Chris Thurber has written an excellent article on how to write about camp jobs on your resume. This is a great read for our previous staff, as it shows how to celebrate the importance of camp to non-camp people who might be reading your resume.

More than that though, it’s a good read for anyone applying to work at camp, or anywhere else for that matter. My favorite big ideas from this article:

• The wording you use can make a HUGE difference in how your job experience is perceived. Be professional, and don’t use “camp-specific” words that no one else will understand.
• Spelling and grammatical errors are not acceptable. Period. (I love this line: “Those who think that my little thought-train sounds harsh are the ones who won’t get choice jobs. It’s as simple as that.”) I agree. If you don’t care enough to proofread your resume, will you care about your job?
• Camp IS a “real job”. Another quote: “No responsibility rivals that of caring for children.” I understand this – I want to work with other people who understand it, too.

At the beginning of the 2010 Summer season we were in the unfortunate position of having to replace a counselor at the last minute. Luckily for us, Mikayla had a brother! Dakota is a lover of all sports, especially hockey and baseball, so it’s no surprise that he will be working with the Senior Sports group again this year. Welcome back, Dakota!

Cassie, Jr Counselor

I’m pleased to introduce Cassie Sharp, one of our newest staff members. Despite her young age Cassie is already an accomplished athlete in a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, & hockey in particular. In fact, she recently received an invitation to attend tryouts for Team Ontario! In addition to Cassie’s athletic qualifications, she also has lots of experiences working with children in the community, and is interested in becoming a teacher. Cassie will be working with the Shoots age group this summer.

Welcome to MKDC, Cassie!

Hope - Sr Counselor

Hope is one of the new additions to our staff this year, and will be our Sr. Counselor in the Heartwood – Sports group. She comes to us with lots of prior experience working with children through babysitting and co-op placements at local schools. In addition, she has some had some very unique volunteering experiences building schools and working with children in the Dominican Republic. Hope plans to become a teacher in the future. Welcome to MKDC, Hope!

Hanna - Arts Jr Counselor

This is Hanna’s third year at MKDC and her second as a member of staff. After a successful summer as a counselor-in-training in 2010 she is returning as a Junior Counselor, and will once again be working with the arts group in the Senior Unit. Hanna’s biggest strengths are her calm demeanor and her ability to come up with really interesting art project ideas. Welcome back, Hanna!

Mikayla

We love our returning staff! Mikayla came to us as a late hire last summer, and quickly became a special part of our team. She is generally known as one of our “cuddliest” counselors and can often be found with at least two sprouts campers sitting in her lap! She also has a very competitive sports background (especially hockey) and will be attending an Emergency Responder college program in the fall. Mikalya will be working as a Sr Counselor in our Junior (Sprouts & Shoots) unit this summer. Welcome back Mikayla!

Ian - Sprouts Counselor, Unit Leader, & Our New Secret Weapon!

Ok, I admit it… I am developing a habit of hiring my friends.

I’m not ashamed of it, though! In fact I’m proud of it, because I know without a doubt that these awesome people will have a positive impact on our campers and the overall culture of camp.

My good friend Ian is no exception. While new to MKDC, he comes to us with a wealth of experience working with young children, as well as with children with special needs. He has a wonderfully strange variety of talents, including writing, knitting, and baking, and, like me, practically grew up in a theatre. (I suspect he may be our new secret weapon for colour war breaks.)

Ian will be working as Junior Unit Leader and Senior Counselor to the Sprouts. And here is a bonus photo to show you just why he’s a perfect choice to work with our littlest campers:

Awww!

[Hopefully Ian is still speaking to me since I posted this]

Cait - Arts Counselor, Unit Leader, & Marketer Extraodinaire!

Cait was first introduced to the wonders of MKDC last summer as our arts counselor, after performing with me in Orion Theatre Company’s production of RENT. After throwing her in the deep end of camp life in 2010, I think she just might be on her way to becoming a “lifer” – she’s been helping me with planning for summer 2011 since back in January!

This year, Cait will be returning to MKDC in a new dual role of Sr Arts Counselor & Unit Leader. In addition to leading the arts portion of our programming, she will also be overseeing all of the staff & campers in the Senior Unit. She will make sure that schedules run smoothly and that all of our older campers are happy and healthy. She also has some GREAT top-secret ideas for colour war!

During the spring months, Cait will be assisting me with various marketing activities, so you’ll probably see her at our spring community events.

Welcome back, Cait! Give’r!

I don't have any staff shots from this year yet, but here's a fun one from last summer! (Those are laser tag guns by the way)

One of the biggest pieces of our summer puzzle is now complete! After many weeks of e-mails, applications, interviews, and reference checks, MKDC’s team for summer 2011 is now chosen and ready to go! I couldn’t be happier. Our campers are so lucky! In addition to the many awesome returning staff from last year, we also have some newcomers on board that I just know will bring fabulous new ideas and energy!

If you just don’t want to wait until camp to meet my amazing staff, please come and visit us at Maple Fest on April 30th, or at the Perth Bike Rodeo on May 15th. We will also be holding our annual MKDC Open House on July 2nd. The countdown to summer is on!

Stay tuned in future blog posts for individual introductions of each of these amazing people!

Jr Unit Staff (Sprouts & Shoots)

• Ian Jenner – Unit Leader
• Mikayla Henry – Sr Counselor
• Cassie Sharp – Jr Counselor
• Colleen Cosens – CIT

Sr Unit Staff (Heartwood Sports & Arts)

• Cait Morton – Unit Leader
• Hope Kamerman – Sr Counselor
• Hanna Fournier – Jr Counselor
• Dakota Henry – Jr Counselor

The Sprouts girls read books with Mikayla during siesta

Sonia, our Sports Sr Counselor & favorite climbing tree!

Quotes of the day:

“I’m not very authoratistic.” – LIT Liam

“That was a great wardrobe choice.” – Cait