Camp Staff FAQ's & Packing List

A PREARRIVAL GUIDE FOR STAFF MEMBERS

Before Camp Page 2

Travel Page 3 - 4
Orientation Page 4
Dress Code Page 5
Packing List Page 6
Shipping & Mailing Page 7
Camp Life Page 8- 9
Time Off Page 9
Summer 2023 Schedule Page 10
Getting Paid Page 11
Medical Forms Page 12
Application Flow Page 13
Contact Information Page 14
 Before Camp

Q: I just got hired! Now what?

A: We’re so excited to have you join our team this summer! The most
important thing you should do before camp starts is complete all of your
employment paperwork through WorkBright. It’s important that we have
all required documents on file before you leave for camp. Additionally,
make sure you read through our FAQs so you can see frequently asked
questions from our staff members! We’ll send you emails as we get closer to
the start of camp but don’t hesitate to reach out to your Camp Director.

Q: Is there a way to talk to other staff going to camp before the summer
starts?
A: Yes! You can request to join the staff Discord group at
https://discord.gg/AT74N4djdd

This is a great place to ask questions and get connected to other staff
members. Remember that this is a page run by The Fresh Air Fund and the
impression you make on the page translates to how others will perceive
you on Day 1. Please be appropriate and respectful on the page!

Also, we ask that staff members not form separate side groups/chats to
ensure that everyone is getting the most accurate answers to their
questions. If you have a question about something, it’s likely that someone
else has the same question so we want to make sure that staff across all
camps can see the answers. Our page administrators will answer all of your
questions!

Q: Where else can I get a feel for what camp will be like?
A: Follow The Fresh Air Fund on Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to
see photos and bios of our campers and staff.

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 Travel

Q: When do I leave for camp?

A: Start dates vary by the specific position a staff member is hired for.
The 2023 start dates are:
Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Program Directors, CIT
Directors, Director of specialists & Nurses June 9
All Other Administrative Staff & Waterfront Staff June 12
Program Specialists, Teen Program Specialists, CIT Staff, Ropes &
Farm Staff June 15
General Counselors June 19

Q: How do I get to camp?

A: Staff can either take a Fresh Air Fund bus from New York City or drive/get
dropped off at camp. As camp gets closer, we will send emails with
additional details about camp departures.

Fresh Air Fund Bus to Camp:

The Fresh Air Fund provides free transportation from New York City to
camp. All staff should be at the departure location listed below at 3pm on
their scheduled start date.

June 12 & 15 - FAF Office - 633 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017

June 19 - Riverbank State Park - 679 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10031

Driving/Getting Dropped Off:

If you are driving or getting dropped off at camp, you should arrive between
5pm – 6pm on your scheduled start date.

Location:
Camps: ABC, Mariah, Hayden Marks, Tommy, & Hidden Valley
Sharpe Reservation - 436 Van Wyck Lake Road, Fishkill, NY 12524.
Camp Junior
Harriman State Park - 629 Tiorati Brook Rd, Southfields, NY 10975

Q: I’m coming to camp from out of town. Where should I fly/travel into and
when?
A: All of our departure locations are easily accessible from all New York City
airports (JFK, Newark and LaGuardia), Port Authority Bus Terminal and
Penn Station. You should plan your arrival into NYC so you have enough
time to arrive at our departure location by 3pm.
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 Travel
Q: I’m arriving into NYC before my scheduled start date. Can I come to
camp early?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate early arrivals. If you decide
to come to NYC early, you are responsible for your accommodations until
your start date.

Q: Where can I stay if I arrive in NYC before my start date?

A: There are many places to stay in NYC for every budget! You can stay in a
hotel, hostel or Airbnb. We recommend checking out your hotel or hostel
on TripAdvisor before you book and reviewing the renter’s rating on Airbnb
to make sure it’s recommended by other travelers!

Q: When should I plan to fly home?

A: The last day of camp is August 18. Staff who need to return to New York
City can take the bus back from camp with our campers and will be
dismissed once all of their campers have been picked up. Staff will return
into Riverbank State Park on 145th Street and Riverside Drive.

If you are leaving from NYC on August 18, we encourage you to book a
ticket for evening travel (after 7pm would be best). The time that you return
into NYC varies by camp but there are often bus delays due to traffic so it’s
always better to leave extra time to get to the airport, bus station or train
station.
Orientation Questions
Q: Is orientation required? What if I worked at camp before?
A: All staff are required to participate in our orientation program which runs
before our campers arrive. Orientation is mandatory for new and returning
staff members.

