Staff Information

Staff Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to be on staff?

1. Fill out the application found online.
2. Ask three people who can comment on your qualifications and character to fill out recommendation forms. Recommendation forms can be filled out by professors, employers, mentors, church staff/members, RDs, RAs, Gordon staff members, Sherpas, Discover leaders, etc. Recommendation forms by relatives or peers will not be accepted. Mail or fax these to the La Vida office at 978.867.4110.
3. Once the application and recommendation forms have been submitted, the Adventure Camp Director will contact you to set up an interview.

Where will I live?

All staff (except junior counselors) are provided with housing. La Vida Adventure Camp staff live in a residence hall on campus. Staff will live with one to two people in a room. Conrad Hall provides a kitchen, dining area, and meeting space for staff.

Are meals provided?

All meals are provided for Adventure Camp staff. Lunch and snacks are prepared by individual staff members. Breakfast and dinners are prepared to eat family style.

Can I receive credit for a co-op or internship?

Many students decide to fulfill a co-op or internship while working with La Vida Adventure Camp. Meet with your academic advisor or the career services office for more information on how to complete a co-op or internship. 

What is the staff stipend scale?

During the first year of service to La Vida, a staff member can expect to be paid $1700–$1800. A returning staff member can expect to be paid $1900–$2200 depending on the number of years on staff. Staff stipends increase depending on medical certifications and past ropes course leadership with GORP or Discovery. We also require that each Adventure Camp staff member send out ten Prayer/Support letters to help La Vida supplement the stipend amounts. 

If interested, an additional $300–$600 can be earned by working GORP before summer training or as support staff or Sherpa on College Expeditions in New York in May or August. Please inquire with the La Vida office for more information on these work opportunities.

Are there additional benefits to working for La Vida?

Yes! Glad that you asked. In addition to your stipend, you will get room and board which is an estimated savings of over $500. Staff will receive technical skill training in activities such as ropes course facilitation, indoor rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, and CPR. All Adventure Camp Staff will also receive a free Rock Gym pass and Bennett Center pass for the summer. In addition, there will be lots of fun to be had!!!

What certifications do I need? 

All staff are expected to have an updated CPR and First Aid certification and be tested on the Gordon College Ropes Course. If staff don't have these, they will need to get the proper medical certification before training, and La Vida will provide ropes course testing during the summer training sessions. Lifeguarding is required for waterfront activity staff and other staff who are interested in lifeguarding are encouraged to obtain this certification as well.

What does the summer schedule look like?

Staff should arrive on June 6 to move in before 8 p.m. Training will start at 8 a.m. on June 7 and run through June 22. The 6 week-long sessions of Adventure Camp will run Monday–Friday from June 25–August 3. Staff are officially done on the evening of August 4 after clean-up, celebration, and evaluations are completed. All staff must be moved out of Conrad by August 5. 

Staff are expected to be flexible in their working hours. Staff will occasionally need to prepare on their own time during evening or weekend hours. Summer hours are generally as following: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday for the 11–13 year-old program (camper hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m.). The 14–15 year-old program has an additional overnight campout once a week. Training Week Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday. Night and/or Saturday training will happen occasionally and staff will be expected to attend all of the night and Saturday trainings. Please plan accordingly.

Will I have days off?

Yes. Staff will have Saturday and Sunday off during the camp sessions and Sunday off during the training sessions. Nights are typically free after dinner unless a staff event, training time, or overnight camp-out has been planned.

Are there community life expectations?

La Vida Adventure Camp is an opportunity to live and minister in a staff community that can grow and encourage one another. This is an intensive experience that can be a wonderful and memorable part of the summer. Every morning staff gather for worship, Bible study, and prayer as a way to frame the day. Staff are encouraged and welcomed to eat dinners together as a way to share life together. There will also be optional community nights which will involve off-campus activities and worship.

Adventure Camp staff are important role models for youth in the local area. It is important that all staff act with integrity knowing that they represent the camp both on-campus and off-campus. In agreeing to work for La Vida, all staff are expected to abide by the life and conduct statement for Gordon College.

Can I have another job in addition to working La Vida Adventure Camp?

La Vida has weekend work opportunities through GORP and the Rock Gym throughout the summer. Other part-time jobs are NOT recommended. We expect staff to have Adventure Camp be the primary focus during the summer, and we expect that staff will use some time off to rest so that they will have energy to work with youth during the week.

What is the staff absence policy?

Every staff member is essential to the Adventure Camp. Therefore, missing any sessions or trainings puts a serious strain on the camp and is not permitted without permission from the director. Staff must inform the director about any days where there is a conflict before signing a contract. Only two excused days maximum will be allowed for weddings if permission is given beforehand. Permission will not be given for any other events, obligations, or family vacations.

If staff are sick, La Vida Adventure Camp will provide up to two days of paid leave. After two days, pay will be docked from stipends for additional time off. The Camp Health Supervisor reserves the right to determine if a staff member should take sick time to protect campers from a communicable disease.