Table of Contents
Page #
3
Calendar of Events (includes arrival dates for all staff groups)
4
Welcome
4
YOU ARE THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN A CAMPER’S LIFE
5-6
Changing Lives for Good – Camp Mission, Goals and Values
7-9
Packing and preparing for Camp
9-11
Staff Training & Arrival/Departure from Camp
11
Staff Organization
12
Staff Housing
13
Camper Population
14
Daily Schedule
15
Activities offered to Campers
16
Staff roles in Program Areas
16-17
Camp Program Descriptions
18
Miscellaneous Information
19
Health Care Services
20-21
Staff Services
21-22
Camp Lingo
23
Year Round Staff List
CCC Staff Guide - Page 2
Calendar of Events
May 31 – June 8 AD Staff Arrival (arrival date varies based on position)
June 5 – June 10
June 11 (Saturday)
Certification Week for designated Program Staff
Program Staff, Support Staff and Work Week Staff Arrival 5-9 PM
(Some staff will arrive prior to this date for Certification Week)
June 12 (Sunday)
Program &Support Staff Training and Work Week Begins
June 12 (Sunday)
New Camper Open House 2 PM
June 17 (Friday) Work Week Ends. Day Off 12 PM Friday – 12 PM Saturday
Program & Support Staff Training Ends. Day Off 5 PM Friday – 5 PM Saturday
June 18 (Saturday)
Counseling Staff Arrival 9-11 AM
Staff Training Week Begins
June 23 (Thursday)
LITs Arrival 1 – 3 PM
All Staff Day Off begins at 5 PM
June 24 (Friday) All Staff Day Off ends at 5PM
June 26 (Sunday)
First Session and Starter 1A Campers Arrive Between 1:00 – 3:00 PM
July 9 (Saturday)
Starter 1A Ends. Campers picked up at 10:00 AM
July 10 (Sunday)
Starter 1B Campers arrive at 1:00PM
July 15 - 17
July 17
First Session Moms’ Weekend
First Session Family Day
July 23 (Saturday)
First Session Ends and Starter 1B Ends
Campers picked up between 9:00 -11:00AM
Full camp clean-up and re-set for Session 2
Intersession
July 24 (Sunday)
Second Session and Starter 2A Campers Arrive Between 1:00–3:00 PM
August 6 (Saturday)
Starter 2A Ends. Campers picked up at 10:00 AM
REACH departs following luncheon with REACH families
August 7 (Sunday)
Starter 2B Campers Arrive at 1:00 PM
August 12 - 14
August 14
Second Session Moms’ Weekend
Second Session Family Day
August 20 (Saturday)
Second Session and Starter 2B Ends
Campers picked up between 9:00–11:00 AM
Aides depart following luncheon with Aide families
Staff Clean and breakdown camp for season
Staff Banquet
August 21 (Sunday)
Summer Camp Duties End/Post Season Duties Begin
All staff must depart by 10:00am. Please note that there are employment opportunities
available after camp. Contact camp or speak to your supervisor for details.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 3
Dear Staff,
We have designed this guide to be helpful to you in preparing for your summer at camp. It is important that you read it cover-to-cover
to ensure you will have everything you need for your summer ahead.
We want to thank you for choosing to spend your summer with us. We know you could have chosen a job with more free time or
more money but you chose to spend your summer making a positive difference in the lives of children.
Our job this summer is to help girls and young women become the best people they can be by supporting their development,
promoting healthy living and teaching social responsibility. This is the most important job anyone can have and we ask that you take
time before arriving at camp to prepare for your summer.
Please contact camp with any questions you have. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
Shannon Donovan-Monti
Camp Director
Berta Sinclair
Assistant Camp Director
Yana DeLuca
Registrar/Office Manager
Mik Monti
Food Service Director
YOU ARE THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN A CAMPER’S LIFE.
You will be in a position to influence a child in a profound and meaningful way. You will be more influential than their teacher, their
parent or even the thousands of media images that bombard them each day.
If you do not believe me, think about your own camp experience. I am a camp director because of a camp staff member I met when I
was 9 years old. I have friends who attended a particular university because their favorite camp staff member went there. I know
people who joined the Peace Corps because of an experience at camp. I know people who are the head of companies or doctors or
social workers because of camp.
I also know people who started chewing tobacco because they saw a camp staff member do it (not at CCC) or who lost faith in
themselves because an indifferent counselor didn’t take the time to see them as an individual and campers have lost their lives in
camps because a staff member did not do the right thing.
You are going to be remembered for better or for worse. A child is going to be elevated or destroyed by you and the choices you
make. A child may even live or die by the decisions you make. This makes all you do to prepare yourself important.
We are here to help prepare and support you through your summer ahead but we need you to help us by taking this job very seriously.
We ask that you do the following to prepare:
 Read all materials included with your contract and any additional materials sent.
 Ensure you are in the best physical and mental condition for the summer. Alert camp if you feel you will be unable to
perform the duties of your job for any reason.
 Minimize distractions for the summer. If you are finding that you have a lot of other things demanding your time this
summer, maybe it would be better to take a summer off and return when you have the time.
 Start planning now to make a great summer for the campers. Gather ideas on activities, cabin chat topics, etc. from things
you do during the year. Check in at the camp website and Facebook page for resources for the summer. Pinterest and
YouTube tutorials can be great resources. Seek out information on child development, behavior management, teaching skills,
activity ideas, girls’ issues, etc.
Each of us has a specific role at camp that we call our “job” but we all really have the same job. It is as follows:
CCC Staff Guide - Page 4
Changing Lives for Good
Each of us will bring this about in our own way and we challenge everyone to think about what they will do this summer to change a
life for good. You have been chosen because we feel you are someone who can make this happen. We look forward to the part you
will play in this exciting endeavor.
The YMCA or The Y has recently redefined themselves to make sure that we are clear as an organization about what we do for our
communities. Here is what you should know:
Our Mission (reason for being here)
“To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”
The Promise (Our Cause)
Strengthening community
Vision
We provide life-changing experiences in a safe, fun environment that build healthy spirit, mind and body, based on the core values of
caring, respect, responsibility and honesty.
Inclusion
We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where campers, participants, families and staff can discover and be
their authentic selves. Through leadership, strategic planning, recruitment, training and program development, we strive to be
inclusive in our practices and to promote equity and opportunity for all individuals. We respect, affirm and protect the dignity and
worth of every member of our community.
The Y Values
Caring - Show a sincere concern for others.
Honesty - Be truthful in what you say and do.
Respect – Follow the Golden Rule.
Responsibility – Be accountable for your promises and actions.
Areas of Focus
As a camp staff member you want to look for ways to encourage the campers to grow in all aspects of their life. The YMCA has
identified three areas of focus for all YMCA programs. These areas fit perfectly with the work we do at CCC. During staff training
we will brainstorm ideas on all the ways we can meet these goals.





Healthy Living
Empowering Ourselves & Others
Leading and Learning
Positive Relationships
Social Responsibility
There are a number of important concepts that are also reinforced as part of the CCC culture. They are as follows:
Open Circle – Everyone Welcome -The Open Circle is the name of our Amphitheater but it is a philosophy that everyone is
welcomed and invited to join our “circle” or community. We encourage campers and staff to seek ways to include others and to seek
ways to make everyone feel a part of things. This is only possible through everyone’s commitment every day. We encourage campers
to invite others to join them in activities and never to exclude.
PACE – Positive Attitude Changes Everything – At CCC we want to reinforce the power of positive attitude and belief in our lives.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 5
AGAPE (Pronounced AH-GA -PAY) – Living a life of unconditional love towards all humanity.
The concept of Agape was inspired by the following Martin Luther King, Jr. speech:
The Greek language comes out with another word for love. It is the word agape. And agape is more than eros; agape is more than
philia; agape is something of the understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill for all men. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It
is an overflowing love; it’s what theologians would call the love of God working in the lives of men. And when you rise to love on this
level, you begin to love men, not because they are likeable, but because God loves them. You look at every man, and you love him
because you know God loves him. And he might be the worst person you’ve ever seen.
