Want to know more about camp? We’re so glad to hear that!
If you have a few more questions about working at The Painted Turtle, you’ve come to the right place. For your convenience and reading pleasure, we have compiled some of the questions we receive most often about staff positions on this page. Please feel free to click on any of the questions below to read the answers, and if you have additional questions, please send them our way by emailing staff@thepaintedturtle.org.
Position details:
Does The Painted Turtle offer any paid positions?
Why should I spend a summer working at The Painted Turtle?
What positions do you offer during the summer?
What positions do you offer during the Fall and Spring?
Staff Qualifications:
What is the minimum age requirement for staff members and volunteers?
What are other requirements for a summer position?
Duration of Staff Positions:
What is the duration of a summer staff position?
I want to apply for a staff position but cannot attend the mandatory orientation at the beginning of the summer. Can I still work at camp if I can’t attend orientation?
I am unable to commit to an entire summer but I still want to get involved: what other opportunities are there?
Application process:
How do I apply for a staff position?
Is there any way to see your program in action before applying for a position?
Living on Camp:
Where will I live, eat, and sleep during the summer?
What expenses am I responsible for as a summer staff member?
Questions for International applicants:
I am not from the United States. Am I eligible to apply for a position at The Painted Turtle?
I am from a country other than the United States and will need to apply for a visa. Am I responsible for the Visa process?
Association of Hole in the Wall Camps:
What is the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps?
I am interested in applying to other camps in the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. Can I apply to more than one camp at a time in the Association?
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and The Painted Turtle:
I am a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and am interested in volunteering and/or working at The Painted Turtle. How do I get involved?
More information:
I am seeking more information about your job opportunities for use in a career center. Can you send me brochures, flyers, or other materials?
Question not listed? Email staff@thepaintedturtle.org for more information.
Why should I spend my summer at The Painted Turtle?
“Why not?” is the real question to ask! Here is how one summer staff member reflected on a summer experience:
“My experience at The Painted Turtle is something that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Camp is like no other place in the world; I have never been surrounded by a group of people who work together so cohesively and selflessly towards an incredible goal…sometimes camp can provide that breath of fresh air campers need to uncover the courage and enthusiasm that has always been there, but may have been hiding between hospital stays and their daily medication regimen. Reflecting on my time spent at The Painted Turtle makes me realize what a truly precious gift camp is, for both campers and counselors. Spending the summer any other way truly seems like turning my head to one of the greatest opportunities life has offered thus far.”
Professionally, there are countless benefits to a summer experience at The Painted Turtle. When people join our team, they join an internationally recognized nonprofit in the worthwhile mission of serving children with serious medical conditions. They work in a dynamic and supportive team setting, with a diverse group of individuals who care deeply about our mission and have great ambitions to make a difference. As camp professionals, staff members learn to plan and implement programs as they gain valuable experience in child development. They learn to adapt activities for campers with various medical needs, work closely with children from different backgrounds, and develop communication and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment. They work closely with medical professionals, volunteers, and staff members to provide our campers with the safest and most FUN environment possible.
Above all, staff member’s lives are touched forever by the children we serve and the hope, compassion, and pure fun they are able to offer them. To catch a sneak peak into the magic of our program, watch our camp video online at this link or type in http://www.thepaintedturtle.org/turtle/newsevents/viewourcampvideo/ into your internet browser.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
What positions do you offer during the summer?
Positions offered during the summer include positions in Cabin Life, Programming, and Leadership positions.
Cabin Life Positions:
Cabin Counselors are responsible for working with 8-10 campers within a cabin group, and helping campers to have the best week possible at camp by supporting and encouraging each child to participate fully in all aspects of our program. During our camp sessions (typically 5-7 days), Cabin Counselors work on a team with 4-5 other adult counselors (comprised of both volunteers and summer staff members).
PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices, or Floating Counselors) are assigned to a specific group of cabins to offer additional support. The PFD acts as part of the cabin team in supplying all children within the cabin with a safe and fun experience, sometimes with special focus on campers with more individual needs. PFD’s also work closely with Bale Leaders to support the needs of their cabin groups.
Bale Leaders (Unit Leaders) serve as the “leader” for the campers, volunteers, and staff, ensuring a safe, happy, and memorable camping experience. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the operations of 4 cabins (32-40 campers and 16 staff), also known as a “Bale”. This includes overseeing childcare, behavior issues, volunteer and staff supervision, unit coordination, and planning of special unit events.
Program Positions:
Program Counselors are responsible for bringing camp activities to life by engaging our campers in a variety of exciting program areas. Program positions include: Woodshop, Arts and Crafts, Waterfront (Boating and Fishing, Pool/Swimming), Creative Arts (Dance, Theatre, and Moviemaking), Discovery (Nature, Science, Gardening, and Baking), Equestrian, Adventure (High and Low Ropes Course, Team-building Games, Sports and Recreation, and Archery), Camp Photographer, and Camp Musician. Program Staff are also paired with a cabin each week, and are able to work closely with this cabin during the time they are not running activity rotations.
Leadership positions:
A limited amount of leadership positions are available, including positions in cabin life and program.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
What positions do you offer during the Fall and Spring?
We currently offer a variety of volunteer positions throughout our Fall and Spring programming. For more information, see the Volunteer section on our website.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Staff qualifications
What is the minimum age requirement for staff members and volunteers?
All staff and volunteers are required to be at least 19 years of age.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
What are other requirements for a summer position?
At camp, children enter a magical place where singing, dancing, playing, and laughter are the best medicine we can offer. Above all, we are looking for fun, energetic, creative, responsible, and compassionate individuals who will be dedicated to giving our campers the best camp experience possible. In addition to the requirement that applicants are at least 19 years of age, specific skill certifications are required for certain program areas (for example, lifeguarding, ropes course, etc.) Ropes course training is offered on-site one week prior to all-staff orientation (typically in late May). For all positions, CPR and First Aid certification is strongly recommended before coming to camp. Leadership positions may require additional experience, and additional requirements for other positions may vary (please see job details by clicking the link on our website to our “Staff and Volunteer Opportunities” page, then clicking on “Summer Staff” for more information). If you have more questions about specific positions, please email staff@thepaintedturtle.org.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Duration of Staff Positions
What is the duration of summer staff positions?
To give you a general idea of the summer schedule, our paid Summer Staff positions span 12 weeks, the entire length of the summer. We seek candidates who can make the full summer commitment. Positions for summer staff members begin at the start of June (start date depends on the position) and last through the end of August. The Adventure Team begins training in late May, one week prior to all-staff orientation. All of our staff members begin with a mandatory orientation when they arrive, before we start our sessions of the camp program.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
I want to apply for a staff position but cannot attend the mandatory orientation at the beginning of the summer. Can I still work at camp if I can’t attend orientation?
Orientation is mandatory requirement for all staff members. It is an important that we have the time to prepare you for your summer role, and this is also is a valuable time for our team to get to know one another. If you are a student and orientation conflicts with school, consider researching whether your professors will allow you to take your finals early. If you have additional questions about missing orientation, please email staff@thepaintedturtle.org.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
I am unable to commit to an entire summer but I still want to get involved: what other opportunities are there?
The Painted Turtle offers many year-round volunteer opportunities. We have volunteers that come from as far as Canada and Australia just to join us for a weekend program or for a week during the summer! Please see our camp calendar for more details and submit a Volunteer Application at www.thepaintedturtle.org. You can get to the application by clicking “Staff and Volunteer Opportunities” at the scrolling bar at the bottom of the page. Then click “Volunteers: Summer or Year Round” and you will find a link to our application. Once you fill out this application, we can begin to process you as a volunteer. For more information, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Corinne Dorfman at corinned@thepaintedturtle.org. You can also read our Frequently Asked Questions for volunteers for more information.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process:
How do I apply for a staff position?
