Staff Web - FAQs / Contact Us

1. What can I do if I need to leave early?
Because the children's successes are largely contingent on our ability to provide them with
individualized programming throughout the entirety of their summer, all staff are required
to work the full summer. Please contact us if you have a specific date concern.

2. Can I receive academic credit for working at Starfish?
Yes. However, receiving credit for your work at Starfish must be approved and
administered by a professor, academic adviser, department chair, or dean before you
arrive at camp. We will, of course, be more than happy to complete any of the requisite
forms and help ensure that once you arrive at camp, you have access to the resources you
need to complete papers, time logs, etc., as required by your school. (read more here)

3. Is this a volunteer position, or are
the staff paid for their work?
All of the positions at Camp Starfish are paid.

4. I don't have a lot of experience working
with children...especially those who have
special needs. Can I still apply for a job?
Previous experience is not required.
Our one-to-one staff to camper ratio helps provide
an incredible amount of support for all staff. We
also have an intensive weeklong training before
the campers arrive. The training (run by our Camp
Director, Associate Director and well-experienced leadership staff, along with guest
speakers) helps provide counselors with a substantial foundation for working with children
who have special needs. Our leadership & supervisory staff also provide the counselors
with a significant amount of guidance and support throughout each camp day (read more)

5. What is the campers' age range? How many campers are there?
The campers generally range in age from 7 - 15. We are a co-ed camp, usually with an
approximately equal number of girls and boys. Many of our campers have been coming for
years -- some since the first summer we opened! -- and others are new each year. Each
session has between 38-42 campers total.

6. How much time do the children spend at camp?
We have three 18-day sessions, separated by time off for the staff and some inservice
training. Children usually attend one session, though some will attend two. It is intentional
that campers do not spend the entire summer at Starfish; there are many campers on our
waitlist to attend each year, and additionally, due to the intensive structure campers follow
whilst at camp, a break between sessions is often beneficial.

7. What are some of the learning disabilities, as well as the psychological and
neurological disorders with which the children have been diagnosed?
Many of the children have either been clinically diagnosed with or exhibit behaviors
associated with, but not limited to: Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Reactive-Attachment Disorder,
Bi-Polar Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Despite any specific diagnosis, we
focus on behaviors as they arise, working individually with each child on any challenges at
camp and their ongoing goals.

1. What can I do if I need to leave camp early?
2. Can I get academic credit for working at Starfish?
3. Is this a volunteer position, or are staff paid?
4. I don't have a lot of/any experience. Can I apply?
5. What is the age range of the campers?
6. How long are the kids at camp?
7. What are some of the diagnoses the campers have?
8. Are "room & board" provided for staff?
9. Will I get time off while working at camp?
10. What if I have to go to a event/leave for a day?
11. Is Camp Starfish a not-for-profit camp?
12. Is there a deadline for staff applications?
13. How will I get interviewed if I am from far away?
14. What do I need to bring to camp?

expectation that all staff will live in a cabin with campers, though you will have your own,
lockable area for small personal items and a cubby next to your bed for clothes and larger
items.

9. Will I receive time-off while I'm working at Starfish?
Yes, all counselors receive two days-off during each session and two days-off in between
each session. Additionally, you receive time off each day (about an hour or so, which is
enough to grab a nap, run, or shower, check your email, or just chill out, depending on
your mood). On evenings that you do not have coverage in the bunk after lights out you
will also have a few hours off where you can enjoy the staff lounge - watch a movie, catch
up with friends, play a game of cards, get a snack, and relax.

10. What if I have a wedding and I need to leave camp on a specific day?
If you have a specific day that you need as your time-off, and you inform us about it
before the summer begins, we will be able to grant your request.

11. Is Camp Starfish a non-profit camp? How long
has it been around?
Yes, Camp Starfish is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization,
which is an educational non-profit. We are funded by
grants from foundations, corporations, and individuals.
We provide financial-aid to approximately 80% of the
campers (read more here about donations and giving to
Camp). The camp was founded in 1998 by Deb Berman
and Rick Hobish. Our first summer of operation was 2000.

12. Is there a deadline for counselor applications?
We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the
year. The process, however, is fairly competitive so we
recommend applying as soon as possible. Learn more
about the application process, timeline and forms you
need by clicking here.

13. If I live outside of Boston, can I have my interviews over the phone?
Yes. Most of our staff live outside of the greater Boston area, and have their interviews
conducted over the phone. When your application reaches that point, will decide with you on
a mutually beneficial interview time.

14. What do I need to bring with me to camp?
Hired staff receive a Spring Welcome Packet which includes a checklist of recommended
items to bring with you to camp. However, you won't need any "specialized gear" for camp.
Anything needed for your program area - such as paints, sports equipment, etc. - will be
provided, so you only need to bring your own clothes, toiletries and personal items.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email Michelle,
our Associate Director (michelle@campstarfish.org) or call her at 781-890-7827, ext 303.