Staff – Commonly Asked Questions
Do I have to be a previous camper to apply to work at Green River Preserve?
No, we encourage anyone who has the desire to work with children and loves the outdoors to apply to work at the Green River Preserve. Each summer we have returning counselors, but we also have many new staff members who bring wonderful energy, experiences and ideas to our program.
Can I earn credit for school?
There are many aspects of a counselor’s job that can provide the experience for an official internship, complete with college credits. We are happy to work with counselors and their school department to make working at summer camp apply to numerous school department internship requirements.
Will working at a camp enrich my resume?
Of course! Most professionals understand that camp is much more than capture the flag and camp fires. You are responsible for the safety, enrichment, and supervision of several campers 24 hours a days. This is a job that requires you to make positive choices quickly, work in a team atmosphere, and be able to perform with a great attitude after long hours and sometimes high-pressure situations.
Where do I live while working at camp?
The counselor live in the cabin with the campers. Our mentors live in the mentor lodge and share a room and bathroom with another mentor. The camp nurses are housed in the infirmary. Expedition staff live primitively in the field.
What is a typical day like at the Green River Preserve?
A typical day at camp begins with the morning mentor hike. Mentors (counselors assisting) lead a group of campers on hikes throughout the preserve. Exploration of waterfalls, caves, mountaintops and valley floors are part of these hikes.
Activities are held in the afternoon. Each camper picks his or her activities, and staff members serve as instructors in two to three activity areas based on their personal preference, skill level, and past experiences.
Campouts and group learning projects highlight each session.
How many staff members are hired each summer?
At base camp during the summer, we hire 32 cabin counselors and about 12 mentors to work at camp. Each session there are 2 nurses that generally work by session. There is 3 expedition staff for the expeditions.
How old are the campers at the Green River Preserve?
Green River Preserve campers at base camp are rising 2nd through rising 9th graders. Our expedition programs are for high school age campers to rising college freshmen.
What is the salary for working at the Green River Preserve?
The starting salary for a position at the Green River Preserve is comparative with other camps in our area. The base salary can increase according to your responsibilities, skills, and experience. Room, board and laundry are included for the duration of your employment.
Do staff have to work all summer?
We prefer to hire counselors and expedition staff that are able to work the entire summer. Mentors and nurses can be hired by session as long as they are available for staff training or have previous Green River Preserve experience.
Where do the campers and staff come from?
Many of our campers are from North and South Carolina, but we have campers from all over the country and a few from different parts of the world. Many of our staff are also from North and South Carolina, however we have a growing amount of staff from all over the country!
What are meals like at camp?
GRP food is yummy and nutritious. Options for dietary needs and vegetarians are available at all meals. In addition to the meal entrée breakfast includes a cereal bar; lunch and dinner include a salad bar, vegetarian bar, and peanut butter and jelly. The Green River Preserve farm is one of our sustainability projects and provides fresh produce for our farm to table meal program.
Is there a staff lounge?
Yes, we have a small staff lounge with two computers and a telephone.
Will I be able to communicate with the outside world?
Unplugging from the world of electronics and phones are a bonus with working at camp; however, if you want to stay in touch the GRP staff lounge is equipped with wi-fi internet access and a private telephone. Sorry, cell phones do not work at GRP. There is no cell service in our valley.
