Being CJL Staff

So... You're a college-aged (or older) woman, you love working with girls, and playing in the woods sounds like a good way to spend the summer? Great: come be on staff. The staff application is available online; the pay schedule is available on request. CJL is looking for people to fill one of several roles: Program staff Unit staff Medical staff Kitchen staff In all staff CJL looks for safety-mindedness, high energy levels, and skill with kids. The ability to cope with (preferrably enjoy) living and working outdoors is essential. See A Day in the Life for an idea of what CJL campers (and, thus, CJL staff) do.

Some CJL staff members attend Georgia colleges and have been coming to camp since they were 10, but that's by no means a requirement! CJL staff have come from all over the United States, as well as from other countries (Australia, Russia, South Africa, the UK).

Certifications, Salary Credits

All CJL staff are CPR certified; those who arrive without this certification are trained at camp. Salary credits are given for those who already have CPR or various other certifications (First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard), for education, and for work experience.

Program Staff

A number of camp's activities require specialized staff. All water activities and Project Adventure (the ropes course) require staff not only skilled in those areas but certified in their safety procedures. Other program areas (horseback, field games, archery, outdoor crafts and skills) require the abilities, but not necessarily the certifications, since there tend to be no certifying agencies associated with them. The program staff do not usually live in the units with the campers since their responsibilities lie more with their program facilities and equipment; rather they live in a staff-only unit called Olympus.

Unit Staff

At camp, a strict 4:1 or lower ratio between campers and counselors is maintained, so CJL needs a large number of unit staff. These counselors may help out at the program areas, but are not in charge of them. A love for and skill with the kids is absolutely vital. The unit staff sleep in the units with the campers (in a separate counselor's tent), have a great deal of contact with the kids, and, in general, act as surrogate parents.

Medical Staff

Traditionally, the "camp nurse" has been a registered nurse, but licensed physicians are most welcome on staff as well. A medical professional is needed for each session.

Kitchen Staff

We've seen our dietician feed 100+ people by herself, but that doesn't mean she likes to do it alone. Each year staff are needed to help in the kitchen, which involves cooking, cleaning, and some fairly long hours (with breaks in the middle, of course). For the person looking for a paid summer in the mountains among, but not necessarily that close to, scores of happy children, this can be a very rewarding time. People ranging from young British students to older cafeteria workers from Florida high schools have held and enjoyed this position.

If any of that sounds like something you'd like to do, get in touch or send in an application: we'd love to hear from you.