And this is what Jesus means, I think, in this very passage when he says, "Love your enemy." And it’s significant that he does not say,
"Like your enemy." Like is a sentimental something, an affectionate something. There are a lot of people that I find it difficult to like. I
don’t like what they do to me. I don’t like what they say about me and other people. I don’t like their attitudes. I don’t like some of the
things they’re doing. I don’t like them. But Jesus says love them. And love is greater than like. Love is understanding, redemptive
goodwill for all men, so that you love everybody, because God loves them. You refuse to do anything that will defeat an individual,
because you have agape in your soul. And here you come to the point that you love the individual who does the evil deed, while hating
the deed that the person does. This is what Jesus means when he says, "Love your enemy." This is the way to do it. When the
opportunity presents itself when you can defeat your enemy, you must not do it.
-Excerpt from A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from
the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King,
“All who joy would win must share it; happiness was born a twin” – This was a favorite expression of one of our founding
directors, Evelyn Smith. This expression encourages us to share joy with others and to be happy for others. It also reminds us that
true happiness comes from being supportive of others.
“It’s the magic within you and the love you pass on” – This is a line from a favorite Chimney Corners song. It reminds us to show
our true selves to others, to be aware that we have great power and potential and that we are capable of great things.
Anything you can do to prepare yourself for the job ahead will make your summer better for you and our campers. This summer you
will have a tremendous impact on the children you work with. Many of these girls will remember you for the rest of their lives. It is
up to you what you will be remembered for. Think of the great mentors in your life that have influenced you for the better and use
what you have learned from them to influence your leadership style.
We know you will be great staff this summer and know you will do everything in your power to be prepared. Let us know what we
can do to support this process.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 6
PACKING FOR CAMP
Please note that storage is limited in staff housing so be as efficient as possible.
Label all belongings with your name. Use first and last names since others may have the same first name or similar looking things. A
footlocker or trunk is a good idea and gives you a place to store your gear. Footlockers can be purchased in most large department
stores. The footlocker should be 16 inches or lower in height so that it can slide under your bed. We do not recommend footlockers
for international staff since they would be difficult for travel.
Bring older clothes to camp that are appropriate for the outdoors. Camp life involves a great deal of outdoor activity and clothes will
get wet and dirty. Camp has no uniforms although campers and staff are expected to dress appropriately for camp (see Staff
Decorum) and nicely (skirt, dress or dress slacks) for chapel. Camp staff members are given a staff shirt for opening days and other
special events. Food Service Staff will also be provided a baseball style cap to wear while working.
Campers are not allowed to bring radios, cell phones, laptops or other electronics to camp. Staff may bring these items but they
should be used only when appropriate to the program and in designated locations or on staff time-off. Music may be played on a very
limited basis for campers. The content of the music must be appropriate for children and volume should be kept low. There are
several shows that require campers to learn the lyrics to popular songs so counseling staff, if you have a portable CD player/iPod
dock/Bluetooth Speaker will be helpful to your cabin group.
A staff member may NOT bring: Pets, fireworks, weapons, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia to camp.
PACKING CHECKLIST
Clothing
 Jeans, Slacks
(Required for riding, hikes and
construction)
 Shorts
 Long-sleeve shirts
 Short sleeve shirts
 Underwear
 Socks (campers and staff are
required to wear socks while at camp)
 Pajamas
 Bathrobe
 Rain boots
 Poncho/Raincoat
 Hat to protect from sun
 Jackets (1 warm)
 Sweater(s)
 Sweatshirt(s)
 2 swimsuits
 Sneakers- shoes often get wet. An
extra pair is useful.
 Hiking boots *
 Dresses, skirts or “dressy” pants for
Chapel
 Dress-up clothes & Costumes*
 Riding boots*
Toiletries
 Toilet kit
 Toothbrush
 Tooth paste
 Dental Floss
 Soap
 Shampoo/ Conditioner
 Deodorant
 Bug repellent
 Sunscreen (15 SPF+)
 8 Towels (mix of bath
and beach) 
 3 Face cloths 
 3 Hand towels
If necessary:
 Feminine Hygiene products
Bedding
 2–3 warm blankets 
 2 sets of twin size
sheets 
 Pillow Cases 
 Pillow 
 1 sleeping bag 
 Foam pad*
Equipment/Other
 Flashlight/Headlamp
 Battery-powered lantern
 Fan (battery powered for cabin
staff)*
 2 Water Bottles
 2 Laundry Bags
 Footlocker/trunk - No taller than 16
inches
 Crazy Creek/Camp Chair*
 Camera*
 Sports Equipment*
 Helmet for riding*
 Guitar/Musical Instruments
 Pen/Stationary*
 Stamps*
 Journal*
 Bins for storage*
 Day pack/Backpack*
 Pictures from home*
 Bike (See note on bikes under
General Information and Policies)*
* Indicates optional but useful items.
 Indicates items that camp provides
these items for International Staff.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 7
NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL STAFF
We recognize that it is difficult to pack a lot of gear when traveling a great distance. For our international visitors we provide two sets
of sheets, a blanket/comforter, a pillow, 2 pillowcases, 2 towels, and a washcloth/hand towel. A sleeping bag will be provided if
needed for overnight camping trips. You do not need to bring a trunk.
Bring flags, costumes, recipes, songs, or any other items to help you present your culture to the camp community. Be prepared to
participate in special events related to an international theme. Be ready to dress up, dance, and be silly!
If you sing or play an instrument – please do it at camp! We include song and music in as many activities as possible!
Make specific arrangements with your family about calling home when you arrive. Realize that it will take you some time to get
settled and you may not be able to call immediately upon arrival. Phone cards will be available but you may want to make other
arrangements in the event you will be arriving after the office is closed. Designated staff computers are also available for email
communication.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR ALL STAFF
Although it is summer, it can get quite cool in the evenings and even at times, during the day. Be sure to bring adequate clothes for
cold weather.
Campers and staff are required to bring a water bottle so that they can drink water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated. You
may also purchase water bottles from the Camp Store. Water bottles should never be shared. It is the duty of all staff to ensure that
campers do not share water bottles or any other personal item.
Our health service requires that campers and staff wear socks at all times to avoid blisters and other foot injuries that can disrupt a
happy and healthy camp experience. Campers and staff may bring sandals but they must be worn with socks and only where
appropriate to the activity. Clogs and platform shoes are not allowed since they are not suited to the terrain at camp and can cause
serious injuries.
The cabins do not have electricity and a battery-operated lantern is needed for lighting at night. A flashlight/headlamp is necessary for
walking at night.
It is important to bring both sheets and blankets and a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is for overnights and off-camp trips while regular
bedding (blankets, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases) is needed for day-to-day living in the cabin. International Staff can borrow a
sleeping bag from camp.
No nails or other forms of alterations to the cabins will be allowed so please leave your tools at home! Also, No Duct Tape – duct
tape leaves permanent residue/markings. Painters tape or sticky tack should only be used for hanging items.
Personal Property: The camps assume no responsibility for loss or damage by any cause to personal property of staff. It is each staff
member’s responsibility to care for their belongings. We strongly discourage money or valuable items being kept in staff quarters.
All money, passports, traveler’s checks, cash and other valuables may be kept in the safe in the camp office or locked in staff members
personal car. Cell phones may not be kept in the camper cabins but will be stored in the Unit Director’s cabin. Staff may not carry
cell phones while working unless designated to for their specific job.
Especially for Counselors and Assistant Counselors: You may find that you want "extra" resources this summer and it might be
helpful to bring along some of your own supplies. Your Unit Director will have supplies, but these items are especially useful:
Scissors
Markers/Crayons
Ruler
Costumes
Hats
Bandanas
Story Books
Thumb Tacks
Elastic Bands
Game Ideas
Poems
Scotch or Masking Tape (NO duct tape)
Horseback Riding: If you are interested in working with the riding program or if you know that you will be involved with the riding
program, heeled riding boots, long pants and an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet are mandatory for both staff and campers. Boots
should have a flat bottom (no ridges like hiking boots) and come up over the ankle. You may use “rubber riding boots” or “mucking
boots” which can also double as rain boots. A local tack shop can be helpful in choosing appropriate foot wear.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 8
The riding helmet must be ASTM/SEI approved and be designed for horseback riding. Helmets must have a chinstrap. ASTM/SEI
approved helmets have been proven to be safer and more effective in reducing head injuries than other helmets. The helmets can be
purchased at most tack shops often listed under “riding apparel” in the phone book.
A limited supply of helmets are available to those staff required to work with the horses, international staff will be the first priority to
outfit.
Construction Cabin: Construction campers and staff are asked to bring a claw hammer, a 16-foot retractable measuring tape, and a
tool belt, for the work on the construction site. They are also required to wear a hard hat (provided by the camp), long pants/jeans, and
work boots or sturdy, hard-soled shoes on the construction site.
