PREPARING FOR CAMP: STAFF FAQ
We want you to be well prepared for a summer at camp! Please read through these questions and answers to get a better look at what you need to know as you prepare for camp.
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GETTING TO CAMP
Follow the Directions to Camp
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
If you are traveling from NYC, take the train from Grand Central Station to Wassaic Station
ARRIVING BY PLANE
We recommend flying into JFK, but you can also book a flight to either LGA or EWR.
JFK Airport Arrivals
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Take the Airtrain to Jamaica Station
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Take the LIRR to Grand Central Station
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Take the Metro North Train to Wassaic Station
Detailed Instructions for JFK Airport Arrival:
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Once through immigration, follow the signs to “Ground Transportation” toward the Airtrain. If you need assistance, please ask at the ground transportation information desk in the airport.
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Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station (the red line)*
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Once you get off the AirTrain, you will need to pay to enter Jamaica Station. You can use a contactless method o r buy an AirTrain exit ticket at the ticket kiosks.
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Next, you will board an LIRR train toward Grand Central Station. I would recommend downloading the 'MTA TrainTime' app. On the app, you can purchase your tickets and see live updated train schedules. Otherwise, you will need to buy a ticket at the kiosk.
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Once you get into Grand Central, you will need to head upstairs to the Main Concourse. After you are upstairs, board a train toward Wassaic Station. If you have the app, you will be able to see which track the train is leaving from ahead of time. Some trains will go direct to Wassaic Station, but most will have you stop at Southeast Station to change.
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Once you know your train time, please text Mikayla or call the office at (860) 672- 6655. Please text or call again to confirm once you’re on the train.
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A staff member will pick you up at Wassaic Station!
Please note: You can also download the MTA TrainTime app through the app store. This will allow you to book your train tickets ahead of time. You will need to screenshot your payment receipts for tickets purchased through the app to show upon arrival at camp so we can reimburse you for the cost.
*If you are flying with a friend, a taxi/Uber is another good option to travel from JFK to Grand Central. It is roughly $65 to take a taxi, but is significantly quicker, easier to load luggage, and can be cheaper if you split the cost.
ARRIVING BY CAR
ACTIVITY LESSON PLANS
All staff employed as Cabin Counselor/Activity Instructor as stated in your Agreement of Employment will instruct three out of four classes a day, Monday through Friday. A number of staff will be asked to instruct four classes each weekday and given an additional hour off (Optional Rec).
If you have indicated “Able To Lead” or listed a “#1” next to an activity on your application, it is likely that you will be assigned to teach this activity for at least one period a day and you may be the sole instructor for that activity. You may even teach this activity all three periods. If you are not teaching your number one skill, you will be assigned to classes based on the level of expertise you have listed on your application.
Activity lesson plans are created by our Program Director prior to the summer season. If you are teaching activities that you feel incredibly passionate about and would like to create additional, personalized lessons, you are welcome to do so and have them approved by our program directors.
Activity instructors need to prepare plans for rainy days and for days when adaptations are required due to extreme heat. We do expect that classes will be well planned, progressive in nature in order to meet the needs of campers who have previously taken that class, age appropriate, challenging, safely conducted, and fun. Activity instructors are expected to be involved with the classes, not sitting on the sidelines. Our goal is for each participant to feel that her time has been well spent in your class, that she has increased her personal proficiency in that particular activity, that she has enjoyed learning from an excellent role model, and that she be eager to return to class the next day.
OPTIONAL REC
Optional Rec is available from 4 to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 to 5 pm on Sundays.
During optional rec, staff are assigned to various areas of camp to supervise campers or to provide an activity. All lifeguards and other staff who have demonstrated a proficiency in swimming or boating are usually assigned to the waterfront. Other staff are asked to run “Specials”. These are activities that you prepare and offer to campers that are not offered during the activity classes. Some examples include a session in Irish step dancing, a frog hunt, or a tetherball tournament. Other staff are assigned to be ODs (Officer of the Day) in each Unit to supervise campers who stay in their cabins. Some staff will be assigned to prepare a one hour crafts program. Riding staff may be assigned to the stables for this time period depending on the number of lessons being taught that week. There are also staff assigned to play recreational sports, tennis and supervise farm activities.