Camp Tel Noar is located in Hampstead, New Hampshire, approximately a 1-hour drive from downtown Boston; 20 minutes from Andover, MA; a 30- minute drive from Manchester, NH.; and a 1 hour-drive from Portsmouth, NH. See directions and a map.
Where do staff members come from?
Staff members are from all over the world though mostly from the northeast United States. We also have staff from Canada, the UK, Eastern Europe and Australia. Each summer we host a delegation of counselors from Israel. Many of our counselors were campers here for many years.
Who are the children I will be working with?
Campers range from age 7 to 15. Most campers come from the Northeast portion of the United States. Our campers are passionate about camp; the day and evening activities, their bunkmates and friends, and the camaraderie they share.
How many counselors and campers are in a cabin?
The number of counselors in a cabin is guided by The American Camp Association standards. The number of counselors varies from 2 to 4, depending on the number of campers in the cabin. There are typically between 10 and 18 campers in each cabin.
What are my responsibilities as a counselor?
Counselors at our camp are responsible for the health and welfare of the campers they live with, and also teach in a specialty area (like tennis or arts & crafts) during the regular camp day schedule.
Is there Internet and phone access at camp?
You may bring your own cell phone to camp, however, it may not be kept in the cabin with your campers. There will be a designated place for you to keep and charge your cell phone; you may not carry it with you throughout the day. We have a computer lab at the camp that has Internet service. This is made available to the staff during time off each day. There is also a pay phone that staff members can use to receive calls or make calls to family and friends
Can I receive calls at camp?
All staff members can receive phone calls on the pay phone at camp. Staff may receive phone calls in the camp office only in the case of an emergency. Messages left on your personal cell phone must be returned during your time off.
How much time off will I have?
Counselors get one free period on most days. Counselors also get free time from lights out to curfew if they are not scheduled for “on duty” cabin supervision. Only a certain number of counselors may leave camp each night. Counselor staff also get 6 days off during the summer. Days off begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at curfew on the following night. Curfew for all staff members is 12:30 am and must be observed.
What is the weather like at Camp?
Most days of New England summers are warm, with daytime temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s Fahrenheit (20’s Celsius). Evening temperatures cool to a comfortable 60°F (16°C). Weather is typically cooler at the beginning of camp (during staff orientation) and at the end of the summer, especially in the evenings. Short periods of higher heat and humidity can be expected, and it does rain during the summer.
What should I pack for camp?
Most of the time you will be wearing lightweight clothing, but bring a sweater or sweatshirt, a light jacket and a raincoat, too. Laundry is sent out and returned the next day once per week.
Camp policy requires that all shoes must have backs and that flip-flops may only be worn to the waterfront.
Camp Tel Noar staff wear camp "Staff" shirts during the program day. A number of shirts will be provided and more are available for purchase.
Should I bring blankets and sheets?
Domestic staff members are expected to bring their own linens. International staff traveling to camp from outside North America are provided with sheets, blankets, a pillow and towels.
Is there a safe place to put my valuables while I am at camp?
Lockers with locks are provided for staff members to store personal belongings of value. We also have an office safe and will be happy to lock up your valuables. We will be available to open the safe at reasonable times.
Is there an ATM machine at or near camp?
There is a bank branch (TD BankNorth) within a very short walking distance of camp with an ATM machine. You may go there during your time off.
When and how do I receive my paycheck for the summer?
You will receive half of your base salary on visiting day of camp. You will receive the other half of your base salary, as well as any other bonuses (except for the completion bonus) on the last day of work once the Camp Director determines that the staff’s camp closing responsibilities are completed. The Completion Bonus is mailed within two weeks of the last day of camp, and only after the Director determines that the job has been completed appropriately and sufficiently.
How do I get around on my day off if I have no car?
Camp will provide transportation to the Haverhill train station (where you can take a train to Boston), or to other local places for your day off. Camp will only provide one drop off and one pick up in the entire 30-hour day off period. This transportation is available at the discretion of the Director in conjunction with all of the other driving and camp needs at the time.
If I take medicine, where do I keep it safely?
All medications, including over the counter medications, must be kept at the camp Health Center. Medications will be available to the staff to take when prescribed. No medications may be kept in the cabin where children live for their safety.
If I have food allergies and/or other dietary challenges, how can I manage them successfully and healthily?
Any special food needs should be discussed with the Director upon your application and can be addressed on an individual basis.
If I have questions, can I speak with anyone prior to camp?
Contact our camp office in Ashland, Massachusetts at 508.881.1002 between 9-5 pm ET and ask for the Director.