Overnights and Off-Camp Trips: Counselors, assistant counselors and tripping staff will need a sleeping bag and a water bottle for
an overnight campout with their cabin group. In addition, staff members who plan on going on off-camp camping trips may want to
bring hiking boots a frame backpack or other camping equipment. Each camp does have camping equipment, including backpacks,
which staff may use. Hiking boots should be "broken in" before camp to avoid discomfort on the trail. Odyssey and LIT staff will
receive a separate packing list for extended camping trips.
STAFF TRAINING AND ARRIVAL AT CAMP
On your contract there is a start date that you have agreed to. This is the date that you should arrive at camp. The Camp Director
must approve early or late arrival at camp, prior to your official start date. When you arrive at camp you will hand in any paperwork
that you have not yet sent and receive your bunk assignment. Remember that this assignment will be temporary. All camp staff
should expect to move at least once during the summer if not more. We will do our best to communicate changes in housing in
advance. Everyone will be given a tour of the camp property when they arrive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you arrive, we
are here to help you get settled.
See the first page of this guide for specific start dates for each type of training:
Ad Staff Training
Check-in at the CCC Dining Hall
The Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, Camp Registrar, Program Directors, Unit Directors, Aides Directors, REACH Directors
and Staff Development Directors make up the Ad Staff. While many of the Ad Staff members are veterans of the program, they still
need time to be trained for their job. The group spends at least a week with the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director preparing
for staff training and the summer ahead.
Program and Support Staff Training
Check-in: Saturday beginning at 5pm - Check-in at the CCC Dining Hall
The Program Staff will be working with the Program Directors, learning about all that it takes to provide high-quality programs and
getting all of the program areas ready to go. Support Staff will be working with their supervisors to learn the ins and outs of their
different roles. During training, staff members are expected to stay on camp property except when on official time-off. Evenings will
be spent in training programs or camp social events. Some staff will arrive prior to this date to participate in Certification Trainings
required for their position.
Work Week
Check-in: Saturday at 5pm - Check-in at the CCC Dining Hall
Work Week is the time when we get camp ready for the summer ahead. One or two alumni staff is designated as the workweek whips
and they assign workweek staff to the various tasks around camp. The workday starts at 8:15 AM with breakfast and ends with dinner
at 6:00 PM. The work is physical and may involve lifting, raking, scrubbing, painting, weed whacking or any number of jobs. You
must be ready for the few inconveniences of being the first staff in camp preparing for those to come later! Work week is lots of fun,
with time to socialize, but good attitudes and a solid work ethic are essential! Space is limited in Work Week and spots will be given
on a first-come-first-served basis to staff who are able to commit to the entire week. If you are interested, call camp to make
arrangements.
Staff Training
Counseling Staff Check-in: Saturday at 9-11:30am. Check-in at the CCC Dining Hall
All staff must participate in staff training. During staff training, staff members are expected to stay on camp property except when on
official time-off. Evenings will be spent in training programs or camp social events. This is the only time the staff is together without
campers and it is an important time for the staff to come together as a group. When you first come to camp, the staff will be mixed
together. Staff will move into permanent housing later in the week. All staff should be prepared to move some time during staff
training.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 9
All staff members are expected to attend all of staff training. Anyone who has a conflict with training needs to contact camp as soon
as possible. The day off for staff training will be Thursday at 5 PM to Friday at 5 PM. If you miss any days of training expect to
attend make-up training sessions on this Thursday/Friday in place of the day off.
Pre and Post Season
There are opportunities to come to camp early or stay beyond the summer camp season. If you are interested in working beyond the
end of camp, contact the camp office for more information. Some staff have been contracted to work the post season. Check your
contract to see what dates apply for your employment.
Staff Departure: All staff is required to stay at camp until the end of their contract and until all duties to the camp have been
completed. There will be a staff dinner and social the last Saturday night of the camp season. Unless other arrangements have been
made, staff members are expected to work until 6pm on the last Saturday. All staff must stay in camp on the last Saturday night
unless they have checked out of camp completely and have no intention of returning to camp to sleep. Assistant counselors may not
leave camp Saturday evening unless being picked up by a parent. All staff must depart by 10:00am on Sunday unless contracted to
continue working past this day. Staff who are contracted to work Session 1 only are expected to work until 6pm on the last
Saturday of the session.
Adjustment to Camp
Staff should be prepared for a period of adjustment to camp. Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit homesick in the first few days of
camp. The key is to keep busy and have faith that your homesickness and insecurity will get better soon. You will find that many of
your fellow staff will also feel the same way although they may not show it outwardly. It is important to reach out to other people and
be honest about your feelings. Be prepared for a mix of new and returning staff. Returning staff will be focused on old friends, which
is a natural response to returning to a special place. If you are new, be careful not to take this as a rejection, but see it as old friends
getting reacquainted. Once people say their hellos, they will be ready to meet new people. It is easy to shut people off because you
are homesick or unfamiliar with a new setting so extra effort to stay positive is necessary in the first few days of camp. If you take the
risk to approach others you will find them open and eager to get to know you.
Returning staff needs to make special efforts to get to know new staff and to be sensitive to the fact that they are unfamiliar with the
rules and traditions of CCC. Take time to share what makes camp special to you and to explain traditions and rules with a new staff
member. You might want to invite new staff to join your group of friends when walking to activities or training sessions. Be open to
new ideas offered by new staff. All the traditions, activities, and songs at camp were new at one time. A new staff person may bring
our next tradition to camp this summer!
All staff needs to be committed to working hard during staff training to both learn about their summer roles and to bond as an entire
group. Everyone should also try to get to know people from other parts of the camp program who they might not be working with
directly during the summer.
Transportation and Travel
Staff 18 years old and older, may have a vehicle on property. Driving in camp is restricted and permission should be obtained from
the office before driving into camp. Staff members who plan to travel to camp by car should notify camp of their approximate arrival
time. Staff must keep their vehicles in designated staff parking lots. Staff members who are under 18 may not drive at camp nor
drive to or from camp for time off unless they have permission from the camp administration and permission from their
parent/guardian.
American staff arriving by air should arrive at Bradley International Airport in Hartford, CT or the airport in Albany, NY as these are
the closest airports to the camp—about 1 1/4 hours away. Arrangements can be made to be met by camp personnel if staff members
notify camp in advance. If your travel plans change, be sure to notify camp of the change.
International Staff arriving on June 5 or June 11 must fly into Boston and be picked up directly from Logan Airport by a camp
staff and a bus. You will be contacted prior to your arrival date with information as to where to meet the staff and bus at the airport.
Be sure your flight is scheduled to arrive into Boston by 3:00pm.
International Staff arriving after June 11th must fly into New York City and will take a bus from Port Authority to Lee,
Massachusetts and camp can pick you up in the town of Lee. The bus will drop you off at the Lee Outlets. You should wait to be
picked up by camp at the enclosed stop in the parking lot. If you call camp in advance of your arrival, a staff member will meet you at
the bus. If no one is there to greet you, wait at the stop or inside the Food Court. Look for someone wearing a YMCA name tag or
staff shirt. If you need to call camp, there is a pay phone at the Food Court by the bathrooms. Do not wander far from the pick-up
spot or you may miss your ride to camp. Make sure a Chimney Corners Camp or Camp Becket staff member is picking you up.
There are a lot of camps in the area and things can get confusing. If you will be getting to camp by some other means be sure to let
camp know.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 10
You can get the bus at the Port Authority in New York City. Staff members are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from
camp unless it is provided by agreement from a staff placement agency. If you are an international staff entitled to reimbursement for
your bus ticket be sure to keep your receipt, otherwise camp cannot reimburse you for the money.
Staff must make arrangements to be picked up at the airport or the bus station in advance with the camp office. If travel plans change
you must notify camp. The camp office is open between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM and is not open on the weekends, so be sure to call
during office hours. The bus and train stations are far from camp so do not plan to take a taxi to the camp. Call camp before you get
on the bus to Lee.
If you get stuck or need assistance after 4 PM or anytime on weekends, call the following numbers:
Camp Director’s (Shannon) Cell Phone: (413) 446-9944
Assistant Director’s (Berta) Cell Phone: (603) 661-6189
After hours there will be an automated answering system on the main camp line - (413) 623-8991. You can dial through to the
following extensions:
Camp Director’s Office - Ext. 138
Assistant Director’s Office - Ext. 140
Chimney Corners Office – Ext. 115
During the summer, camp provides transportation to town for staff on their time off on a limited basis. Staff members are restricted to
using this service once per time off period. Staff members with vehicles are encouraged to offer rides to those who do not have their
own transportation when convenient.