Apply online starting in January, on our website at www.thepaintedturtle.org.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any way to see your program in action before applying for a position?
Absolutely! Volunteering at one of our fall or spring programs is a great way for you to get to know our program, and for us to get to know you. We have a dedicated community of local volunteers and would welcome you to get involved. Please see our camp calendar for more details and submit a Volunteer Application at www.thepaintedturtle.org. You can get to the application by clicking “Staff and Volunteer Opportunities” at the scrolling bar at the bottom of the page. Then click “Volunteers: Summer or Year Round” and you will find a link to our Application. Once you fill out this application, we can begin to process you as a volunteer.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Living on Camp:
Where will I live, eat, and sleep during the summer?
Summer staff members live in program housing or in cabins with fellow team members. Each housing area is equipped with bathroom facilities. Staff members have access to refrigerators in addition to a kitchenette and laundry room. Positions include housing on our campsite in sunny Southern California, clean linens, and three hearty meals a day during camp sessions in our Dining Hall. A salad bar is also offered, and don’t forget the heaping helpings of singing and dancing!
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses am I responsible for as a summer staff member?
The main expense you are responsible for is your airfare or travel to and from the campsite. The Painted Turtle provides a shuttle to and from camp to the Los Angeles International Airport at designated times for your initial arrival and end of summer departure. All staff members live on-site and housing is included.
Your largest expense while at camp might be any extra travel/recreation you might choose to do while in California during your time off, as well as any meals you purchase during time off in between sessions. Other expenses might include personal items you will need to bring to camp such as a one-piece swimsuit, bug spray, etc.
Health insurance is not provided and is your own responsibility to obtain.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about International staff members:
I am not from the United States. Am I eligible to apply for a position at The Painted Turtle? You sure are! Our staff members not only hail from all 50 nifty United States, but also come from many different countries in pursuit of a valuable and meaningful summer work experience. The Painted Turtle hires an internationally diverse group of individuals from across the nation and across the globe. Once you volunteer or work at a Hole in the Wall Camp, you are part of an internationally connected camp family!
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
I am from a country other than the United States and will need to apply for a visa. Am I responsible for the Visa process?
Yes. You are personally responsible for obtaining your work visa when hired for a summer position. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with this process. Depending on where you are from, we will ask that you use a specific visa company. (We will also provide you with more specific information during the interview process.)
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Association of Hole in the Wall Camps:
What is the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps?
The Painted Turtle is a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, the world’s largest family of camps for children with medical conditions. At all of these camps, all children attend free of charge.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in applying to other camps in the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. Can I apply to more than one camp at a time in the Association?
Yes, you are permitted to apply and interview with multiple camps. We want you to find the camp that is the best fit for you. Each camp has its own separate application and interview process. Once an applicant accepts a position at one of the camps, all other position offers are void.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and The Painted Turtle:
I am a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and am interested in volunteering and/or working at The Painted Turtle. How do I get involved?
The Phi Kappa Tau Foundation generously offers travel stipends to members of Phi Kappa Tau who travel to volunteer at a Hole in the Wall Camp. You must apply for the stipend 30 days before you plan to go. However, you will also need to complete the application process for camp, so it’s a good idea to start the process well in advance of the session you plan on participating in. Please fill out the application located at www.thepaintedturtle.org and we will contact you about scheduling an interview. Applications for staff position are posted in January 2009, while volunteer applications are year-round.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions
More Information:
I am seeking more information about your job opportunities for use in a career center. Can you send me brochures, flyers, or other materials?
The Painted Turtle will be happy to provide resources to your job seekers. Flyers, brochures, a copy of our camp video, and other resources are all available upon request. Please send an email to staff@thepaintedturtle.org to request additional information.
Back to Frequently Asked Questions