With many lessons learned in the past two years, we are approaching summer 2022 with cautious optimism, gathering as much information as we can about best practices and integrating guidance from the CDC and local public health authorities, the American Camp Association, and the Association of Camp Nursing. COVID-19 may be with us in various forms for a while, so we'll need to be flexible.
We expect to run camps *closer* to "normal" in 2022, but still in a risk-managed way. We cannot eliminate the possibility of COVID-19 at camp; we can only manage our approach carefully to reduce the likelihood. Vaccination against COVID-19 is expected for all staff and all campers. (Exemptions may be permitted in certain circumstances, and under certain conditions - contact me for more information - and requirements for campers may ease if conditions continue to improve.)
For those interested in a Camp Cook position: we are open to accepting applications from local applicants, but to adhere most closely to our COVID-19 risk management plan, our preference is to hire cooks who can live onsite for the summer as members of the summer staff (shared accommodation with the camp counselors).
Staff Training: Start time is somewhat flexible, as you can begin in May as soon as possible after college exams are completed, and preferably not later than May 31. Staff training continues in early June; expect to live onsite upon arrival - or in shared, local accommodation (including possible homestays) when the camp is rented to other groups or during outreach programming travel - throughout the dates of the summer season.
Dates are as follows (expect some adjustment/changes):
(Jr/JH = Junior/Junior High Camps, ages 8-14 | Sen = Senior Camps, ages 14-18)
May ? - June 14: Staff Training
June 14-17: Jr/JH 1 Camp
June 18-July 1: Day Camps and outreach events
July 2-5: OFF
July 6-19: Pending; expect a mix of day camps and other outreach/event travel, including the Midsummer Evaluation camping trip. No accommodation at camp during this time, as rental groups will be using the facility; accommodation at "Camp Chippewa" (the office apartment) and/or at host families or other provided lodgings.
[July 20-Aug 17: Site re-set and camp sessions as shown below; residing at camp during this time]
July 20-21: Re-set, Summer Conference (pending statewide event for WFU organization, at camp)
July 22-23: Family Camp 1
July 24-28: Senior Camp
July 28-29: Co-op Trip to Minneapolis/St Paul (overnight at camp on return)
July 29-30: Co-op Kids Camp (introductory pilot program for 2022)
July 31-Aug 4: Jr/JH 2
Aug 5-6: Family Camp 2
Aug 7-10: Jr 2 Camp
Aug 10-13: Jr 3 Camp
Aug 14-17: Jr 4 Camp
Aug 18-19: End of season pack-up; Final Evaluation Retreat (offsite)
STAFF/VOLUNTEER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
In order to staff or volunteer at Wisconsin Farmers Union Camps, individuals must meet the following essential functions:
- Be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination
- Be able to meet personal needs (bathing, toileting, dressing, diet management, etc.).
- Sleep in a non-air-conditioned, dormitory-style cabin (rustic, but with modern toilet/shower facilities) with up to 19 other individuals (total of 20 campers and staff) and fall asleep without assistance. (Numbers per cabin may be reduced, as appropriate, in accordance with communicable disease risk management plan.)
- Be accommodated with multiple host families for extended overnight stays during outreach/events (for weeks of continuous travel).
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances over uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
- Move independently and function in outside environments that include direct exposure to sun, heat, cold, rain, wind, water, humidity, dirt, dust, noise, traffic conditions, and uneven surfaces.
- Communicate calmly, clearly and effectively in a high-stress/emergency situation.
- Capable of maintaining effective mental, emotional and social interactions in our group-based, youth centered and community living program.
- Ability to maintain mental, emotional and social resiliency (such as handling stressful situations appropriately) needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and Interpersonal skills (skills used to reduce stress, reduce conflict, improve communication, enhance intimacy, increase understanding, and promote joy).
- Ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity and to maintain appropriate boundaries.
- Ability to use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness and capable of managing any chronic illness or condition (health care staff with minimum of comprehensive first-aid certification is on-site).
- Ability to recognize and consider the needs of others (including campers and staff members) in daily interactions and decision-making.
Pay ranges from $65-$85 day, depending on roles/responsibilities. Days per week can range from 5-7, with daily breaks. $100 summer's-end bonus for completing the full season.
I expect there may be many questions about our plans for the summer, and I'm happy to chat with you via email or phone. Please contact me at
cstatz@wisconsinfarmersunion.com or 715-214-7887.