Q: Do I get to go home during orientation?

A: No. Staff should plan to be at camp from their start date through the end
of the first session. You will not have the chance to go home during
orientation. If you have any scheduling conflicts, please contact your camp
director immediately to discuss this.

Q: How will I know what to expect for camp and how to do my job
correctly?
A: From the time that you arrive at camp until the first day that campers
arrive, you will be in orientation. During this time, you will go through
important details of your day-to-day responsibilities, receive training on
many different topics and get to know your co-workers before the campers
arrive! This time is crucial to the success of your summer.
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 Dress Code

Q: What is the dress code at camp?

A: Since you are working with children, dress code is very important. You
should plan to wear comfortable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts and jeans
but be mindful of the message you are sending to the children you are
working with. A good rule of thumb: If you aren’t sure if it’s appropriate,
leave it at home.

Inappropriate clothing can include: explicit language, vulgar

sayings/pictures, sayings/pictures that support illegal or unhealthy
behavior, references to smoking/alcohol/ drugs, revealing clothing (backless
tops, crop tops, short shorts, see-through/sheer clothing).

You must wear closed-toed shoes at all times since the terrain at camp can
be uneven and rocky. Crocs are not allowed at camp, and flip-flops are only
allowed in the shower.

All swimwear should be appropriate for swimming with children. Women’s

bathing suits must be one-piece suits or tankinis that provide full coverage.
No bikinis. Men’s bathing suits should be shorts. No speedo/racing styles.
Please see the next page for a full packing list.

Q: What about dyed hair, tattoos and/or piercings? Are those allowed at
camp?
A: Staff can have dyed hair at camp. Tattoos are also fine as long as they are
not offensive or inappropriate for working with children. Staff can have
piercings but should be prepared to take them out for the ropes course if
needed.

Q: Will I get a camp shirt?

A: All staff will receive one Fresh Air Fund shirt to wear on departure and
arrival days. You won’t need to wear them on a daily basis.

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 Packing List

CLOTHING TOILETRIES
Shorts Shampoo, soap, deodorant
T-shirts Toothbrush, toothpaste
Long pants/trousers Insect Repellent (non-aerosol)
Sweatshirts Sunscreen
Socks and underwear (you can
never bring too many!) ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME
1 Jacket (temperatures can vary) Curling Irons/Blow
Swimsuits Dryers/Straighteners
Raincoat with a hood or poncho Clothing Irons/Steamers
1 nicer outfit for end of session Crocs/Flip Flops
banquets Expensive or sentimental items
Camp Mariah Staff only - 1 such as jewelry, electronics, etc.
professional/business outfit for Aerosol cans
the Career Fair
Closed-toed sneakers that are OPTIONAL ITEMS
sturdy Rain boots
Shower shoes Sleeping bag
Shower caddy
EQUIPMENT Camera
2 Towels (for showers and Musical instruments
waterfront) Extra batteries
Waterproof watch Battery-powered
Flashlight/torch lantern/headlamp
Small backpack (day pack) Playing cards, games and/or
Water bottle books to share with your
Alarm Clock (battery operated) campers
Farm staff - please bring a pair of Costume items for event/theme
work gloves, barn boots and days (such as capes, crazy
work clothes. glasses, etc.)

HELPFUL HINTS
If you do not want to pack a sleeping bag, you can buy one at Walmart
on your first day off during orientation.
Don’t overpack! You will have limited space at camp to store your
belongings so keep that in mind when you are packing.
Staff can bring suitcases or backpacks/rucksacks to camp. Just
remember that space is limited and you should only pack what you can
carry around NYC and camp. Pick the option that’s going to be easiest
for you to get around!
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 Shipping & Mailing

If you would like to send or pick up items/ toiletries to camp, you can ship
items to the addresses below. Be sure to let your camp director know so
that they can communicate with the operations team.

CAMP ABC, CAMP MARIAH, CAMP TOMMY, CAMP HAYDEN MARKS,

CAMP HIDDEN VALLEY

Shipping Address
Your Name
The Fresh Air Fund - Camp Name
436 Van Wyck Lake Rd,
Fishkill, NY 12524

CAMP JUNIOR

Shipping Address
Your Name
The Fresh Air Fund - Camp Junior
P.O Box 12
Stony Point, NY 10980

If your package wont ship to a PO Box, use this address:

Your Name
The Fresh Air Fund - Camp Junior
436 Van Wyck Lake Rd
Fishkill, NY 12524

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 Camp Life

Q: What is provided at camp?

