The hallmark of a WK counselor is the enthusiasm, energy and care they bring to the creation of a summer community in which children can thrive. It's a rewarding job that will stretch you. Lodge Living Each staff member is assigned (with one or two partners) to live with a particular age group in a bunk. A typical bunk consists of 10 - 15 campers of the same grade level. This is a challenging job, since the bunk becomes a camper's "home away from home" while at WK. Campers have many jobs to perform every day (like bunk cleanup), and they frequently work together as a team. Our bunk counselors facilitate this team building and also spend much time and effort modeling and teaching respect, sharing and group spirit. Daily Programming Every staff member offers four instructional periods to campers each day in our program of daily choice. You will have guidance and support in your daily programming, but you really get to decide what you want to offer. This is one of the aspects of Camp Wingate Kirkland that counselors seem to enjoy the most. The campers also get to choose what they want to take each day. This "marketplace" presents an exciting challenge to staff members, since they need to be constantly aware of camper interests and be flexible enough to meet them. Most counselors rapidly achieve the right "mix", and this is an exhilarating feeling. Community Time Adults in a residential camp have twenty four hour-a-day responsibility for the welfare of the campers and the community. Friendships between staff and campers at WK cross lodge placements and activity interests, so special talks during meals and free times are often the most treasured parts of the camp season. Our Commitment to Counselors We want you to achieve success in each of the three areas detailed above. To accomplish this goal, Camp Wingate Kirkland has set up a strong network of leaders to support the staff. There is a lodge leader assigned to each age group to serve as a sounding-board for ideas and a trouble-shooter for problems. This leader also runs a bunk meeting with each lodge weekly, to assess its condition and bring any concerns to the forefront so they can be resolved. In the daily program, support comes in the form of specific area directors (waterfront, arts, drama, athletics, etc.) and a general program director. These leaders can help plan a period, get resources, give feedback on teaching -- make your program a success. Of course, Will and Sandy are always available as directors to discuss concerns and solve problems as well!