Employment
Camp CREATE Staff
We believe humans learn by engaging their curiosity a
nd wonder through hands on experiences and exploration. Each week of camp we as leaders strive to ignite, promote and facilitate learning opportunities for students by engaging week-long projects, excursions to places in our community, and collaborating with guest educators, instructors, and peers in completing tasks, team-initiatives, and projects.
Each week of camp, we host guest educators and instructors at who are all highly qualified individuals with years of experience in education, youth development, and leadership. The curriculum for our varied themes are co-designed by the program director and guest educators and are developed to appropriately challenge students and ensure a well-rounded experience with the activities and excursions provided. We believe our camp provides a unique and fun learning opportunity, and it is with such qualified and specialized guest educators that this is possible!
We strive for the best camp experience possible for your child, and selecting staff and educators well-suited for our program is of the utmost importance. We consistently maintain an instructional staff to student ratio of 1:10 or better each week of camp to ensure an individualized experience that your camper will never forget! All of our instructors and educators are First Aid/CPR certified, have passed a criminal background check, and have completed two years or more of college education.
We always make sure to select individuals who are excited to work with and teach children and feel extremely passionate about doing so. Having this combination of skills allows for a well-guided summer camp experience for your child that is coupled with high standards of safety and professionalism.
TO APPLY: Send Resume and Cover Letter to Camp Director, Jenae McCarroll at mccarroll@cascadesacademy.org
Work for Camp CREATE
Camp Counselor Job Description
Summer Camp Lead Counselor Position:
Our Summer Camp Leaders are the front line in inspiring, encouraging, supporting and developing our campers, and working together as a leadership team to collaborate and produce a camp day that is educational, safe, fun, fluid and positively engages children. We are looking for experienced, responsible and enthusiastic individuals who are excited to spend their summer working with elementary aged children.
Preferred Qualities:
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Enjoys working with children and facilitating their wonder, safety and learning through a play based approach
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Self-motivated, proactive, flexible, enthusiastic and reliable
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Good time-management and organizational skills
Responsibilities:
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Learn and be prepared to facilitating each week's unique curriculum based in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics), robotics, nature and art.
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Work with co-instructors, counselors in training (CITs), guest educators and partners in teaching activities, guiding field trips, and managing campers
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Create an inclusive, non-threatening environment through the use of team-building and other engaging activities
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Oversee and tend to camper’s physical and emotional safety
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Other duties as assigned by the program director
Requirements:
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Available June 27 - August 27, 2022
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First Aid/CPR certified (or ability to complete prior to June 25th)
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At least one year or more of experience working with children
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Valid Driver’s License and insurance and interest in learning and/or experience driving 14-passenger bus
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Clean background check
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Willingness to complete the Oregon Registry Online (ORO) Certification process
Compensation:
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Instructors are paid at an hourly rate of $18-$20 based on experience and placement
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Instructors are also hourly compensated for four days of staff training
Application Process:
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Send resume and cover letter directly to mccarroll@cascadesacademy.org
Counselor in Training (CIT) Role Description
Summer Camp Counselor in Training (CIT) Position:
Our Counselors in Training (CIT’s) are an important part of our leadership team, as they directly support the mission, vision, organization, movement and transitions of our camp experience. Counselors in Training are provided the opportunity to observe, learn and grow from working closely with experienced leaders in a fast paced, dynamic and engaging environment. Each week a CIT completes the responsibilities and expectations set for their volunteer role, they will receive a certificate for 40 hours of service completed. We are looking for responsible, flexible and enthusiastic individuals who are excited to spend their summer working with kids.
Preferred Qualities:
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- Excited to engage with kids in positive educational and recreational activities
- Able to maintain high energy and positivity, while also having patience and compassion with you
- Open to learning new skills
- Welcoming and warm to all campers and families that attend our program
- Willingness to assist throughout the camp in any way that is needed
- Hardworking and collaborative with others while also able to take on projects independently
- Counselors in Training are 12-16 years old
Daily/Weekly Responsibilities:
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- Arrive by 8:30am ready to help set up camp and stay until 4:30pm to break down and debrief the day - every day of the week (Monday-Friday)
- Work with camp staff in managing campers, overseeing safety, and assisting during field trips and activities in any way that is needed
- Engage campers in activities, such as helping them with projects, playing games and supporting arts and crafts
- Escort campers during transition times - between activities, during lunches, and on various breaks throughout the day
- Be fully engaged with campers throughout the day
- Supervise campers in their assigned groups
- Communicate any problems or concerns to instructors or program director
- Keep group check in/out area clean and in a neat, orderly fashion at all times, and be welcoming and respectful to families during check in/check out times
- Complete any other duties as assigned by the program director
Daily Packing List:
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- A backpack
- A refillable water bottle
- Personal lunch (Nothing microwavable)
- Appropriate clothing for activities and weather
- Appropriate attire that does not have anything related to alcohol/drugs
- Proper footwear (no flips flops)
- Sun block or sunscreen
- Swimsuit (nothing too revealing)
- Towel
- Name tag
Click here to learn more, and apply.
