, you will find Lochearn's training and approach to teaching and character education helpful and appealing. Lochearn is known as a teaching camp. Our staff design lesson plans during pre-camp orientation that incorporate the skills and drills needed in any given sport or art along with lessons that encourage positive character formation.

All of Lochearn's instructional programs are based on a well-conceived educational approach to character education. This means that in addition to teaching children skills in sports and arts, instructors set clear goals at the beginning of each class to encourage campers to develop sound attitudes toward teammates, to learn the value of fair play and rules, and to help children gain a positive perspective toward winning and losing. In today's world of sports, relationships have become very competitive and children are getting confusing messages about what it means to be a good athlete as well as a good person. Offering lessons that encourage the goodness in our campers is simple to accomplish and helps build a community where consideration, respect and responsibility are the prevailing themes.

During orientation, we spend a lot of time discussing children's character formation and strategies to assure that positive values are consistently imparted to our campers. Helping children grow into kind and responsible young adults is the central theme that drives Lochearn's program. Cabin life, community involvement, instructional activities, evening programs, and campfires all encourage positive interaction and reflection.

You do not need to have prior teaching or counseling experience to apply. We will train you to be an effect coach and counselor. However, you must come to Lochearn with enthusiasm, a sincere love of children, a good deal of patience, a strong work ethic, a sound moral foundation and commitment, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. Staff must be wholesome and excellent role models for our campers. We do not accept staff who smoke or drink, or have visible tattoos or body piercing.

If you are bright and energetic, physically and emotionally healthy, and find the prospect of working at Lochearn appealing please turn to the Guide for Staff Candidates. 

Lochearn provides a wonderful opportunity that will serve you well both personally and professionally.  We look forward to beginning the interview process with you.

 

 

 

 

What Staff Say About Their Time at Lochearn

"I didn't know before I came to Lochearn what to expect, but I know it was a happy surprise when I found myself amidst a very close-knit and receptive community. Never before have I experienced such camaraderie and genuine enthusiasm on such a large scale."

"I learned so many invaluable things at Lochearn. I know that my introduction to teaching couldn't have been in a better setting. I had a lot of fun teaching both Arts and Crafts and especially Theater Arts and hope that the children had as much fun as I did in the lessons! I also think that I grew in confidence and learned a lot about how to interact with children. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. I know that I will find my acquired skills very useful in the future."

"Thank you for an amazing summer! I've had a wonderful time here at Lochearn and it's all thanks to your superb efforts and total commitment to us all."

"I am really glad that I spent my summer here. I have learned so much from both of you and the entire camp. This is truly a great place, and I think everyone who gets to experience it is lucky."

"My second summer at Lochearn has come to an end. What a feeling! I have grown and learned more in these two summers than ever in my life. When I think of how I applied to summer camps and how I came to pick Lochearn, it is wonderful that I ended up with you. Your camp is excellent - the staff are top notch, the kids really learn skills and confidence, the facility is well kept and full of a variety of equipment and you are great directors."

"This past summer was my most rewarding, enjoyable summer ever. It was so great to be back at Locheam a second summer, renewing friendships and establishing new ones, gaining more confidence, adjusting to more responsibilities, having fun, eating ice cream, etc. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to become a part of the Lochearn community. Also, thanks for your patience and encouragement as I slowly grew in confidence and into my role."

Selection and Duties of Cabin Counselors/Activity Instructors

A successful camping season depends on a positive, enthusiastic, kind, caring, and supportive counseling staff. Lochearn has a primarily female staff with a few men hired for selected positions. Staff, 18 years and older, have a demonstrated commitment to the well being of children, have skills in one or more of our activity offerings, love the out-of-doors, and can serve as positive role models for our campers.

Every staff applicant goes through a thorough application and interview process designed specifically to determine strength of character, skill competency in a particular art or sport, and the ability to work as a cooperative community member. Each staff member signs Lochearn's Code of Conduct that clearly sets forth a no usage policy regarding drinking, tobacco and drugs. Among other standards, staff also agree to adhere to nighttime curfews, support Lochearn's traditions and policies, communicate concerns responsibly, and care for children in a loving and professional manner.

Job Descriptions

Activity Instructors

* Note: Training in LGT, SFA, and CPR are offered at Lochearn (at no cost to our staff members) immediately proceeding staff orientation.

Aerobics: Understanding of exercise physiology and cardio-vascular exercise. Present well-rounded and creative routines set to music. CPR and prior experience teaching aerobics required.

Archery: Basic skills are taught using American Archery Association rules and classifications. Knowledge of the sport and prior archery experience is required.

Arts and Crafts: A wide variety of crafts are taught including tie-dying, paper mache, sculpture, painting, papermaking, weaving, etc. Knowledge of different art skills and mediums is required. Excellent facilities and materials available.

Basketball: Beginner, intermediate and advanced players. Must have thorough knowledge of skills, rules, drills and coaching techniques. Coaching experience preferred.

Basket Weaving: Basic and intermediate weaving techniques. Knowledge of constructing a wide variety of basket types.

Canoeing: Basic strokes of handling canoe on flat water. Must have prior canoe experience and Lifeguard Training to instruct.

Ceramics: Knowledge of clay, glazes, hand building techniques, wheelwork, and how to fire an electric kiln.

Cross-country running: Ability to develop a progressive program of cross-country running for children. Have been running cross-country at high school or college level and know techniques for developing strength and endurance. CPR and SFA required.

