Celebrating our 66th summer of Warmth, Tradition & Spirit
The atmosphere at Schodack is best described in our camp motto: warmth, tradition, spirit. We pride ourselves on hiring caring and enthusiastic counselors who love working with children. With 280 campers and 200 staff—an incredible ratio—you will become an integral part of the campers' lives, sharing encouragement, hugs, and cheers on a daily basis.
Upstate New York in the foothill of the Berkshires on a beautiful 100 acres of privately owned land. Just 2.5 hours from Boston and Manhattan.
About Camp Schodack
We are a residential camp in Upstate New York, set on 150 acres of privately owned land that has been under the same continuous family ownership for 4 generations.
We are coed, with 280 campers and 140 staff, which helps us maintain a close-knit community where you really get to know all the campers and staff each summer. Our atmosphere is best described by our motto of 'Warmth, Tradition, and Spirit'.
The Employee Experience
By working at Schodack we can guarantee two things: you will work harder than you ever have before AND you will have the most rewarding summer of your life. Whether you work in a bunk or an activity area you will become a role model for children who will look up to you and make a lasting impression on your life. Our staff can’t believe how quickly the summer flies by and many choose to come back summer after summer.
We require staff training in the weeks leading up to the campers’ arrival. All staff attend this training and it provides invaluable information about the Schodack experience. You learn all the details of being a staff member, find out about the campers in your group, and have fun getting to meet and bond with your fellow staff members. By the time orientation is over, you feel you are fully prepared for the campers’ arrival and you have made many new friends on the staff. We may also require additional training or preparation from you prior to your arrival at camp.
Ideal Candidate
Activity Counselors
We have 50 Activity Counselors and you may be the right person for one of our openings. Activity Counselors are specialists in their activity. As an Activity Counselor (AC) at Schodack you will focus on teaching an individual sport or activity to small groups of campers during bunk activities and during choice time. You must have experience teaching or coaching your specialty area, have participated in that activity at a high level, and know how to make your activity fun.
Bunk Staff
There are 70 Bunk Counselors – 3-4 per camper group. While a large majority of our Bunk Staff grew up at Schodack, we do hire a few new staff members in these positions. Bunk Counselors stay with your campers’ throughout the day and evening and remain with the same group of campers throughout the summer. You will grow to love your campers like your own younger brother and sister and feel responsible for them like a parent. You actively participate in the activities with your campers and provide the leadership and mentoring young children need and want. Bunk Counselors must have experience working with children and must be able to put your campers’ needs before yourself.
Room and Board
Staff housing is provided for our Activity Counselors in wooden cabins, where you will share the space with 2-3 other staff members. Our General Counselors live in larger wooden cabins with their co-staff and the campers they are responsible for.
Employee Perks
Our staff has access to many great things throughout the summer such as the recently refurbished Staff Lounge, with internet, study rooms, comfortable seating, and chill-out spaces.
Each year we give out a useable (and highly coveted) staff gift that is unique every time. We have a generous time-off policy and where possible, we build time into our schedule for staff to make the most of the camp facilities.
Our orientation and training program at the start of the summer will have you feeling geared up and ready to take on any challenge, and If your role requires certifications (lifeguarding, challenge course etc.) then we provide that training in-house at no cost to you.
Getting Here and Getting Around
We can help with collection from local airports and train stations. If participants have a personal vehicle then it can be parked in our staff parking lot.
For Fun
Given the state of the world right now we are reviewing our policies and out-of-camp trips. In a normal summer we run many cultural trips off camp where staff is invited to sign up and attend:
July 4th firework show
Albany minor league baseball game
Jacob's Pillow Dance
Saratoga Performing Arts Center and races
Lake George
Berkshire Mountains
Time off is often spent at typical American pastimes:
Shopping in Crossgates Mall
Mini Golf at Lickety Split
Bowling in East Greenbush
Line Dancing at a hoe down.
We also run lots of sports nights throughout the summer based on what people are excited to play and finish the summer with an ever-popular Internals vs USA soccer match in front of the whole camp!
How to Apply
Head over to the staff section of our website and complete our application form, or contact us directly to arrange an interview or an informal chat.