Staff traveling from far away may want to ship their belongings in advance of their arrival to camp. Trunks sent from within the US
will take a week or more in most instances, so they should be sent early. International staff should check with the service they are
using for delivery times.
Driving Directions to Camp
Driving directions to camp can be found on the camp website at www.bccymca.org
Staff Organization
Chimney Corners Camp is part of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Other programs include Camp Becket for boys, Travel and
Service Programs, and Berkshire Outdoor Center. Each department has a director. The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA overall
leadership is headed by our CEO and the Board of Trustees. The COO is the direct supervisor of the Chimney Corners Camp Director
as well as the directors of all other departments. The Chimney Corners Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, Camp Registrar and
Food Service Director are year-round employees of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA.
The Administrative Staff: The Administrative Staff (Ad Staff) is made up of the Camp Director, Assistant Director, Registrar,
Program Directors, Unit Directors, Aides Directors, REACH Directors and Staff Development Directors.
Support Staff: The support staff work in areas that are not directly related to programs but create the support to run camp. Support
areas are food service, health service, facility maintenance, office, and transportation. :
* The Food Service Director supervises all the Dining Hall Directors, Kitchen Assistants, Cooks and Shift Managers.
* The Maintenance Director supervises all Maintenance Staff and works with the Construction Foreperson
* The Office Manager (Registrar) supervises all Office Assistants and the Store Manager.
* The Head Nurse supervises the Camp Nurses and Infirmary Assistants.
Program Staff: The program staff plans, organizes and delivers the specialized program activities offered at camp. Program Area
Directors and Program Instructors are supervised by the Program Directors. The Program Area Directors and Instructors supervise the
counselors and assistant counselors assigned to assist in their areas and schedule time off for these staff in cooperation with the Unit
Directors & Staff Development Directors.
Counseling/Cabin Staff: Counselors and Assistant Counselors live with the campers and are primarily focused on the care and
support of the campers. The Unit Directors and Staff Development Directors supervise all counseling staff. All counseling staff
members 18 and over will be called counselors. All counseling staff members under 18 will be called assistant counselors and will
follow all rules for assistant counselors.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 11
Staff Housing
During training weeks all staff will be living in camper cabins. This in most cases, will not be your permanent housing for the
summer. Prepare to move at least once in the first two weeks of your stay at camp. We will try to keep moving to a minimum but
good cheer and flexibility is appreciated. Remember that camper cabins do not have electricity. All staff should bring a batterypowered lantern and/or flashlight/headlamp to camp and extra batteries. Flashlights and batteries will also be available in the camp
store.
Staff are responsible for keeping their housing clean and free of damage. Staff will be assigned to clean common areas of camp.
Cabin staff members need to make sure campers are cleaning the cabin and other common areas of camp diligently. Campers and
staff are not allowed to put nails or print graffiti anywhere in camp. Duct tape is also not allowed for the hanging of any items. Staff
members are responsible for ensuring that no damage is done to cabins including graffiti. Counselor rooms must be kept clean at all
times. Staff will be charged for any damage to buildings.
Staff is expected to stay in the housing that they are assigned unless off camp. Staff are not allowed to have guests in their housing
under any circumstance. Any staff person bringing a visitor into their living space without the expressed permission of the camp
administration will be dismissed. Staff may arrange to have visitors stay in guest housing when housing is available and when the
visit is approved by camp administration.
The following is a description of what types of accommodations staff may expect to live in, however, housing is dependent on a
number of factors and any member of the staff may be asked to live in cabins with no electricity, and shared, separate bathrooms at
some point during their stay or for the full duration of their stay, if necessary. A positive attitude and flexibility is appreciated:
Unit Directors & Staff Development Directors: share a cabin with a bathroom, a living room and 1-2 bedrooms. The living room of
each unit cabin is also the staff lounge and meeting area for the unit staff. Each unit director & staff development director team will
develop ground rules about the use of the unit cabin but directors should be prepared to share the space with their staff. Staff in turn
must help in keeping the space clean and respect the Directors living space and time for sleep.
LIT Directors: LIT Directors live in the Ina Gibson Lodge along with their LIT’s. LIT Directors will have a shared room, separate
from their participants when in camp. However staff will be sharing bathroom facilities with their LIT’s. Staff share the
responsibility with the LITs of keeping living space, common space and bathrooms clean.
Program Directors, Support Staff and some Program Staff: These staff may live in dormitory-style housing with electricity and
shared bathrooms. Each room in the dormitory-style housing can accommodate from 2 - 8 staff. Staff in this housing can expect to
share their rooms and bathrooms with other staff. Staff all share the responsibility of keeping living space, common space and
bathrooms clean. Different staff living in these spaces will have different schedules and thus come and go at different times. A sleep
mask and earplugs are recommended if you are a light sleeper. Note that staff from Becket Day Camp, Berkshire Outdoor Center and
TSP will also share this housing.
Counseling Staff and some Program Staff: Counselors and Assistant Counselors live in the cabins with campers. Some Program
Staff will also be assigned to live in Camper Cabins. Camper Cabins have 2-3 rooms for staff quarters. All staff should be prepared
to share a room with another staff member, regardless of position.
There are eight or nine campers living in each cabin. Camper cabins do not have electricity, running water, phones or bathrooms.
Campers, counseling staff and program staff share a wash house in the unit. Wash houses have electricity, hot and cold water, indoor
and outdoor showers, sinks and toilets. Campers and staff share the responsibility of keeping the cabin, wash houses and assigned
parts of camp clean. Program Staff living in camper cabins must respect the leadership of the counseling staff for that cabin in regards
to managing campers.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 12
Camper Population
Chimney Corners Camp enrolls approximately 288 campers for each session. They are divided into three groups called units that are
broken down in the following chart:
Unit
Junior
Number of
cabins
12
Number of
campers
96
Approximate
Ages
8 - 11 year olds
Approximate
Grades
2nd – 5th grade
Intermediate
12
96
5th – 7th grade
Senior
12
96
11 – 13 year
olds
13 – 15 years
old
Totals
36
288
7th – 9th grade
In all cases, ages and grade levels within the units are approximate and vary between sessions.
The majority of campers are from the Northeast United States with high concentrations from Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut
and New Jersey. However, we have campers from all over the United States and the world including Washington D.C., North
Carolina, Florida, Illinois, California, France, China, England and more!
Camper Arrival and Departure
Once staff training is completed, it is time for the campers to arrive. The LITs (Aides and REACH) will arrive to camp on the
Thursday of Staff Training and participate in some staff training events for the remainder of the week. These are girls who have
completed the 10th grade and who have been involved with the camp in the past. They spend part or all of the summer working on
leadership skills. The LITs are campers but they do enjoy certain privileges and freedoms that other campers do not have. They are
training to be future staff at the camps. Staff will be asked to participate in the training and evaluation of LITs throughout the summer
and staff needs to act as good role models for the LITs as well as for the campers.
The campers will arrive and depart as follows (See specific dates at the start of this guide):
Opening Day
Arrival: Sunday 1 - 3 PM
Closing Day
Departure: Saturday 9 - 11 AM
Starter Program 1A
Arrival: Same Schedule as First Session Opening Day
Departure: The Second Saturday First Session at 10 AM
Starter Program 1B
Arrival: The Second Sunday of First Session at 1 PM
Departure: Same Schedule as First Session Closing Day
Starter Program 2A
Arrival: Same Schedule as Second Session Opening Day
Departure: The Second Saturday of Second Session at 10 AM
Starter Program 2B
Arrival: The Second Sunday of Second Session at 1 PM
Departure: Same Schedule as Second Session Closing Day
The period between sessions (or Intersession) is not time off for staff. The staff will be working to clean camp and prepare for the
next group coming in. Some campers will stay over between sessions. There will be a social event planned for the staff for that
evening which all staff is required to attend – intersession is not time off.
The arrival of campers to camp is an important opportunity for staff to make a good impression. Each staff member will be given a
staff shirt and nametag to be worn on opening day. Staff should be focused on projecting a positive image to campers and parents and
on creating a welcoming environment.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 13
Daily Schedule
The following is a typical day at camp. Specific duties during the day for particular staff will be covered during staff training. The
schedule on Sunday is somewhat different and will be covered during staff training.
