Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Sunday, June 26th, 2011

Monday, August 15th, 2011

All dates are subject to change.

1. What is the difference between CHIPINAW and CHIPINAW @ SILVER LAKE?
At Chipinaw we pride ourselves in being able to cater to campers of all ages with different needs and expectations for the summer. Many of our campers spend the whole summer with us and are accommodated on our CHIPINAW campus. For those campers that are looking for a shorter session, we are fortunate enough to have CHIPINAW @ SILVER LAKE, an adjoining campus. Here, our campers are able to enjoy the exact same program as the full summer campers but in half the time. SILVER LAKE offers campers two half summer sessions which encompass all the fun and excitement of a full summer experience including a color war, trip and visiting day in each session. As a staff member, regardless of the campus you’re on, you are hired to work the full session.

2. Where is the camp located?
Chipinaw is located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, about 2 hours northwest of New York City in the town of Bethel.

3. What is the staff like?
Between Chipinaw and Chipinaw @ Silver Lake there are over 300 staff. All staff are required to have completed one full year of college and be at least 19 years of age. We hire staff from all over the world. They come from places such as Australia, England, New Zealand, Turkey, Columbia, Mexico and many more countries. We also hire a good number of American staff and former Chipinaw campers that help to keep the camp’s traditions alive.

4. How many people are in each bunk?
Each cabin houses seven to ten campers with two or more counselors. The cabins are equipped with modern conveniences such as full bath facilities including hot and cold running water; ample electrical outlets and storage space for clothing including closets and cubbies for folded items. Our housekeeping staff clean the bathrooms daily while the campers and counselors keep the main area of the cabin in order.

5. What activities will campers participate in?
Each division (age group) will have a schedule, which includes team sports, swim instruction and recreation. Every camper will also get an opportunity to experience many of the exciting elective activities, including team and individual sports, a variety of waterfront activities, horseback riding, visual and performing arts, circus, ropes course, mountain biking and computers to name a few. As children grow older they are offered more elective periods in their schedule.

6. How does staff laundry work?
Laundry for all staff and campers is done once a week by an outside service. They will wash, dry, and fold your laundry and send it back to camp individually packaged. A fee will be taken out of your salary.

7. Are there a lot of choices at mealtimes?
Yes. Besides the hot meal there is a full salad bar, bread bar, baked potato bar and pasta bar. Our baker creates the best breads and desserts in the Catskills.

8. Where do campers come from?
Campers at Chipinaw come from all over the United States. We have large groups of children from the New York metropolitan area, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore-Washington, Florida and California.

9. Does Chipinaw offer internship / college credit?
We offer the opportunity for our staff to obtain academic credit as long as their college / university program will sanction it. It is the staff member’s responsibility to get all necessary paperwork and information needed to complete an internship for academic credit.

10. What is the salary for staff?
Salary for staff depends on position, age, and experience. We offer a competitive salary compared to other camps. For Internationals, the staffing agency you are dealing with determines your salary.

11. Is there a dress code or uniform?
There is not a uniform for staff or campers. Every staff member will receive a staff shirt which will be worn on certain days. (opening day, visiting day, etc.)

12. How and when is staff paid? Can you take out advances?
Staff can be paid in three ways. We can deposit your money directly into a Bank of America account, which you will get the chance to open while at camp, you may be paid by check, or Internationals have the option to receive their pay in cash. All staff is paid at the end of the summer session. Advances may be requested twice during the summer and is limited to your pay up to that date.

13. How do staff members get to camp?
For our staff members we have scheduled bus pick ups located at Columbia University in New York City. Dates for these pick ups will be located in our hired staff section. For any staff that will be arriving on a non pick up date, you will need to take the bus from New York City Port Authority to Monticello, NY bus terminal. We will then schedule to have you picked up from there. Anyone who is flying should fly into either Newark, Laguardia, or JFK airport. Any American staff with their own transportation can drive directly to camp. Directions can be found on our home page.

14. Are linens provided and what size beds are at camp?
We provide linens for all our international staff. American and Canadian staff members must bring their own linens. All bunk staff will need cot size or twin size sheets for their beds.