Meet The 2021 Camp CREATE Staff
Meet the 2021 Lead Counselors
Tziporah Lax (K-1st Grade)
Where are you from and what brought you to Bend?
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska where my love for the outdoors and play began. I lived abroad in South East Asia and Mexico for several years before moving to New Orleans to study Forensic Anthropology. My studies took me to Tanzania and Australia before the pandemic sent me homeward bound to the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. I came to Bend to work in Wilderness Therapy as a backpacking guide for at risk adolescents and young adults.
How does your background and experience inform how you will approach being a Camp CREATE counselor?
Throughout my travels and work experiences, I've learned the value of experiential learning and play-based environments. I believe in following the child's curiosity and interest, stoking that flame and seeing where it will take them. I enjoy acting as both a guide and a companion for my young students as they explore the world around them.
What is something you are looking forward to experiencing at Camp CREATE this summer?
I am so excited to take our campers to the Seed to Table farm during our Plant, Bloom, Grow week of camp. I can't wait to learn alongside them about sustainable, small-scale agriculture in Central Oregon. I am so eager to explore the world of plants from all sides--creative and artistic, natural history, botany, and beyond.
Describe your dream post-COVID vacation. Where would you go and who would you travel with?
I would love to travel to Bali and Papua New Guinea with my childhood best friend on a surf and ocean extravaganza. Three weeks of chasing waves and hiking jungle trails feels like the dream to me!
Elsie Charles (2nd-3rd Grade)
Where are you from and what brought you to Bend?
I moved to Bend from Portland, OR to become a student at OSU-Cascades, but I've stayed in Bend because it is such a beautiful place to live! I love having the opportunity to paddle, ski or hike throughout the year.
How does your background and experience inform how you will approach being a Camp CREATE counselor?
I love summer camp! I always had so much fun as a camper that I've tried to stay connected with the summer camp world wherever I can. I've volunteered and worked at various day camps throughout Oregon, working my way up from a CIT to a full counselor. This will be my second summer as a Camp CREATE counselor. I believe summer is a great opportunity to learn and stay engaged while also having fun and making new friends. I am always inspired to educate and lead in a way that makes each week feel like the most fun week of the entire summer!
What is something you are looking forward to experiencing at Camp CREATE this summer?
This summer, I'm looking forward to learning with the campers about how to become better engineers, discovering things about different cultures around the world, and spending time in nature. I'm especially excited for our field trip based camps in August! I can't wait to meet all of my Camp CREATE campers!
Describe your dream post-COVID vacation. Where would you go and who would you travel with?
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would love to visit Greece. In my dream vacation, I would fly in all of my friends to come be with me and we would enjoy spending time on the beach, eating delicious food, and check out ancient ruins.
Anna Hargrove (Camp Activities Assistant)
Where are you from and what brought you to Bend?
I am from Cashmere, Washington and moved to Bend 3 years ago. I wanted a change in my life and I am thankful how this change brought me to meet my fiance who was living here at the time.
How does your background and experience inform how you will approach being a Camp CREATE counselor?
I have always worked with kids of all ages, mostly at church camps and other youth activities. I love working with kiddos and I am currently in school get my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, and I look forward to working in a classroom someday soon!
What is something you are looking forward to experiencing at Camp CREATE this summer?
This will be my first Camp CREATE and I cannot be more excited! I am looking forward to seeing all the kids grow and learn from all the activities we have in store for them!
Describe your dream post-COVID vacation. Where would you go and who would you travel with?
I am between places. I think Greece sounds so beautiful and romantic. I'd also love to travel to Argentina - truly any South or Central American country because I love the latin culture! I am looking forward to traveling the world with my fiance!