7:30 AM
8:00 AM
8:15 AM
Rise and Shine!
Unit Assembly/Flag Raising
Breakfast
9:30-11:00 AM Morning Cabin Time - Each cabin group (with counselor) chooses activities for the cabin to do together. These
activities will vary throughout the session and will be a mix of counselor lead and program staff lead activities.
11:00 AM
Free Activity Period - Camp Store, waterfront and program areas open. Infirmary open for any campers or staff
requiring medical attention. FREE SWIM. Staff are not on time off during free time unless on a scheduled day off
or on a scheduled break. Staff should expect to have duties during free time including lifeguarding, coverage of
cabins and coverage in program areas.
Noon
Lunch
Siesta (Rest period)
2:00–2:50 PM
3:00–3:50 PM
4:00–4:50 PM
First Activity Period
Second Activity Period
Third Activity Period
The campers choose these activities after an orientation day. The campers choose six activities to participate in
throughout the session. Depending on their swim level, camp will place each camper in 5 or 6 of the activities she
has chosen. The campers will attend three activities on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and three activities on
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sunday afternoon activities are usually all-camp events.
5:00 PM
Free Activity Period
Camp store and program areas are open for campers. (Free period for campers, most staff will have responsibilities
during this time unless it is their scheduled time off) Day off begins and goes until the following day at 5:00 PM for
those staff with a scheduled day off. Scheduled nights off also begin at 5:00pm and end at midnight. The Infirmary
is open for any campers or staff requiring medical attention. Staff are not on time off during free time unless on a
scheduled day off, scheduled night off or on a scheduled break. Staff should expect to have duties during free time
including lifeguarding, coverage of cabins and coverage in program areas.
5:45 PM
6:00 PM
Unit Assembly
Dinner
7:15 PM
Evening Activity – Variety of Cabin, Unit or All Camp Activities
9:00 PM
Goodnight Circle followed by Cabin Chat and Story Time (Staff read aloud to campers as they fall asleep)
Goodnight Circle is where a variety of specific songs are sung at the end of evening activity. The final two songs
are always The Sun Is In The West and TAPS.
Cabin Chat is a quiet time just before campers go to bed when the cabin group reflects on the day’s events and
discusses a question posed by the counselor or designated staff leading chat on a given night.
10:00 PM
The earliest a staff person may leave a cabin for time off or for staff snacks provided all campers are asleep. Staff
will be required to return to their cabin for the night is the cabin becomes noisy or disruptive.
11:30 PM
All staff not on time off must be back in cabins/housing. All in-camp activity for staff is closed for the evening.
Nights off end at 12:30 AM.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 14
Activities Offered to Campers
This is a general list of activities that are offered to campers for afternoon classes each year. Additional activity options will be
available dependent upon the varied skills and talents that staff can provide. Please note age and swim level restrictions on activities.
As part of the application, staff filled out activity interest sheets. These will be used to place counseling staff in the appropriate
activities. The needs of the campers comes first in activity assignments and while we will do our best to place staff in areas they
enjoy, staff need to be open to working in areas as assigned.
Creative Arts
Arts & Crafts
Ceramics
Drawing & Painting
Jewelry Making
Photography (Black &White film)
Firefly/CCN (camp newspaper/news show)
Land Sports
Archery
Basketball
Field Hockey
Fitness
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball,
Tennis
Volleyball
Yoga
Ultimate Frisbee
Living Skills
Colonial Living
Cooking
Deeds of Love & Service
GALS/Leadership
Nature & Outdoor Living Skills
Outdoor Cooking
Sewing
Construction/Woodworking
Construction
Woodshop
Performing Arts
Chimney Singers/Chapel Choir
Contemporary Dance
Drama (Improv & Games)
Guitar
Hip Hop Dance
Jazz Dance
Musical Theater
Playwriting & Performance
Step
Ranch
Horseback Riding Lessons
Farm & Garden
Waterfront (based on swim assessment level)
Boating (Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Board)
Sailing
Swimming (Lessons and Advanced Classes)
Synchronized Swimming
Challenge Course (high/low ropes)
Project Challenge for Juniors
Project Challenge for Intermediates/Seniors
The campers choose afternoon activities after they arrive at camp. An orientation day will introduce them to the activities, skill levels,
and instructors/coordinators for each activity. All campers are expected to participate in afternoon activities. Program Staff and
coordinators of activities will be asked to give a presentation to the campers introducing them to the programs. This will be delivered
in a fun, skit/commercial-like format. Counselors will help campers in the sign-up process and should make every effort to ensure
campers are getting into classes that they want.
Activities are a time for campers to learn new skills over the course of the session. Campers and their parents expect a high level of
structure and content in these programs. It is the responsibility of each staff member to prepare for lessons and keep the class on task
and involved. Lesson plans need to be followed. Often campers will ask for an unstructured time in class but then complain at the
end of the session that they did not learn anything in class. As the leader, it is your job to make sure the content of class is of the
highest quality. It is our hope to give staff an opportunity to try some of the different program areas in which they have an interest,
however, the needs of the campers must be a priority. Every effort will be made to give staff recreational opportunities.
All staff must take a swim test in order to swim or to use a boat. Staff swimming, sauna and use of boats is allowed only with
permission of the Waterfront Director and only during designated staff times.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 15
Staff Roles in Program Areas
Program Area Directors - Program Area Directors are responsible for an entire program area such as the Waterfront or Trip
Program. Program area directors supervise the Program Instructors as well as any counseling staff, or LIT’s who work in their area.
They are also themselves instructors. The Program Area Director is responsible for ordering supplies, maintaining safe, well run
activities, evaluating staff and LIT’s and keeping the Program Directors informed. Collecting and coordinating time off from any
program instructors and counseling staff is the program area director's responsibility. Program area directors teach morning, afternoon
free time and evening activities.
Program Instructors - Program Instructors are specifically hired for their skill in a particular area, and work mainly in that area.
Depending on the program, some Program Instructors are responsible for their entire area, including lesson plans, supply orders,
supervising counseling staff and LIT’s, etc. and check in with an Area Director while other instructors work entirely under the
direction of an Area Director. Program Instructors teach morning, afternoon free time and evening activities.
All program staff members (including area directors) are expected to teach 6 activity periods (3 afternoon activities per day). Trip
Staff, Media Staff, and the Lifeguard Instructor are the exceptions to this rule.
Coordinators– Returning counselors may be assigned to be the head instructor of an afternoon activity (at times these duties will be
shared with another counselor) where a Program Instructor position does not exist. The Coordinator of an activity is responsible for
reading and implementing that activities lesson plan, leading the activity and ensuring all activity periods are covered. Coordinators
will report to the Area Director in charge of that department with any concerns.
Counseling Staff - All counseling staff are required to assist in teaching afternoon activities. The Program Directors will assign
counseling staff to activities according to the interests of staff and the staffing needs of each activity. Counseling staff assigned to an
activity are responsible for attending the activity (except on her day off), and teaching the activity when the program staff or
coordinator is on time off or out sick. It is the responsibility of all instructors in each activity to plan time off accordingly in order to
ensure that there is a staff member at every activity.
Camp Program Descriptions
Chimney Corners Camp is a very special place. It maintains many traditions as well as changing to meet the progressing needs of our
campers. As a new staff member, it is helpful to become familiar with some of the traditions of Chimney Corners, as they are a
valuable and important part of the campers’ and the staff’s experiences here. The following is a summary of many of the things that
make Chimney Corners the special place that it is.
“All-Camp” Programs (such as campfires, theater productions) will include all staff members. Consider yourself an important
person in the camp community and a vital part of these EXCITING programs. Your participation is critical to the success of these
events. Expect to participate in songs, skits, dance routines and to dress up in costumes.
All unit directors, staff development directors, counselors, and assistant counselors are expected to attend all unit and camp programs
with their campers. Campfires and all-camp programs are not considered free time for staff. Campers are in the counselor’s care and
under her supervision. Unit programs are intended for the campers and staff of that unit .
Campfires: There are numerous campfires throughout each session, both all-camp and unit campfires. The first week of each session
there will be an all-camp campfire in which staff is asked to perform a song or skit together (i.e., unit staff, program staff,
administrative staff) and the units introduce their cheers. Campfires will take place at the Open Circle or other designated fire circle.
