This summer change your life, change the world
A summer season at Camp Newman lasts 9-10 weeks, including our staff training program, and is conveniently scheduled to coincide with most school calendars. You could spend your summer at Camp Newman working in the out-of-doors, while at the same time developing the skills and experience that will enable you to build your present or future career. Not to mention, you can make a positive difference in the life of a child by being the spark that ignites the flame of fun, growth, and learning. Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old and/or the equivalent of a high school graduate at the start of the summer season.
Commitment to Staff
Camp Newman is committed to educating, encouraging and empowering staff to grow both personally and professionally during their time working with us. We believe that the quality of our camper experience is directly linked to the quality of our staff experience, and we are invested in making that staff experience anexceptional one.
Camp Newman is an accredited member of e21, an organization developed by camp people, for camp people. e21 integrates with our camp’s values, priorities and structure, and provides tools that elevate performance, offer opportunity for growth and enhance employee engagement.
Value Proposition For Staff
Did you know that a summer at Camp is more than just fun and friendship? It is a perfect setting to develop skills that cannot be taught – they can only be gained through experience. We expect our staff (whatever your role) to be team players, leaders, creative and critical thinkers and hard workers – and there are SO MANY opportunities built into Camp to practice these things! The skills you use and grow this summer will help you to succeed now and in the future. As a member of our staff you will get: training, opportunities, feedback, coaching, resume and interview skills, and networking.
Available Positions
Each summer, over 150 staff create our summer experience!
Summer 2024
The staff application for Summer 2024 is open!
Questions?
Feel free to reach out with questions, ideas or to learn more!
Summer Staff FAQs
Where is Camp Newman located?
Newman is located in Santa Rosa, CA approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco.
How do i apply?
Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old and/or the equivalent of a high school graduate at the start of the summer season.
You can apply online here. Once we have received your application and all necessary references, you will be contacted to set up an interview. If offered a position with Camp Newman, you will be sent an offer letter to be signed and returned to our office.
When we receive your signed offer letter, you will receive several information forms that we will need to have on file prior to the summer. This includes medical information, a staff biography, staff preference form, and information about your arrival to camp. You will also receive a staff manual that you should read before your arrival to camp. As we get closer to the beginning of camp you will receive further information regarding pre-summer training, travel, and how to prepare for camp.
if I have never been to camp before or never did the CIT program, can I still work at camp?
Absolutely! Many of our staff are first timers to Camp Newman. If you missed the CIT program or have never been to camp before, we highly encourage you to apply. We value a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds and always love new members to the community on our staff.
What is the difference between a counselor and a specialist?
Every specialist at Camp Newman is a counselor. This means that the primary responsibility of both the specialists and counselors is to look after and care for their bunk of campers. Our counselors participate in activities with campers in the unit and have the most direct interaction with the campers in their bunk. Our specialists have a certain level of expertise in an area and organize and run our daily elective activities. When specialists are not working with their activity area, they join their bunk for activities and programming. In most cases, both counselors and specialists sleep in the bunk with campers.
What are the dates of camp?
The standard camp season is ten weeks; this includes a full week of staff orientation which is considered a vital component of Camp Newman’s summer staff experience. Arrival dates to camp are dependent on your position and are included in your offer letter.
Here are general date guidelines for Summer 2024:
Camp Leadership/Directors: May 28Supervisors: May 31Lifeguards/Ropes Course/Advisors: June 2All other Specialists/General Counselors: June 4Camp Dates: June 11-August 4
Discussion of the expected dates of attendance will occur during your interview. We are able to accommodate only a limited number of staff who are unable to stay the entire summer.
Can I work a partial summer?
We are sometimes able to bring staff members for a partial summer. However, we try to bring as many people for the full summer as possible due to training and consistency for supervisors and campers. If you are interested in working only part of the summer, please fill out the application and let us know the dates you are available in the section that asks if there is anything else we need to know.
What happens during staff orientation?
Staff Orientation is a vital component of Camp Newman’s summer staff experience and a whole lot of fun! During this week, we create community, learn how to work together to ensure the best summer ever for our campers (and for each other!).
It’s also a lot of work. Staff members are presented with a great deal of information – from Camp policies and procedures, to working with children, to developing strong working relationships with each other. Staff Orientation is required for all staff members.
When do I have time off?
Staff members receive both daily and monthly time off. Each day, staff members are scheduled at least one hour off. Staff may also have additional time off after campers are asleep if they are not on duty in the bunk. Each session, staff receive two days off and one night off. Time off will be discussed during your interview.
When do I get paid?
Paychecks are issued at the end of the summer. You can request half of your pay at the end of our First Session, and if we are able, we will fulfill the request.
will I have access to my email, cell phone, and other technology?
Computers are available for staff use in the moadon (staff lounge). Staff members will also have access to wireless internet in the office building and staff lounge. Camp Newman is a “screen free” environment for our campers, so technology usage is only permitted in the staff lounge. Staff are not permitted to use computers or phones or other such devices in their cabins and can only do so in certain areas and at specific times.
what can I expect from my experience at Camp Newman?
Being on staff at any residential camp is perhaps the most difficult and most fulfilling job you will ever have. A summer at Camp Newman will be challenging at the same time that it will be fun! As a staff member at Camp Newman, you will have the opportunity to experience life in our unique community, positively impact the lives of campers and other staff members, create friendships that may last forever, and personally and professionally gain skills to excel your future career. Learn more about our membership in e21!
What if my school does not end until after camp begins?
We understand that some high schools or quarter system universities may not end until after camp has begun. We are willing to work with a number of staff members to either begin their contract during session Bet and attend a second staff training week or miss part of our regular training week. Please speak with your interviewer about possibilities for you.