Diving: Ability to teach all basic dives and work with advanced divers. Must have Lifeguard Training to instruct.

Field Hockey: Beginner and intermediate players. Must have thorough knowledge of skills, rules, drills and coaching techniques. Coaching experience preferred.

Gymnastics: Knowledge and coaching experience in full apparatus gymnastics (floor, bars, beam, and vaulting). Beginner, intermediate, and advanced (competitive) gymnasts. Must have sound choreography skills and put together a gymnastics show each session. Beautiful gymnastics center with state of the art equipment.

Horseback Riding: English riding, balance seat is taught with emphasis on learning the basics through advanced riding. Follow teaching and safety standards of the Camp Horsemanship Association. Campers elect to ride three or six times a week. 16 horses, two riding rings, 5 riding staff, stable management program, extensive network of trails. Must have extensive English riding experience. Prior teaching preferred.

Lacrosse: Beginner and intermediate players. Must have thorough knowledge of skills, rules, drills and coaching techniques. Coaching experience preferred.

Painting and Drawing: Able to present elementary painting and drawing techniques.

Pilates: Experience with exercises to stretch and elongate the body while working on core abdominal and back muscles. CPR required.

Quilting/Sewing: Knowledge of patchwork and applique.

Sailing: Teach basic skills on fleet of 10 Sunfish. Must have through knowledge of sailing and Lifeguard Training Certificate to teach this activity.

Singing: Teach choral music and direct general music at campfires, morning assembly, and after meal singing in the dining hall. Prior camp experience with a wide range of camp and folks songs. Guitar or piano skills preferred.

Soccer: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. Must have thorough knowledge of skills, rules, drills and coaching techniques. Coaching experience preferred.

Softball: Beginner and intermediate players. Must have basic knowledge of skills, rules, drills, and teaching techniques.

Swimming: Red Cross instructional swim program. Must have WSI and Lifeguard Training Certificate to teach. Also offer competitive swim program focusing on speed, endurance and technique.

Tennis: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. Must have thorough knowledge of skills, rules, drills and teaching techniques. Prior coaching experience preferred. Must be a collegiate or competitive player.

Volleyball: Basic knowledge of skills, rules, drills and teaching techniques.

Waterskiing: Beginner through intermediate skiers. Two tournament quality boats. Inboard boat driving experience. Must have thorough knowledge of skills and teaching techniques.

Writing: Knowledgeable and experienced in creative writing techniques and journalism.

Yoga: Experienced in elementary yoga techniques and have some experience instructing proper form. CPR required

Specialty Positions: 

Head Chef: Supervising entire kitchen operation including ordering, scheduling and supervising staff, and preparing 3 meals a day to a population of 230.

Assistant Chef: Serving 3 meals a day to population of 230. Quantity cooking experience required. Baking experience preferred.

Creative Arts Director: Oversee all studio and performing arts programs and staff. Must have a keen appreciation and sound experience in the arts, teaching and management. Will serve as a member of Lochearn's Management Team.

Division Head: Oversee an entire living division of Junior Campers (ages 7-10), Sub-senior Campers (ages 11-12), or Senior Campers (ages 13-15) and their counselors. Serve as liaison between camp and home. Assure that needs of children are being met by the staff and camp. Train and supervise cabin staff to be effective in their roles. Assess cabin staff's performance. Serve on Lochearn's Management Team. Should be a mature, seasoned summer camp staff member. Training as college resident assistant is helpful.

Land Sports Coordinator: Oversee all individual land sports and field sports. Knowledgeable in rules of game and coaching skills in aerobics, archery, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Complete teacher assessments on land sports instructors and provide meaningful feedback and training to heighten coaching skills. Looking for a seasoned coach or athletic director who can successfully mentor college-aged staff who are knowledgeable in their individual sports but not overly experienced as coaches.

Leadership Trainer: Oversee counselor trainee program for twelve to sixteen 15 and 16-year-old campers. Classroom and experiential training. Well-established program in place. Prior related experience needed.

Nurse: Two RNs needed to oversee camp health plan. On property health center. Local physician provides standing orders. Dr. on call 24 hours a day. Well-designed camp health plan in place. Will pay for Vermont nursing license.

Program Coordinator: Organize and implement evening programs and special events, inter-camp sporting events, and campfires. Serve on Lochearn's management team. Should be mature, seasoned summer camp staff member.

Tennis Director: Oversee tennis program. Supervise staff of five. Assure that established lesson plans are being followed for successful progressive skill development. Assess student ability and divide by court and instructor. Oversee tennis awards for skill acquisition. Set up singles and doubles tournaments and tennis ladders. Mature and seasoned tennis player and coach. Experience working with junior tennis programs.

Water Sports Director: Oversee all swimming and water sports (including small crafts) and waterfront safety. Must have sound knowledge of swimming and boating techniques as well as sound teaching and management skills. Will be a member of Lochearn's Management Team.

Please contact Lochearn at jobs@lochearncamp.com for more information. In your inquiry, kindly share something about yourself and tell why working at Lochearn Camp for Girls appeals to you. You may apply online, or download the application and complete and mail or fax to Lochearn Camp for Girls, PO Box 44, Post Mills, VT 05058, Fax: 802 333-4856.

 

On Lake Fairlee, Post Mills, Vermont