As with many all-camp activities, staff is asked to volunteer to be emcees for the campfires, which involves gathering acts, putting
together an order and introducing acts (with enthusiasm). Any staff members who wish to play a part in this are invited to do so.
Wiff N’ Poof: This is one of the more anticipated events of the first session. Each cabin group will prepare a song to which they will
learn all the words and choreograph a dance. The campers must also come up with their own costumes (none from the Prop Room
should be used). Then, on the second Saturday of the session, they will perform the song in front of the whole camp. It is one of the
few truly competitive events at camp, as assigned judges will score each cabin and a winner is chosen from each unit. The Aides
make a sign and emcee Wiff N’ Poof.
Berkshire’s Best: Berkshire’s Best takes place on an evening of the third week of session one. A signup sheet is placed in the Dining
Hall a few days before the event, and campers are invited to sign up to sing, dance, act or perform whatever talent they may have.
Also, afternoon activity groups may use this time to perform something they have been working on. Campers must be sponsored by a
staff member, and the number of acts usually has to be limited due to the large amount of interest (otherwise we’d be there until the
wee hours of the morning).
CCC Staff Guide - Page 16
Candlelight/Circle of Happiness: This event is very traditional. On the evening of the last Wednesday or Thursday of the session,
the entire camp will go to the chapel where we are given a chance to reflect on the session. There are speakers from each of the units
(campers) and a representative of the counselors, assistant counselors, LIT’s, program staff, support staff and ad staff. The ad staff
will select the speakers based on their involvement and enthusiasm during the session. The event is rather solemn, and ends with each
camper and staff leaving the chapel, receiving a candle and Good Night Circle being led by the LIT’s on the IGL field. More specific
instructions will be handed out prior to the event. Second session, this event is quite similar and is called Candlelight.
Camper Banquet: Camper banquet takes place on the last night of camp and involves a special dinner and dressing up. Before dinner
there is a final camp show where different groups perform (dance classes, music classes, etc.). The dinner is followed by awards and a
slide show as well as one last Good Night Circle.
Saratoga South: This is the name for the “Berkshire’s Best” of second session.
Song N’ Sign: This is much like Wiff N’ Poof, however, the cabin changes the words of the song to include the names of their cabin
mates and counselors, and they paint a sign to include their counselors’ names and cabin name. It is judged much the way Wiff N’
Poof is.
Gibson Games: On first Sunday of second session, the LIT’s come up with a variety of stations for the cabin groups to visit both
competitive and noncompetitive events. In the evenings there is sometimes a campfire. The structure of Gibson Games is dependent
on how the LIT’s plan it.
Moms’ Weekend: Both sessions Moms’ Weekend is an event which takes a large amount of planning and energy, but is well worth it.
Moms will arrive on Friday afternoon and participate in all of their daughters’ activities. Some campers will have surrogate moms if
their mom can’t make it. Activities will be twice as crowded, and need to be well thought out and exciting for moms, as well as a
chance for their daughters to show off what they have learned. On Sunday at noon, families are invited to camp for “Family Day”,
and they will be given a list of activities which are open for them. Activities include open boating, archery, land sports, ranch tours,
etc. Much more information will proceed Moms’ Weekend.
The parents of LIT’s and staff are not invited to the Parents Weekends since staff will be fully occupied with camp activities.
Arrangements can be made to have your family visit at other times.
Good Night Circle: Each night, at the end of the Evening Activity, whether it is a Unit or All-camp Activity, ends with Good Night
Circle. Everyone crosses arms (right over left) and holds hands with the person next to them. Then several songs are sung many from
the Chimney Corners songbook. Usually, the coordinators or emcees of the evening’s event will lead Good night Circle. The second
to last song is always “The Sun is in the West”, then hands are dropped and “Taps” is sung. Don’t worry if you don’t know the songs
at first, it’s okay to hum along!
Cabin Chat: Before the campers go to bed at night, once they are in their pajamas, they light a candle in the middle of the cabin and
the counselor poses a question for the cabin group. Then, one by one, each cabin member is given the chance to express her views,
share her thoughts and get to know her cabin mates. This is a very special time in the cabin group, and all staff members are
encouraged to become involved in cabin chats, as it is a great way to get to know campers and other staff.
Singing in the Dining Hall/Birthdays: Following lunch and dinner, one or two songs will be sung and anyone having a birthday will
have a special birthday presentation by the LITs. There will be plenty of people to teach you the songs when you arrive. Songs are
sung loud, fast and with great enthusiasm so be prepared. The camp birthday song is a bit different than the traditional birthday song.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 17
Miscellaneous Information
Food: Camp works hard to provide nutritionally-balanced, enjoyable and varied meals. Vegetarian options are available at each meal
but will at times contain eggs, cheese and other dairy products. A salad bar will be available at lunches and dinners to supplement the
meals. Gluten free options are also available. Please contact camp to discuss dietary restrictions that will not be met by our meal
plan. In no way would the camps seek to alter an individual’s beliefs in this regard, but extremely restrictive diets are difficult to
accommodate in a camp setting.
Food cannot be kept in the cabins because it creates sanitation and storage problems. Staff must not keep food and must prohibit
campers from keeping food in the cabins. Campers will have the opportunity to buy one food item per day in the camp store for
immediate consumption. I n addition other healthy snacks can be purchased whenever the camp store is open. Staff will also have
opportunities during the day to purchase snacks. Evening snacks are provided to staff at the dining hall each night after campers are in
bed. Whole fruit is always available to campers and staff throughout the day in the dining hall.
Staff members are expected to create a positive attitude toward the food that is served at camp especially in the presence of campers.
Staff members are also expected to act as positive role-models for campers in regard to healthy eating habits but to also be cautious
not to unduly influence camper beliefs about food.
Keeping Camp Clean: All staff members are required to keep camp buildings and grounds clean at all times. Staff will be assigned
regular duties to keep program areas, housing and common areas clean, including bathrooms. Staff members are to encourage
campers to clean up after activities, keep cabins and wash houses clean at all times, and pick up litter on the grounds. Staff will be
evaluated on these duties.
Chapel Attendance and Religion: As part of the all-camp program, an ecumenical chapel service is held in camp every Sunday.
Spiritual and inspirational stories, original skits and plays and music are a central part of the program. All campers and staff are
expected to attend.
Staff may be required to take part in the planning and performance of the Chapel service. Staff and campers represent a variety of
religious backgrounds, therefore the services aim toward an interfaith experience. As a YMCA camp, the Chimney Corners program
reflects a faith in God and the Judeo-Christian values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
While we do have a concern for religious values and the spiritual life of our campers, we should not proselytize for a particular
viewpoint. Instead we can be educators for religious living and the search for values and meaning. All staff should be sensitive to
religious and denominational differences among us; emphasizing both those things we have in common and respect for the beliefs of
each. Sharing of what is important to us can be an important goal. We should neither aim to impose our own beliefs on others or ask
others to abstain from expressing their beliefs, this includes the absence of belief as well.
During the services, we encourage campers and staff to contribute money to YMCA World Service, which aids YMCA’s in other
countries and various domestic projects such as the General Convention of Sioux Indian YMCAs. Campers and staff can donate
money by bringing “camp checks” to the Chapel and contributing as they choose. Staff may use cash. Donations from campers of no
more than $2 are appropriate.
A grace is offered at each meal. Graces reflect the diverse spiritual community of our camps and our Judeo-Christian tradition.
In General: The best camping experience possible for each child is our goal. It is important that staff place the welfare of campers
ahead of their personal interests. Each staff member agrees to be the kind of person whom young people can follow as a leader and to
model those ideals and attitudes which are fundamental in YMCA work. It is our hope that serving in this capacity will prove to be an
occasion for personal growth and valuable experience for our counselors as well as an opportunity to serve youth.
Each staff member is a critical part of a team effort. Your work and cooperation in camp life is required at all times. You may, in the
course of the summer, be asked to do work outside of your usual daily routine or to take on new responsibilities. This is part of camp
life and should be considered part of your job regardless of what your job description says.
Support for the camps' purpose and goals are a fundamental prerequisite for all staff. It should be understood that your employment
agreement cannot cover every relationship between the staff member and camps. Therefore a good attitude in performing
responsibilities willingly and respectfully is essential to camp morale. Questions and issues not covered in pre-camp orientation will be
met as they arise either in staff meetings or in conference with the director. Staff members are encouraged to bring to the camp directors
any questions or concerns which they do not understand and would like to discuss.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 18
Health Care Services
The key to good health is good hygiene and common sense. It is the role of the staff to act as good role models at all times. Staff is
not only responsible for their own health and safety but that of campers. All staff must take this responsibility to heart and ensure that
campers are well cared for at all times.
