Overview
Our emphasis on building skills means our staff must be very capable. To help you determine whether or not your skills are “up to par” for our program, here’s a rough idea of “entry level proficiency” for each activity. Understand that trip leaders and those in supervisory roles require more advanced experience. Previous teaching experience is a plus, but not a necessity.
Sailing: Know how to rig a sloop rigged sailboat. Know how to come about, jibe, how to pick up a mooring under sail, and dock a boat under various wind conditions. Know techniques for avoiding a capsize, basic terminology, and some sailing theory.
Mountaineering: Applicants must be experienced backpackers, knowledgeable low impact campers and have experience working with groups in the woods. Climbing experience is a strong plus. NOLS and Outward Bound experience appreciated. We take 1-6 day backpacking and climbing trips. The program also uses a climbing tower and an indoor wall for on-site practice and confidence.
Mountain Biking: Extensive mountain biking experience; mechanical skills preferred. Applicants must also be comfortable with their back-country wilderness skills.
Riding: Strong fundamentals in Hunter type riding needed. Experience in handling “fun activities” like lunch rides or in teaching “stable skills” is a plus. We’ll give you 1 on 1 assistance in developing your teaching skills.
Canoeing/Kayaking: Strong Class III and above whitewater experience is essential. The program starts in open boats on the lake, them progresses onto gradually more difficult whitewater and incorporates closed boats after good open boat skills have been developed.
Nature Program: Throughout all our activities, we employ a philosophy of utilizing “teachable moments” in environmental sciences, including botany, geology, animal science, meteorology, ecology, etc. Separately, one or two staff do this full time out of our “nature lab.” College level courses appreciated but not a requirement.
Crafts: We emphasize making things – weaving, pottery, macramé, jewelry, tie dye, basketry. The idea is to cultivate and express the imagination through hands-on experience.
Minor Activities: Include archery, riflery, dramatics, and short hikes. These activities are part-time, therefore staff need a combination of skills and a lot of imagination.
Required Skills:
see above
Preferred Skills:
Mondamin is looking for mature, fun-loving, outgoing individuals who have a love for the outdoors and the desire and ability to communicate sound values and attitudes to young people. They should be able to teach one or more of our activities. The average age is about 25. The youngest is 18, and through a year of college. Our overall camper-to-staff ratio is better than four to one, which allows the counselor more opportunity to impact the experience of the kids.
About Camp Mondamin & Camp Green Cove
Mondamin has a long standing tradition as an adventure camp for boys. Because a good camp is devoted full-time to kids, it can provide role models, time and opportunities that are difficult, if not impossible, to duplicate elsewhere.
Mondamin is looking for mature, fun-loving, outgoing individuals who have a love for the outdoors and the desire and ability to communicate sound values and attitudes to young people. They should be able to teach one or more of our activities. The average age is about 25. The youngest is 18, and through a year of college. Our overall camper-to-staff ratio is better than four to one, which allows the counselor more opportunity to impact the experience of the kids.
We expect a great deal from our staff members, but also offer them a lot in terms of support, direction, and opportunity. Mondamin and our sister camp, Green Cove, own 800 acres, and are near several wilderness areas for paddling, hiking,biking and climbing (Pisgah N