Natasha Grim (K-1st Grade)
Where are you from and what brought you to Bend?
I originally hail from San Diego, California; but I have been traveling around the country working with students and Bend has been on the list to explore. Who knows, it might even become my forever home!
How does your background and experience inform how you will approach being a Camp CREATE counselor?
I have a background in Ecology and Outdoor Education, this combination endlessly influences how I interact with kiddos of all ages. I encourage wonder and exploration as often as possible.
What is something you are looking forward to experiencing at Camp CREATE this summer?
I am excited to experience the community that is already established in Bend as well as experiencing the community that we can create with our kiddos each week!
Describe your dream post-COVID vacation. Where would you go and who would you travel with?
My dream post-COVID vacation would be to the Galapagos Islands with David Attenborough! Adventure and exploration with an expert!
Tegan Hulsey (3rd & 4th Grade)
Where are you from and what brought you to Bend?
I was born and raised in Central Oregon. Though I’ve left a few times I always come back for the beautiful scenery.
How does your background and experience inform how you will approach being a Camp CREATE counselor?
I began babysitting at 13 and have continued to work with children ever since, including my time as an assistant in schools as well as my work as a counselor at Camp CREATE last year, 2020. My time with kids has taught me how to create a fun experience full of laughter and learning though I’m a firm believer that kids teach us just as much as we teach them.
What is something you are looking forward to experiencing at Camp CREATE this summer?
This summer I’m looking forward to creating new experiences with awesome kiddos and being a mentor to the CITs.
Describe your dream post-COVID vacation. Where would you go and who would you travel with?
My post-COVID dream vacation would be to go to Iceland with my best friend and live out my little mermaid dreams of floating in a blue lagoon.
Alex Needham (4th & 5th Grade)
Where are you from and what brought you to Bend?
I am originally from Bend. My family moved to Bend in the late 90s and aside from a short stint in Eugene for college, I’ve called Bend my home all my life.
How does your background and experience inform how you will approach being a Camp CREATE counselor?
My background is a mix between schooling and worked experience. I have a bachelor's degree in human development and family science, and a master’s degree in teaching. I graduated from Oregon State University in 2019 and the following school year I spent several months working as a substitute teacher in the Bend-LaPine and Redmond school districts. Once Covid hit Central Oregon, I had to put a pause on my search for a classroom of my own, and that’s when I found Cascades Academy. From January 2021 to June, I worked as a program assistant in the second grade. Each of these experiences has shaped my teaching style and my approach to education. As an individual who never strives for a fun educational experience, I work diligently to inject fun into everything I do, which will certainly include Camp CREATE!
What is something you are looking forward to experiencing at Camp CREATE this summer?
I am looking forward to diving into the stem curriculum we will come across over this summer. I think anything science is fascinating. It allows us to ask questions and provides us the space to answer so many questions about our world and beyond.
Describe your dream post-COVID vacation. Where would you go and who would you travel with?
I’m not much of a traveler. The most likely scenario would be to accompany a family member or friend to their dream destination.
Brighton Fowler (PreK-Kinder)
Where are you from and what brought you to Bend?
I am originally from Springfield, Vermont but moved to Sisters, Oregon when I was 7 years old. I am back in Bend for the summer from Tucson, Arizona where I work as a Pre-K teacher.
How does your background and experience inform how you will approach being a Camp CREATE counselor?
My background is deeply rooted in the outdoors. I was a trip leader for Outward Bound and other outdoor organizations where I took groups of teenagers on wilderness expeditions. I also have a background in Early Childhood education and have worked at many different types of Preschools with all different philosophies like Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. For four years I worked as an international school teacher in the countries of Myanmar and Macau. It was a great experience and I got to immerse myself in those cultures and travel all across Asia. As a camp counselor I like to integrate nature into all I do with campers and get them to experience the wonder of the natural world around them.
What is something you are looking forward to experiencing at Camp CREATE this summer?
I am looking forward to working with the pre-k students and really diving into the curriculum and making it developmentally appropriate for their ages. I am also looking forward to all of the time outside on the playground, in the canyon and down by the pond.
Describe your dream post-COVID vacation. Where would you go and who would you travel with?
My post-COVID dream vacation would be to Japan. I love Japanese food and culture and I really want to go skiing on the island of Hokkaido. I would go with a good friend of mine who also loves to ski and travel.
