Welcome
Programs
Summer Group Photos
Photo Album
Welcome
Staff Application
Registration
Camp Forms

 


Welcome to Camp Redwood

Camp Redwood is a small family oriented camp that has been operated by the Estis family since 1961. Whether you are an eighteen-year-old high school graduate or a thirty eight year old School Teacher, Camp Redwood will provide you the opportunity to have one of the best and most rewarding experiences of your life. Being a small camp (150-200 campers, and 30-40 staff members), everyone gets to know everyone very quickly in this close and intimate atmosphere. Life long friendships have been made during an eight-week camp season. Camp Redwood employs staff members from all over the United States and from all over the world as well. Each staff member brings something special with them to Redwood, each one possessing a wide variety of individual abilities and interests.

Location

Camp Redwood is situated in a wonderful geographic location, just 60 miles (100 km) north of New York City, in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains, in the lower Hudson Valley region of New York State. Considering that all Redwood staff receive one day off per week, if they wish, they can easily take a train or bus to New York City and spend a memorable day in the "BIG APPLE." Also, if you forgot your toothbrush, Wal-Mart is only 15 minutes away from camp.

Activities

Whether you are into Sports, Drama, or Arts & Crafts, we have them all. Camp Redwood has magnificent facilities including an indoor field house complex with 3 Basketball courts, 2 Tennis courts, Volleyball and Hockey areas, a lighted theatrical stage and Game room. Camp Redwood's resurfaced outdoor athletic areas are outstanding and include a regulation Basketball court, 3 Tennis courts, 2 Street Hockey rinks and a Handball court. You can get cool in the pool or lake. Camp Redwood's Olympic swimming Pool is as good as it gets. If Water-skiing peeks your interest, then you'll have a chance to join the campers for this great activity along with row boating, canoeing and sailing on our private lake. Campers both young and old, including the staff, love the Arts and Crafts program conducted in our quaint Arts and Crafts Shop.

Hiring Expectations

When a Parent enrolls their child at Camp Redwood, they are entrusting us with their most prized possession. We, the Directors, take that responsibility VERY SERIOUSLY. We hire staff based on their ability to work hard and be a positive role model. Keep in mind that you will get out of this experience what you put into it. If you are the type of individual that wants a rewarding challenge, then this job is for you. Kids will look up to you as an "all knowing" being, they will hang on your every word. This is a huge responsibility, one that you will have to work hard to live up to. All staff members at Redwood participate in a six-day orientation and training program prior to the arrival of the campers.

Camp Philosophy

There are four key elements (personality traits) that we seek in potential staff members: Maturity, Character, Responsibility, and Commitment. If you feel that you possess these virtues, then you are well on your way to being considered for a staff position at Camp Redwood, and to being successful in all of your future endeavors. Camp Redwood exists for FUN, however in the process of having fun we must realize that camp also represents a small slice of the real world. As a "substitute parent," Redwood staff have the responsibility to act as a moral role model for their campers to follow. You will sleep in the same cabin with your campers, wake them up in the morning, see to it that they dress properly in clean clothes, brush their teeth, wash up, take daily showers, etc. All kids have different levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. You will be there to provide a shoulder for them to cry on and you will be there to cheer for them and pat them on the back when they hit a home run or sink a basket. To some kids, just making a friend means a lot more than hitting a softball or making a basket. The staff can make or break a child's experience at camp. As our promotional material indicates, all campers at Redwood receive personal and individual attention by mature and caring staff who will help children adjust. Our philosophy is to help each child develop in four key areas:

  1. Socially, by helping them to live with and interact with other kids and help them to make friends.
  2. Emotionally, by teaching them new skills and responsibility which will help them to gain self-confidence and help to build self-esteem.
  3. Physically, by helping the campers develop new athletic skills in conventional sports, as well as dance and aerobics/gymnastics. This will increase their physical ability which improves health, and also enhances self-esteem as well.
  4. Lastly, Environmental Awareness, through discussion the campers will learn about our great outdoors and develop an appreciation for the fragility of our natural environment.

Campers can do their part by simply throwing their candy wrappers in the proper place instead of on the lawn and grounds. If you feel that you are that mature, responsible and caring person, then complete and e-mail the on-line application forms or call or write to us and we will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. Camp Redwood requires applicants to include at least three personal references which can be from current teachers, former teachers, college professors, athletic coaches, former employers, etc. A personal interview will also be conducted whenever possible. A phone interview will substitute for long distance situations. Joining the Camp Redwood staff will be one of the best and most important decisions that you will ever make. Get ready for a wonderful, life changing experience!

Available Job Positions

Camp Redwood requires all job applicants to be non-smokers and at least 18 years old by the start of camp. All applicants must be at least high school graduates, college students preferred, or adults with specialty skills. The following positions are available:

1.) Head Counselor: Male or Female adult with or without accompanying family. Prior experience as Head Counselor or Group Leader preferred. The Head counselor will assist the Director in supervising day-to-day programs, supervise the staff, conduct regular staff meetings and fulfill normal Head Counselor duties.

2.) Group Leader: College student or adult staff preferred. Responsible for supervising one or two specific camper groups and accompanying group staff. (35-50 campers and 8-12 group counselors). Prior camp supervisory experience is preferred.

3.) Specialty Staff: Responsible for conducting and implementing specialty programs, such as Aquatics, Tennis, Soccer(Football), Arts and Crafts, Drama/Theater, Dance, etc. These applicants must have proper qualifications for these positions, for example, Aquatics, the applicant needs current American Red Cross or equivalent WSI, LGT, CPR, etc. Applicants for specialty areas must be able to set up lesson plans and programs geared for all different age groups.

4.) General Counselor Staff: Group counselor staff will be responsible for day-to-day supervision of campers. General counselors will be with their campers at all times taking them to and from activity areas, to and from the dining hall for meals, etc. Camp Redwood maintains a supervision ratio of anywhere from 4-7 campers per counselor depending on the age group.

5.) Administrative: New York State Licensed Registered Nurse, LPN, or EMT, (current CPR and RTE required for infirmary coverage). Kitchen Staff, Cooks, (must have documented prior experience), Kitchen helpers and Dining room staff, (no prior experience required), and Main office help, (computer skills required).


home | back to top