Counselor Application deadline: January 31, 2012.

All decisions will be announced by February 28th.

We rely on a staff of volunteer counselors to support our instructors and look out for our campers. These folks are integral to the smooth functioning of the camp.

The camp is split according to USCF ratings into groups of 12 campers in each class. Each class has its own counselor and its own homeroom instructor. In addition to the group counselors, there may be a few floating counselors, although these are generally people like the camp doctor who can't be tied down to a group all day. All counselors are required to be residents in the dorm from Sunday night through Saturday night.

All counselors must be 18 or over at the start of camp. Typically our counseling staff is pretty evenly split between chess parents (many of whom play and/or coach chess) and young adult chess players. At the discretion of the camp director, parent counselors have the option of being a group counselor for their child's group or being a counselor for a different group. Parent counselors may room with their child or separately. Young adult counselors usually room with another counselor.

Responsibilities:

Group counselors shepherd their 12 campers around throughout each day and do everything from maintaining order in the classroom so that the instructors can teach to checking to make sure their kids are in bed at night. They supervise afternoon sports/recreation activities, and assist their group's homeroom instructor in whatever way that is requested.

Good group counselors are the ones that act as surrogate parents for their 12 campers, reminding them to brush their teeth and encouraging them to eat something besides ice cream for lunch. Group counselors are also usually a 13th member of their group, and are allowed to participate in all camp activities such as the morning tournament games and analysis, and evening fun activities like the blitz tournament. At the discretion of their instructor, they will receive an evaluation at the end of camp, just
like the campers.

Floating counselors are responsible for setting up the computers and projectors in the classrooms, rearranging chairs in the main ballroom for simuls and other events, and whatever else odd jobs need to be done. They may also participate in some or all of the chess activities. About 80% of our counselors participate in at least some of the chess activities.

Requirements:

The ability to function well with a minimal amount of sleep is a necessity. A sense of responsibility and urgency are also required. Counselors must follow directions quickly and efficiently, and work as part of a team with other staff members. The best counselors have the ability to keep things in perspective and maintain a sense of humor. (Remember, camp is supposed to be fun.) Prior experience supervising children in Scouts, sports, school, church, or any other organization is a big plus.

Compensation:

Counselors receive free room and board for the week (a $400 value), 2 collared staff shirts and one camp t-shirt, plus free entry into the Grand Prix during the final weekend of camp. Counselors also get a gift certificate for $100, if there is money left over after all the bills are paid. (We run on a pretty tight margin.)

Really though, nobody does it for the shirts, or for the all-you-can-eat cafeteria food, or for the gift certificate. They do it because they're just as nuts about chess as the campers, and they want to be immersed in it 24/7. That said, applying to be a counselor should never be viewed as a way to get “free camp.” Nor is it for parents who are only concerned about watching their own kid like a hawk and ignoring the rest of their group. Counselors are expected to put all of the campers' needs above their own.

How to apply:

We generally have more people who want to be counselors than we have spots available, so write an email to jennifer@castlechess.org and explain why you are interested in the position and why you think you would be good at it. Interviews (either in person or over the phone) and/or references will be requested.