So, what does a Jabberwocky counselor DO anyway?
The easy answer to that question is EVERYTHING. You name it, we do it. From sun up to sun down and all the hours in between, 24/7. Each counselor is assigned a camper, or in some cases a group of campers, whom you will help with all of their daily needs. And we do mean ALL — everything from getting dressed in the morning, taking a shower after the beach, dancing at a band concert and getting under those covers at night. Depending on your campers needs, of course.
|
So, how old must I be to work with campers at Jabberwocky?
Counselors' ages are set by the state of Massachusetts. Counselors must be 18 years of age or a graduate from high school. Junior Counselors must be 16 years of age and will assist counselors. ALL must go through an orientation period.
|
|
Counselors also take part in the daily upkeep of Camp, which includes doing various assigned chores, keeping cabins and common areas clean, helping with laundry and sometimes food preparation overseen by our certified Servsafe cook. While specific chores are assigned to each counselor, everyone working at camp usually pitches in whenever or wherever they're needed. Counselors also lead classes in areas where they might have experience or creative interest such as dance, theater, sports, or art. If you don't have any experience or interest in anything, that's ok! Make something up!
|
What is the daily schedule like?
There really is no typical day at Camp Jabberwocky. No day is like the one before and hardly any day goes according to plan. Normally the wake up bell rings around 7:30 or 8:00 (a harsh reality for those that choose to chat late into the night). After breakfast and announcements, counselors gather campers in smaller groups and run several different morning classes, anything from music to basketball to pottery to yoga to movement/dance. Some campers may gather on the porch to sing songs with one of our talented counselors playing the guitar.
|
Lunch is usually around 12 and the beach is often frequented by a large group of rambunctious Jabberwockians in the afternoon. The town of Vineyard Haven, where ice cream eating is the favored activity, is a short walk from the camp and a nice alternative to the beach on a cloudy or rainy day. Sometimes we're invited to go clam digging or fishing or hay riding by local residents or organizations. If they invite us, we'll go!
| |
|
After showers and a little down time (if you're lucky) dinner is served and then we're off to that night's evening activity! And you never know what kind of fun that will bring... Jabberwocky in the past has been host to magicians and belly dancers, a capella groups and Irish step dancers. We've been to the circus, the street fair, and the fireworks. We do drumming and cookouts on the beach, watch the sunsets from West Chop, and even early evening boat rides! Sometimes we just stay at camp, get up on stage in the studio and entertain ourselves by making each other laugh. You get the picture... anything goes!
|
|
How much time will I be committing to as a counselor?
Lots! The basic answer is 5 weeks and change. Counselors arrive about a week before the campers to help set up (and attend training) and stay a few days after to help clean up, wind down and rest up (remember you are on Martha's Vineyard). Depending on our needs we do sometimes allow counselors to work for only part of a session, but we overwhelmingly encourage counselors to stay for the whole time, especially if it is their first summer. It takes a few days just to get in the rhythm of Camp and learn the routine from the others. Counselors usually get about one night off per week and days off can be arranged ahead of time if needed. Believe it or not, we find that counselors like to stick around here as much as they can!
Back to Top
|
|
Will I get paid?
Simple answer, “no.” Because we try to foster an atmosphere of true friendship and reciprocal learning, it is important that all counselors who work at Jabberwocky volunteer their time. Keep in mind though that your living expenses while at the camp are very low. We provide a place to sleep, excellent food, entertainment and even late night snacks like home-made chocolate chip cookies (baked while you sit around the kitchen late at night and not to be missed)!
Back to Top
|
Can I get college or work credit for this?
Sometimes college or medical students have been able to get credit for their work here, but it is important to understand that this should not serve as a motivation to be at Camp. Your overriding reason for becoming a counselor should be your own personal desire to have this kind of experience.
Back to Top
| |
Can I request to live only with a certain type of camper (i.e. “female”, “no lifting” etc.)?
In general, the answer to this question is “no”. You need to be prepared to assist wherever you are most needed at Jabberwocky. Flexibility is important. We try to match our counselors with the best camper groups, but we cannot promise to accommodate specific requests and it is important that you understand and appreciate this. Please note that while women are often asked to assist male campers with dressing and bathing, male counselors are not asked to assist women in private situations. Back to Top
|
|
