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HIDDEN VALLEY CAMP
Freedom, Maine 04941
Peter & Meg Kassen - Directors
An International Children's
Community for 60 Years
Email:
summer@hiddenvalleycamp.com
Phone: 800-922-6737
From Overseas: 207-342-5177
Fax: 207-342-5685
Staff
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Staff Policies and ProceduresHidden Valley's success over the years is the result of a deep professional commitment on the part of all staff. Values of safety, consideration, basic common sense, and ease of operation in an organization of 400+ people have formed the basis of the following policies.GENERAL POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS OF HIDDEN VALLEY STAFF1. Professional Communication: In your role as counselor/instructor, you will be viewed as a professional educator and caregiver and expected to conduct yourself as such. The camp environment encourages healthy communication; dishonest, neglectful, or abusive interaction with children or adults is not tolerated. 2. Professional Focus: It is expected that staff will do whatever possible to maintain concentration and health so that teaching, counseling and other camp responsibilities remain a priority. Staff experiencing any distractions along these lines are encouraged to seek the guidance of a director so that children are not affected by personal dilemmas. 3. Smoking: This is a non-smoking community. Smoking takes place only during your limited off-time away from camp. 4. Drugs and Alcohol: No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed on camp property or camp time, nor are staff permitted to re-enter camp under the influence. Any violations along these lines will result in dismissal and/or prosecution. STAFF PERSONAL ACTIVITY 1. Phones & Email: * Cell phone use is not permitted on camp property * Camp lines are needed for camp business and camper-family contact. So, staff calls are made - during off-time - on camp's pay phones. * Details regarding email access are outlined on the "Details" page of the website. 2. Time Off: It is assumed that staff will conduct themselves professionally during off-time in and out of camp. Thus, undue noise, criminal activity, etc. are forbidden. 3. Visitors: Have friends and relatives visit during your off-time only. We're happy to have friends and family take a tour, become familiar with your summer environment or share a meal here, but please notify directors in advance about all visitors as camp is a private community. Overnight accommodations are not possible, due to space restrictions. PERSONAL AND CAMP EQUIPMENT 1. Camp Equipment & Facilities: Supplies/equipment are privately owned by camp and used by campers during this and subsequent summers. Staff use of boats, tennis courts, potter's wheels, etc. is encouraged during off-time only and when equipment isn't needed for camper programs. 2. Personal Possessions: Camp assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen articles or damaged personal items kept in cabins and cars. We will provide safe-keeping for valuables, plane tickets, passports, etc. Please leave valuables at home! 3. Do Not Bring to Camp: Pets, T.V.'s, firearms or other weapons. Note that personal mobile devices (including, but not limited to: cell phones, ipods, blackberry devices, etc) may be used during off-time only, away from camp, not while in the cabin with children. 4. Bicycles and other Personal Sports Equipment: For insurance reasons, these are for your personal use on off-time only and may not be lent to campers. Some bike storage is available. Note that road conditions in this area are mediocre. PERSONNEL POLICIES 1. Health Forms and Other Paperwork: Regulations require that proof of satisfactory medical condition must be obtained before camp begins and a health form provided to the camp nurse before opening day. U.S. Citizenship or visa documents are required as well. Details are addressed on the "Summer Forms" page of this website. 2. Salary Payment: Paychecks are available bi-weekly reflecting whatever portion of the summer you have already worked. You may also elect to receive your entire salary at camp's end. For all staff, social security taxes will be deducted, along with income tax for some staff. 3. Tipping: Tips are forbidden at American Camping Association member camps. 4. Medical Benefits: You are covered for injuries and illnesses of a job-related nature only. If you encounter significant expenses or develop non job-related problems, you will be required to use private health insurance. 5. Early Departure: In the case of early departure, dismissal, or shortening of the camp season due to fire, epidemic, etc., staff salaries will be pro-rated. 6. Resignations: Staff are committed for the period stated in employment agreement. 7. Performance Evaluations: Staff are formally evaluated once each summer in conferences with a director. In cases of unsatisfactory performance, staff will receive assistance in improving performance. If performance is still judged by Directors to be unsatisfactory, staff may be dismissed. 8. Time Off: Staff will receive approximately one period off per day, every other night off, and approximately one 36 hour period off per week. Schedule for off-nights and days is firm and cannot be changed except for significant family events or emergencies. 9. Emergency Sick or Family Leave: Camp will allow 3-day leave with salary depending on circumstances, at the discretion of the Director. Longer leaves permitted with no pay. COUNSELORS ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR... 1. Transportation to and from camp before and after the camp season, except Europeans. 2. Transportation in and out of camp on days and nights off. 3. Laundry costs during their own off-time. 4. Medical costs of a personal, non-job related nature. 5. Equipment or property damage or loss through negligence or misuse. SALARIES 1. First year salaries: - $1,300 for first year staff under 20, $1,500 for those 20+. - Internationals: Based on organizations' rates. 2. Raises for subsequent summers commensurate with responsibilities. 3. Variations of this schedule may occur due to special skills, certifications, or leadership capabilities required for various camp programs during a particular summer. 4. Salaries are private. Please discuss only with Directors. 5. Room and Board are covered by the camp. BASIC HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES 1. Equal Opportunity: Hiring, training, and supervision of staff is carried out without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sexual preference, disability, age, or gender, except to the extent that residential and night time camper supervision must be performed by same-sex staff. 2. Harassment: Camp policies promote a positive, accepting work atmosphere free of harassment. Anyone who feels that they have been subjected to harassing behavior by a co-worker or supervisor should notify any Director immediately in order to resolve the problem. Employees will be provided with numbers of State of Maine offices to contact should situations remain unresolved. All staff are encouraged to refrain from potentially offensive comments or behavior while working together or off duty. |
