What are the requirements for becoming a counselor?
Counselors must be at least 16 years of age. Counselors under 18 will never be left alone in charge of campers.
Our counselors are required to undergo intensive training including topics such as Child Abuse Prevention, Risk Management, Behavioral Management, Stranger Danger, Fundamental Counseling skills, Health & Safety, Discipline Techniques,
and other specialty training.
Does the camp conduct background checks on counselors?
Each counselor must present a copy of their criminal history certified by their local Police Department before offered a position. We must also receive three written references from each applicant.
Do the counselors have special training in working with kids?
We train staff in various topics of behavioral management such as homesickness, bullying, etc. How to deal with other special needs such as shyness, bedwetting, sleepwalking, show-offs, crushes, smokers, attention-seekers, dishonesty, name-callers, and many, many more.
How close is the nearest hospital?
The nearest hospital is Three Rivers Area Hospital, less than a 10-minute drive from camp.
What kind of medical staff does the camp have?
At least one, and often three Health Officers on site 24/7, one RN or LPN on site throughout summer, EMT on site 24/7, additional EMT and RN at various peak times throughout season, Doctor available for emergency visits with no notice.
What is the policy on bullying? Do they send them home? Do they call the bully's parents? Do they call you?
Bullying is absolutely not acceptable under any circumstances. We will try our best
to resolve the situation. If no improvement is shown after counselors have worked with both parties,
we will call the parents.
Do the counselors know how to deal with bullying?
Yes, these behaviors are covered in several training sessions throughout the staff training period.
What is the phone policy?
We don't promote phone calls between parents and children due to
the homesickness issues
a call may bring up. If a child is miserable and not responding to counselors' management
of the homesickness, then we will call the parents and have the camper speak with them.
In other cases, (child forgot to bring a blanket, etc.) of course we can make
a quick call! Parents are welcome to call at any time to check on their campers -
we will follow up and see how they're doing, and have either a secretary, counselor, or
the camper return the call.
How hard is it to get in touch with your child? Can you call them any time of the day?
Camp Eberhart's emergency number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, our
Director's cell phone is also available 24/7.
What other questions should I ask?
Camp Eberhart is accredited by the
American Camping Association
- please visit their website for more information and recommendations. As
always, if you have further questions, please contact us; we welcome your call or
email
at any time.