Even when following the best rules of good health, minor illness and the occasional scraped knee do occur. The Becket-Chimney
Corners YMCA is fortunate to have a contractual arrangement with Quincy Pediatrics for the delivery of on-site primary health care
for campers and staff. Their practice is located in Quincy, Massachusetts, just south of Boston. Each physician has a faculty
appointment at Tufts University School of Medicine. The camp physicians are all board-certified in pediatrics and one is in residence
at the camps 24 hours a day. In addition, each camp employs three nurses and/or infirmary aides.
The health staff at the camps handles most illnesses and injuries. When necessary, referral to Berkshire Medical Center for x-rays,
further laboratory evaluation, subspecialty referral, or hospitalization will be available. Coverage of any medical, dental, prescription
services or eyeglasses repair not provided by Quincy Pediatric is NOT included and will be the responsibility of the staff or their
insurance providers through direct billing.
ANY medications (including over the counter medications) brought to camp by campers or staff must be kept in the camp infirmaries
BY STATE LAW, and will be given AS PRESCRIBED, at our physician’s discretion (see Medications). The Health Department can
shut down Camp if any medication is found in camper cabins or staff housing. Staff must comply with this rule. The only
medications staff and campers are permitted to carry are inhalers and epi-pens under the supervision of the camp medical staff.
Our health care professionals are available to discuss medical concerns prior to and during the camping season. Staff who wish to
have more information about the Health Services Program may contact Dr. David Irons at:
Quincy Pediatrics, 191 Independence Ave.
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 (617) 773-5070
Medications: Our camp infirmary will administer only those medicines prescribed by the camp physician or by the examining
physician in writing on the examination form. Nonprescription medication must come in the original package with written permission
from the camp physician. All prescribed medications sent to the camp must be in the original container bearing the pharmacy label
which shows the prescription number, date filled, physician’s name, name of medication, directions for use and the staff’s name.
Requests for dosages, which differ from the label, or from the recommended dosage for a person’s age/weight will only be
accommodated with written instruction from a physician. Medication must be given to the health care staff at check-in. ANY
medications (including inhalers, injections, and over the counter medications) brought from home must be kept in the camp
infirmaries BY STATE LAW, and will be given AS PRESCRIBED, at our physician’s discretion.
Immunizations and Health Records: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that all campers and staff be
immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and rubella. In addition, all campers and staff must
be free of tuberculosis (TB).
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA recommends that staff talk with their physician in regard to the meningococcal vaccine which
can protect against some strains of the Meningococcal bacteria. Meningococcemia is a rare bacterial infection of the blood stream.
This germ can sometimes cause meningitis (infection of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord) or sepsis (an infection of the
blood). The bacteria are spread by close contact (involving the exchange of saliva) with an infected person or a person who is a
carrier of the bacteria. A meningococcal vaccine has been recommended for participants in some residential programs such as
colleges and the military.
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA requires a complete pre-camp physical examination within two years of staff’s arrival at camp.
Health forms must be complete, signed and in camp’s possession by opening day in order for staff to be eligible to work. If you have
had a health exam before receiving the camp health form, attach a copy of the physical exam report to the camp health card and fill in
any additional information. Our camp physicians cannot perform these physicals. Staff without health forms will not be allowed to
stay at camp under any circumstances.
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Staff Services
Staff Valuables: It is best not to keep money in the cabins or staff housing. Camp cannot guarantee the security of shared living
space. We recommend that each staff member keep money and valuables in the camp office or personal car. Staff may open a staff
account for the camp store.
Payroll: Please note that no staff person will receive pay until all payroll forms have been submitted. Staff members who do not
submit tax forms in advance of summer should not expect to get paid until enough time has elapse to process forms. Your salary for
the summer will be divided into four equal payments. Pay will be direct deposited into a personal account you designated on your
direct deposit paperwork or on a RapidPay Debit Card that camp will provide.
First Year International Staff will need to obtain a US Social Security Card in order to be paid. Camp will facilitate this process once
you arrive but note that the process applying for and receiving your social security card can take several weeks. Limited cash
advances will be available to these staff only they are unable to be paid by the first pay period but we recommend traveling with
enough cash to meet your spending needs for the first few weeks.
Issues with pay need to be addressed early in the season. Staff will only be entitled to pay reflected on the signed agreement.
Salary Advances: No advances on camp salary can be made unless there is a delay in our ability to pay a staff member such as in the
case of first time international staff waiting for a social security number. Staff should note the payroll dates and plan accordingly.
Camp Store: The CCC Store is open Monday through Saturday. The camp store stocks edibles, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, insect
repellent, writing materials, stamps, camp clothing, souvenirs, etc. If we do not have an item you are looking for, let us know.
Providing we can purchase in bulk, we may be able to stock it for you. Staff may use cash, personal checks or debit/credit cards for
purchases.
Outgoing Mail: Mail going to the US Post Office should be deposited in the mailbox in the CCC Dining Hall or at the business office.
It is picked up each morning (except Sunday) immediately after breakfast. Postage stamps and overseas airmail materials may be
purchased in the store. Please check camper letters for stamps and proper address including zip codes. (A zip code directory is located
in the office and our staff will be happy to help campers or staff members look one up!)
Incoming Mail: Incoming mail is sorted after lunch. Cabin staff mail will be sorted in with camper mail and picked up from
designated cabin mailboxes in the dining hall during siesta. E-mail sent to the camp e-mail system will be put in with the daily mail.
Any e-mail received after the mail has been delivered will be put into the following days mail. Make sure to tell family and friends to
put your unit and cabin name or job title on your mail to ensure the mail is delivered properly. All other staff can pick up their mail in
designated boxes in the camp office after 2:00 PM. Staff should advise family and friends to put their full name, title and department
on staff mail. The camp address is Chimney Corners Camp, 748 Hamilton Road, Becket, MA 01223. Please include name of cabin
and unit or department in lower corner.
Internet/E-mail: Staff will have access to computers with internet access for the purpose of sending email on a limited basis. The
camp provides this service to help staff living far from home to communicate with their family and friends. Please realize that each
staff member needs to be considerate of others and limit their time on the computer as much as possible. This computer is not for use
to “surf” the web or skype, but only for email or work related purposes. . Staff may not download pictures, video, etc. using the camp
computers. Staff not adhering to internet access policies will be shut out of the system for the duration of the summer.
Wi-Fi is available in the Dining Hall during designated times of the day only for those who wish to access the internet using personal
laptop, tablet or cellular devices. We are an unplugged and rustic camp and campers should NEVER see any staff member on a
laptop, tablet, cell phone or other electronic device.
Telephone: Camp telephones are for camp business and emergency calls only. Pay phones are located in the Manor, Four Seasons
and Lower Wellspring. Please be courteous of others and limit your time on the pay phone. No calls should be made or received
after 11 PM and before 7 AM in living quarters. Please communicate these times to friends and relatives that might be calling you at
camp. If you are visiting us from another country, make sure friends and family understand the time difference. (We have received
calls at 3:00 AM from staff member’s parents who want to know how the weather is and whether their daughter is having a good
time!) Staff may purchase a pre-paid calling card directly from the office. These can be used at the pay phones situated around camp
and come in increments of $10.
Staff are allowed personal cellular/mobile phones. As stated previously these phones can only be used in designated areas during
designated times of the day. We are an unplugged and rustic camp and campers should NEVER see any staff member on a cell
phone.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 20
Messages: If someone calls for you or leaves a message on the camp phone, you will be notified at the next meal and be given a
message slip. Any messages not picked up by dinner or that come in after dinner will be posted by the office door on the bulletin
board and then brought to breakfast the next day. The phone is answered directly between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM. After hours, an
automated operator will direct people how to leave a message and will also give them options for contacting someone if the call is an
emergency. Please coach friends and family members as to the appropriate use of the emergency system.
Staff Lounge/TV/VCR/DVD: There is a staff lounge available to staff in the Manor. This is where the TV/VCR/DVD player are
located. Camp has a supply of videos that staff may borrow but staff may want to bring some of their own as well.
