Staff Frequently Asked Questions

Camp offers staff great opportunities to gain experience in group management, coaching, and leadership. You will work aside seasoned professionals in areas of instruction as well as in the bunks. 

What is a bunk/general counselor?

General counselors are invaluable staff members who spend their whole day with one or more groups of campers.  They are role models who assist and motivate campers whether they are trying to learn a new skill or they have concerns about an issue or idea. Throughout the day general counselors monitor and participate in the group's activities and do everything in their power to make each of their campers' summer the most memorable yet. General counselors work under the supervision of a head of house. General counselors must be fun-loving, patient and genuinely concerned for the welfare and development of young people.

What is a bunk/specialty counselor?

Specialty counselors are individuals who are skilled and experienced in one or more sports or instructional areas. In addition to their bunk duties, they are responsible for daily instruction, coaching and refereeing in their area of expertise. They work with peers in the same specialty area under the guidance of an area head. Specialty areas include all land and water sports, hiking, camping, arts and crafts, fine arts, and more. Specialty counselors must be enthusiastic and patient. They will work with the area head to create lessons balanced with fundamental instruction and fun.

Where is Camp Canyon located and how would I get there?

Located in the beautiful foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in Bethany West Virginia, Canyon is a short 30 minute drive from the Pittsburgh International Airport.  From any location in the Eastern US, Canyon is only a quick flight and short drive. Staff members are generally responsible for their own travel arrangements to/from camp, though in some cases assistance would be available.

How do you choose your staff?

Canyon has a one-of-a-kind staffing arrangement. With a combination of local college level coaches and instructors, American and international "skill specific" professionals and ties to Education/Phys Ed/Recreation programs throughout the US, Canyon's staff sets the standard in the camping industry.

Most of our staff are over the age of 21 and have had prior camping or teaching experience. All staff members attend a pre-camp orientation and receive continued support throughout the summer from Camp Senior Staff and Directors. Staff creativity and enthusiasm is encouraged at Camp Canyon. "Fun" is not only stressed. It's a requirement.

How does the program change when it rains?

Unlike any other camp, Canyon's facilities offer the ability to continue our planned programs rain or shine. Our outdoor fields, courts and specialty areas are beyond comparison, and, we have the unique ability to say, "There are NO rainy days at Canyon." With indoor tennis courts, basketball courts, pool, track, equestrian arenas and multi-purpose centers, there is never a "rain day" at Canyon. Our campers have it all, rain or shine!

Is Camp Canyon a specialty camp or a general camp?

Camp Canyon has the ability to create multiple specialty camp experiences within a traditional camp setting. By combining the best of staff and best of facilities, Canyon creates an opportunity for exceptional instruction and learning in a fun and exciting environment that has possibilities that never end. Our youngest campers are given the opportunity to select at least one specialty where they can receive concentrated instruction in a particular area while they are also scheduled through a set rotation of activities. This ensures that campers receive exposure to a wide variety of camp programs. With quality instruction, our younger campers will have a well-rounded knowledge of each sport and activity and may find a new favorite in the process.

As campers join the older ranks, they are given more opportunities to focus on particular activities and skills they want to improve on and to master. The number of options and the amount of time spent in those options increase as the camper's age and focus increases. Our oldest campers can get as specific or as diversified as they want in their schedules. Canyon can be structured as a completely diverse general camp, a series of one- week specialty camps or a completely focused full-summer specialty camp that still incorporates traditional camp elements.

Is Camp Canyon a single-sex camp or a co-ed camp?

Camp Canyon is a co-ed camp; however instruction is frequently gender specific. The Canyon program intentionally groups athletic instruction by gender and ability within an age group to provide the greatest opportunity for focused instruction and growth. Special gender specific activities are also part of the Canyon Program so that our campers enjoy the camaraderie of a single-sex experience.

At the same time, Canyon offers co-ed camp accessibility for activities and special events that are age appropriate. This gives us the best of both worlds creating a wonderful instructional program while also allowing for traditional co-ed opportunities with age-appropriate social interaction.

What are the dining facilities like?

At Camp Canyon there is a healthy buffet at every meal! Even the picky eater leaves satisfied.

Breakfast includes a selection of cold and hot cereals, fruit, yogurt and a hot dish such as pancakes, French toast, waffles, eggs, etc. Lunch and dinner buffets offer sandwich options such as cold cuts, chicken patties, and salad spreads, as well as a salad bar, pizza/pasta bar and hot dish items including all of the camp favorites: tacos, chicken patties, hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, ribs, etc. Water, Milk and real fruit juices are available at every meal.

Camp Canyon encourages healthy eating habits and encourages each camper to choose healthy, well-balanced meals. Staff members are trained to monitor camper meal choices to assist us in these goals.

Where do counselors live?

Camp counselors live in the same bunk (though not the same room) as the campers that they are assigned to look after and are responsible for the day-to-day management of that specific group of campers, though they will typically have some responsibility for the campers in their wing or division as well. Bunks are converted college suites that include separated bedrooms, two shower/washroom areas, a common area and a kitchen/dining area.

What are the staff dates for 2009?

June 14 to August 8, 2010

• June 14 to June 19: Counselor Orientation & Bunk Setup
• June 20 to June 26: Session 1
• June 27 to July 16: Session 2
• June 17: Visiting Day
• July 18 to August 6: Session 3
• August 6 to August 8: Bunk Closeout and Camp Cleanup

What is the salary for new counselors?

$2,200USD (this includes $1,600 Salary and a $600 Completion Bonus). Salary is paid in 2 increments, and the completion bonus is paid at the end of the summer, in recognition of a great summer's work.

What about days/time off?

Canyon staff members will get 5 days off over the course of the summer season (a 1/2 day of during orientation) and have time off during the day and in the evenings on a periodic basis. Otherwise staff members are on duty all the time.  During their time-off during the day, staff members have full access to camps recreational facilities, unless they are in use by the campers for programming.

What about special personal commitments? Canyon staff members that need special time off for weddings and other personal events will be accommodated if possible - these need to be arranged in advance of the summer and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Once the summer begins, all staff will be required to take their days off as assigned to ensure that camp routines are maintained.

Do you accommodate special medical needs?

We can provide the necessary medical attention in addition to the much needed TLC. We are happy to work with staff on an individual basis regarding specific staff needs.

What is a typical daily schedule?

Every day at Canyon offers something special in the program. However, in general, the schedule that resembles the time frames below:

Are there uniforms at Canyon?

Canyon is a partial uniform camp for Campers and Staff typically receives a few uniform shirts that they wear on certain days/times. Basic uniforms are used for certain activities like field trips, tournaments and other special camp events. Staff members are provided a recommended packing list for their convenience that will include these clothing requirements.

What if I have other questions about Camp Canyon?

We would enjoy speaking with you about all that Camp Canyon has to offer. Prospective staff members are encouraged to call 800-917-1902 or email info@campcanyon.com.