A: We provide bedding (sheets, blanket and a pillow) for all staff members
but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Staff members also
receive three meals a day during camp.

Q: What are the cabins like? Is there air conditioning?

A: Our accommodations are rustic, and most cabins do not have electricity
or bathrooms. The bathrooms are located a short walk away from the cabin
and have running water and electricity. We do not have air conditioning at
camp.

Q: How do I do laundry?
A: We have free laundry services on site with laundry detergent available for
your use. However, you can always bring your laundry elsewhere (home for
local staff, or into town) during your days/nights off and session breaks.

Q: What’s the food like? What if I have a dietary restriction?

A: Our dining halls are full of kid-friendly foods. There is a fresh salad bar
available during lunch and dinner and fresh fruit is offered throughout the
day. There is always a vegetarian option at every meal. Please let us know
during orientation if you have any dietary restrictions.

Q: Do I get to use my phone during camp?

A: Camp is a tech-free zone. You cannot use your phone while you are on
duty so your phone must be out of sight at all times. This is a wonderful
opportunity to get to know our incredible kids and staff, and technology
hinders these connections! You will have the opportunity to stay connected
with family and friends during your time off.

Q: The packing list says that I need an alarm clock. Can I just use my
phone?
A: Camp is tech-free so you cannot use your phone as an alarm clock.
Please make sure you bring an alarm clock or you can buy one during
orientation. Many cabins do not have electricity to charge your phone so
you cannot rely on your phone always being charged.

Q: Can I bring my car to camp?

A: Yes! If you have a car, you can keep it in your camp’s designated parking
lot. You will get a parking pass to put in the window of your car during
orientation.

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 Camp Life

Q: I don’t have a car. How will I be able to get around during my time off?
A:We provide transportation for staff on their days/evenings off on the
camp van. The van loops around the five camps into town and there is a
schedule posted at each camp. The van will also make a morning trip to the
train station for staff who want to go to NYC on their day off.

Q: Is there a designated location for smoking?

A: Smoking is completely prohibited on camp grounds. You will not be able
to leave camp at any point to smoke. We have a zero-tolerance policy for
those who smoke on camp property.

Q: Is there a place that I can store my valuables?

A: Confirm with your camp director.

Time Off

Q: When do I get time off?

A: Time off works differently at each camp but generally, staff will receive
one full day and one night off per session. Staff will also receive time off in
between camp sessions. Time off will be covered in more detail and
scheduled during orientation.

Q: When are the intersession breaks?

A: Time off occurs between the end of one session and the beginning of the
next. The 2023 session dates are on the next page.

Q: Do I have to leave camp property during this time?

A: All local and NYC staff must leave camp during session breaks. US staff
who are out of state and international staff have the option to stay at camp
but most people take the opportunity to travel during the break! For staff
staying on property, meals will be provided and the shuttle into town will
run throughout the day. All camp rules and curfews are in effect during the
session breaks.

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 Summer 2023 Schedule

ORIENTATION

Admin/Nurses/Lifeguards Arrive Monday 12th June

Program Specialists/Teen
Thursday 15th June
Program Specialist Arrive

General Counsleors Arrive Monday 19th June

CAMP ABC, CAMP HAYDEN-MARKS, CAMP TOMMY, CAMP HIDDEN-VALLEY

Session 1 Wednesday 28th June - Friday july 7th (9 nights, 10 days)

Session 2 Monday 10th July - Thursday July 20th (10 night, 11 days)

In Service Training day Sunday July 23rd

Session 3 Monday July 24th - Thursday August 3rd (10 nights, 11 days)

Session 4 Monday August 7th - Thursday August 17th (10 nights, 11 days)

Staff Depart Friday 18th August

Directors/Admin clean up
Friday Aug 18th - Sunday Aug 20th
(ALL CAMPS)

CAMP JUNIOR

Session 1 Thursday June 29th - Saturday July 8th (9 nights, 10 days)

Session 2 Tuesday July 11th - Friday July 21st (10 nights, 11 days)

In service training day Monday July 24th

Session 3 Tuesday July 25th - Friday August 4th (10 nights, 11 days)

Session 4 Tuesday August 8th - Thursday August 17th (9 nights 10 days)

Staff Depart Friday 18th August

CAMP MARIAH

Session 1 Wednesday June 28th - Thurs July 20th (22 nights, 23 days)

In Service Training Tuesday July 25th

Session 2 Wed July 26th - Thursday August 17th (22 nights, 23 days)

Staff Depart Friday August 18th

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 Getting Paid

Q: How much do I get paid and how do I receive it?

