Please take the time to review this material before arriving at Camp Runoia.   Be prepared to present and/or discuss the material in this manual during Staff Orientation week

The full staff manual will be available to you at camp.  

We will have a comprehensive training program during pre-camp when burning questions will be answered and all staff procedures covered in detail.

Camp Runoia’s Information for Staff 2008

Winter address:  56 Jackson St. Cambridge, MA 02140 (617) 547-4676   Fax (617) 661-1964

Email: alexjackson@runoia.com or pam@runoia.com ; check our website www.runoia.com;

Summer address:  PO Box 450, Belgrade Lakes, ME  04918 (207) 495-2228

Fax (207) 495-2287

2008 Season - Staff arrive for a week or orientation, training and familiarization the afternoon of June 19th and complete their responsibilities Aug 17th.  Lifeguard training is available at camp prior to orientation.  Ropes Course training is June 18/19th.

Everyone helps with meal preparation and clean up before the kitchen crew is in session.

Activities – Runoia offers activities with an emphasis on waterfront: swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing; trips both canoeing and hiking; ropes course and horse back riding.  In addition, tennis, archery, riflery, arts and crafts, soccer, drama, games, photography, golf, lacrosse and special activities round out our program.  There are two teams in camp for the purpose of in camp competition in a variety of both individual and team activities.  Counselors may bring personal sports equipment but it is not to be used by campers.  Staff are expected to lead and participate in scheduled activities including recreational swims, mealtimes, cabin time, activity classes and trips.  It is imperative staff feel comfortable in and around lake water for any job at camp.

Directors – Pam Cobb, fourth generation camp director of the Cobb family, owns and co-directs Runoia with a team of seasoned Directors.  Diane Smith also joins the Cobbs in her 29th year at Runoia.  Alex Jackson directs daily program and overall camp management.  Camp Runoia has been owned and directed by the Cobb family since 1960.

Facilities – Runoia has almost a mile of shore front as well as fields and woods on approximately 80 acres.  Seven large sleeping cabins ( with sinks, toilets and electricity) and smaller units for senior campers, staff phone area, health cabin, shower houses, dining hall, main lodge with library and pianos, stables and riding ring, arts and crafts shop, garages, administrative staff living quarters, tent camping area and the boat house constitute the camp grounds.

General – Camp Runoia is located on Great Pond, the largest of the Belgrade Lakes.  Runoia will open in the June for its 101st consecutive season and will bring girls, ages 7 through 17, from many states and several foreign countries together for the summer.  The camp community numbers around 140 including staff and campers.  Runoia is accredited by the American Camping Association, and maintains high standards of safety and program excellence.

Pay Scale $1800 - $3500 per season, based on experience, skills and level of responsibility.  Our pay scale is very much in line with other camp programs.  Room, board and laundry service are provided.  Staff are responsible for filling their own income taxes.  Staff members need to buy two sets of basic camp uniform.

Philosophy –Runoia, with its beautiful location and well-rounded program, offers girls the opportunity to learn and grow as members of a community.  Individual development is emphasized in a non-competitive environment.  Each person is challenged to do their best and to contribute to the total community.  Tradition plays important roles in the camp program where fun, learning and adventure are key elements.  The key is each person is accepted for her own set of assets – it is critical that all staff believe and further this aspect in daily life at camp.  Race, creed, sexual orientation and socio-economic status are not factors in determining acceptance to our programs.

Staff prerequisites – Applicants must have completed their freshman year in college and be 19 years of age.  The primary requisite is to have a sincere feeling and concern for children, and have a genuine desire to share with them through teaching, supervising and living with campers in the camp setting.  Applicants should have strong swimming skills (or at least be comfortable in lake water) and the ability to instruct in at least one camp activity.  Additionally, having a grasp of the English language in writing, speaking and comprehension is essential.

Uniforms and Appearance – Staff wear white tab front (polo) shirts with or without the camp logo, dark blue shorts, sneakers and white socks.  Uniform is worn on Sundays, special occasions and camp related trips out of camp.  A packing list will be provided.  Regular summer attire is worn the rest of the time.  Staff are expected to set an example of neatness and appropriateness at all times.  Clothing with alcohol, tobacco, drug, lewd etc type slogans is inappropriate to youth camping and may not be worn at camp.  No torn jeans/clothing or cut off shorts are allowed in camp.  Our staff are role models for the campers they lead.  Staff are to refrain from extreme alterations of personal appearance, e.g. body piercing, tattoos etc during the season.  Any body art or tattoos which management considers in its sole discretion, to be an impediment to the quality of instruction or the safety and welfare of the children or staff must be suitably covered of removed.