Laundry: Coin-operated washers and dryers for laundry are available to staff at all times. Staff need to provide their own detergent,
fabric softener, etc. and are responsible for managing your own items. Detergent and dryer sheets are available for sale through the
camp store. Staff can also exchange cash for quarters to do laundry at the camp store or camp office.
Camp Lingo
When you first arrive at camp, it may seem as if there is an entirely different language spoken here, whether or not English is your
first language! The following is a brief “dictionary” of words and phrases commonly used around both Chimney Corners and Camp
Becket. Read this list, and the preceding pages on special events, and you’ll soon feel like you grew up around here!
AC or Assistant Counselor: This is the next step in the Leadership-in-Training program and designated staff who are under the age
of 18. ACs live in the cabin group under the guidance of the counselor, and function in the counselor’s role when she is off duty.
Ad Staff or Administrative Staff : The key leadership at each camp including the Camp Director, Assistant Director, Program
Directors, Staff Development Directors, Unit Directors (Village Directors at CB), Aides Directors and REACH Directors
Adventure Odyssey Cabin (also known as Odyssey): There is one Odyssey cabin each session that is a part of the Senior Unit
(Ranger Village at CB). Odyssey participants have completed 8th or 9th . These campers and their counselors spend half of their time
on camp participating in regular programs and half of their time off camp participating in outdoor adventures such as rock climbing,
white water rafting, sea kayaking and hiking the Appalachian Trail. Off camp trips are led by a Trip Guide.
Aides: A step in the Leadership-in-Training program, these campers are taking their first steps towards being on staff. Aides have
completed their 10th grade year in high school, and you’ll see them around camp working in the kitchen, at program areas,
participating in lifeguard certification and singing birthday songs in the Dining Hall, among other things. This is a part of the LIT
program along with REACH. At Chimney Corners there are 28 Aides, while Camp Becket has 24 Aides.
AOD or Adult on Duty: Members of the Ad Staff and Program Area Directors are assigned as the AOD each night. AOD’s patrol the
camp from 10 PM to 12:30 AM. Another AOD is assigned to sit in the office those hours to answer the phone and to be available to
handle any emergency situations.
BCC or BCCY: abbreviations used for our overall organization, Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA.
BDC: abbreviation used for Becket Day Camp. Becket Day Camp is a Berkshire Outdoor Center program and runs on our Lane Farm
property on the backside of Camp Becket. They also run teen programs in Springfield, Massachusetts which is a city located one hour
from camp. Becket Day Camp Staff live at Chimney Corners Camp and join us for meals and some programs.
BOC: abbreviation for the Berkshire Outdoor Center which is the year- round program component of the Becket-Chimney Corners
YMCA. The BOC serves school, scout, corporate, non-profit, family and various other groups for team building and outdoor
education programming. They also fun family camps and host conferences, weddings and other special gatherings.
Cabin Chat: This is an event that occurs each night in every cabin. The cabin staff prepares a thought-provoking question for the
cabin group and once they are all ready for bed, the group will sit around a lit candle and share their thoughts on the question for the
day.
CB: abbreviation for Camp Becket, our brother camp located 1/2 mile down the road.
CCC: abbreviation for Chimney Corners Camp.
Construction Cabin: There are 2- 4 construction cabins during each session. Construction cabins are in the Senior Unit (Ranger
Village at CB) and consist of our oldest campers who have completed 8 th or 9th grade. These campers and their counselors devote a
good portion of their time at camp learning carpentry skills while working on building a new cabin. This program is led by a
Construction Foreperson and assistant in cooperation with our director of facilities.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 21
ELC or Environmental Learning Center - This a camp building where Woodshop, Nature/OLS & Cooking programs are based out of.
ICEP or International Camper Exchange Program, Part of the Travel and Service Programs, this is a program designed for 15 and 16year-old campers. ICEP participants travel abroad to learn about community service and participate in cultural exchange with
YMCA’s in their host countries. ICEP participants currently travel to Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, China, Vietnam,
Japan, Armenia and Sweden.
IGL or Ina Gibson Lodge, The IGL is LIT housing for Aides and REACH. The chimney inside the lodge is the namesake of the
camp.
Intersession: Period of time from when the first session campers leave to when the second session campers arrive. Some campers do
stay through intersession for both sessions of camp. This is not considered time off for staff.
Long Night: The time off period that lasts from 5:00 PM until 12:30 AM, each staff can take one long night off per time off period.
OD or On Duty: Members of the counseling and program staff who are assigned in each unit at night to walk around and make sure
the unit is quiet, there are three ODs in each unit, one who sits in an assigned spot where she can be found by campers, and the others
who walk around the unit. OD’s are on duty beginning at 10:00pm and remain on duty until all cabins in their unit are covered
(between 11:30am –Midnight).
Pittsfield, Lee, Great Barrington and Northampton - Nearby towns which are popular destinations for staff on time off.
REACH or Reaching, Educating, and Caring about Humanity, A step in the Leadership-in-Training program, these campers are
taking their first steps towards being on staff. REACH participants have completed their 10th grade year in high school take a trip to
South Dakota and spend time on the Sioux Indian reservation where they participate in various service projects and cultural exchange
programs. You will also see them around camp for a few weeks working with campers and participating in lifeguard certification. This
is part of the LIT program along with the Aides Program. There are 12 REACH participants at both Chimney and Camp Becket.
Riding Cabin – The 2 cabins in which the campers spend each morning working with the horses and learning riding skills. There is
usually one riding cabin in the Intermediate Unit and one riding cabin in the Senior Unit. This program is run by the Ranch Director
and staff.
Short Night - The time off period that lasts from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 AM, each staff can take one short night off per time off period,
if the schedule allows. This is extra time for staff and may not be possible every week.
Snacks: After 10:00 p.m., a snack is put out at each dining hall and staff members can gather at the dining hall to socialize and/or get
a bite to eat. Unless otherwise scheduled, snacks are generally open to staff from all camps/departments.
TLS or Teen Leadership and Service: TLS is a trip for teens which involves cycling along the coast of Lake Champlain in Vermont
and New York while performing community service along the way.
TSP or Travel Service Program, is the department that manage ICEP, TLS and YAS. TSP participants are Chimney Corners and
Camp Becket campers who have completed 9th or 10th grade. All TSP groups will stay at Chimney Corners at some point during their
program. They will eat meals with us and utilize program space as available. All TSP leaders also live at Chimney Corners for a
period of time when not leading a trip.
Unit Assembly: Each unit has a designated spot around a flagpole where they meet before breakfast and dinner to raise or lower the
flag and share announcements and songs.
Wash house: The centrally located bathroom/shower area located in each unit. At Camp Becket, these same buildings are known as
Automats.
YAS or Yellowstone Adventure and Service, a Travel and Service Program that travels to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to
participate in service projects helping the National Park Service.
CCC Staff Guide - Page 22
Year-Round Staff
Chimney Corners Camp for Girls (CCC)
Shannon Donovan-Monti, Executive Director
Berta Sinclair, Assistant Director
Yana DeLuca, Registrar
Mik Monti, Food Service Director
Camp Becket for Boys (CB)
Chris Burke, Executive Director
Dan Berg, Assistant Director
Aline Ferris, Registrar
Shaz Atwell, Food Service Director
Travel Service Program (TSP)
Alysa Austin, Director
Rebecca McCluskey, Program Coordinator
Berkshire Outdoor Center (BOC)
Steve Hamill, Executive Director
McKenna Style, Assistant Director
Nicole Cabelka, Registrar
Dave Lovely-Taillon, Program Coordinator
Amber Banta, Program Coordinator
Sarah Holmes, Program Coordinator
Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Staff
Phil Connor, Chief Executive Officer
Jim Brown, Chief Operations Officer
Kathy Murphy, Director of Human Resources
Yvonne Savery, Receptionist
Christine Kalakay, Chief Financial Officer
Linda Laston, Accounting Clerk
Joan Torchia, Assistant Accounting Clerk
Brenda Marsian, Chief Development Officer
John Anz, Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations
Kim Raftery, Stewardship & Development Assistant
Steve Turner, Director of Properties
Gary Clark, Assistant Director of Properties
Larry Pease, Maintenance Staff
Paul Casino, Maintenance Staff
Jim Atwell, Maintenance Staff
Ashley Valone, Maintenance Staff
Dave Wright, Maintenance Staff
Don Chaffee, Maintenance Staff
Cullen Case, Food Service
Katy Waite, Food Service
Thom Henry, Food Service
Mike Guglielmino, Food Service
CCC Staff Guide - Page 23