A: Your camp contract will state how much you are getting paid for the
summer. Please remember that the amount listed on your contract is what
you make before taxes. We will take taxes out of your paycheck based on
the information you provide on your W-4 form.
Staff will receive four paychecks throughout the summer. All paychecks will
be paid by check. Unfortunately, we cannot pay staff through direct deposit.

Q: When will I get paid?

As outlined on your contract, the payment schedule is biweekly.

Q: When do I receive my travel stipend?

A: Staff who are eligible to receive a travel stipend (those who live over 300
miles away) will receive the money in their last paycheck.

Q: Can I get internship credit for my time at camp?

A: We are happy to assist staff members who wish to earn college credits
for working at camp. You should first check with your college to see if you
are eligible to receive credit for your job at camp and then discuss any
requirements ahead of time with your Camp Director to ensure that all
necessary paperwork can be completed.

Employment Paperwork

Q: Where do I find the paperwork that I need to fill out for camp?
A: All of the documents that are required for employment are found on your
ADP and WorkBright account. All forms must be uploaded to the system by
the deadlines listed online.

Q: I submitted copies of my IDs for my I-9 form online. Do I still need to

bring the originals to camp with me? (US STAFF ONLY)
A: Yes! We are required to see your I-9 documentation in person during
orientation. You must bring the same documents that you submitted
through WorkBright in order to get paid. We cannot process your
paycheck until we have seen these documents.

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 Medical Forms & Medication at Camp

Q: Do I need a physical/health examination for camp?

A: Yes. All staff members are required to have an exam with a medical
professional in order to work at camp. The exam needs to be dated August
18th, 2022 or later. This form must be signed and dated and must have the box
checked off that you are able to participate in strenuous activity.

We must have this form, proof of vaccination, and your immunization records
on file before you arrive at camp.

Q: Can I use a health examination form that I received for school, athletics,
etc.?
A: We will review other health examination forms on a case by case basis to
determine if we can use it in place of our form. It still must be dated June 1,
2022 or later.

Q: What if I can’t get the medical form filled out before camp?
A: Please contact us at camping@freshair.org to discuss this.

Q: What if I don’t have health insurance or a doctor that I can go see? How
can I get this form filled out?
A: Many pharmacies have walk-in clinics where you can get our medical form
filled out. CVS Minute Clinic is a great place to start. You can find a nearby clinic
that does camp physicals and make an appointment online at:
https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator

Q: I am an international staff member and already submitted a medical form

through my agency. Do I still need to get yours filled out?
A: You can submit your agency’s form in place of ours ONLY IF it’s a health
examination. If it is a health history form that did not include an exam, you will
need to get ours filled out by a doctor. If the form is a health examination, then
you can submit a copy of the agency medical form in place of ours.

Q: I take medication. How does that work at camp?

A: When you arrive at camp, all staff members will get checked in at the
infirmary by a Camp Nurse. You will keep your medication at the infirmary
during the summer since we cannot have medications in the cabins with the
campers. Please bring enough medication with you for the full duration of your
contract. Depending on your health insurance, it can be difficult to refill
prescriptions during the summer at a pharmacy near camp.

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 Application Flow

1. Application on ADP
2. Interview
3. If international: Complete ADP application
a.
4. If references are required, submit references to
receive your offer letter
5. Sign your offer letter
6. If domestic, complete your background check
7. Complete your ADP portal
a. I-9
b. W-4
c. Emergency contact form
8. Gain access to workbright to submit the following
forms:
a. confidentiality agreement
b. physical
c. health history form,
d. volunteer disclosure
e. internationals
i. passport
ii. visa
iii. dvs (background check)
 Any other questions?
Feel free to contact your camp director

Camp ABC - Briii Jones - bjones@freshair.org

Camp Mariah - Byllye Taylor - btaylor@freshair.org
Camp Hayden Marks - Derrick Martin - dmartin@freshair.org
Camp Hidden Valley - Kanston McIver - kmciver@freshair.org
Camp Tommy - Roberto Gil - rgil@freshair.org
Camp Junior - Kayla Paulino - kpaulino@freshair.org

or
camping@freshair.org!

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