SETTING EXPECTATIONS
Clear expectations on both sides help avoid miscommunication and frustration.
What You Should Expect Out Of This Job?
This is not an easy job. It is going to challenge you in ways you did not think were possible. However, in the end, you will have learned so much more about yourself and the world around you in a very short span of time.
During the summer, it will be very hot (i.e. mid 90 - 100 degrees Fahrenheit at times), and there is no air conditioning.
If you are used to working in air conditioning, please know it takes one’s body about 1-2 weeks to adjust to heat. Adjustments should be done gradually.
You will want to get into the habit of increasing your water intake before arriving. You will also need to make sure you consume electrolytes to replace what is sweated out.
The hours are long.
Take your breaks. They are important.
You are constantly on the move from 6:30 am until 10 pm at night.
While the week of camp will fly by, you will look back at the end of the day and wonder if that was all the same day. Camp time operates very differently than the time the outside world. The good news is that because you are constantly on the go, your body will begin to cease to be tired.
There is something called the camp crash. After the last camper leaves, you suddenly realize exactly how tired you are. It is not uncommon for people to sleep up to 24 hours after camp is over.
You are what makes this immersive world come to life. Breaking atmosphere by breaking character, referring to them as campers rather than students etc is jarring. If we want them to make-believe, we have to lead by example.
The campers, overall, are enthusiastic and want you to play/be involved with them. The quickest way to lose their respect is to act like you do not want to be there.
Nothing will go exactly as expected. Stay flexible and go with the flow. Some of the greatest memories were formed during these times. This is a time of opportunity.
You will be asked to do things you didn’t think possible and lead others in them. We have a saying “Bluff until you are no longer bluffing”. Don’t worry, we all bluff at one point or another. You will do great, and remember that you are not alone. We got your back.
You are not alone. You have a professional and supportive staff family. You will meet people and feel like you have known them for almost forever by the end of week.
What you put into this experience is what you will get out of it. While this is probably one of the most exhausting things you will ever do, it is also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
What Is Expected Of You?
Regardless of assigned areas, everyone shares the same job description: To Do Whatever It Takes! No one is “just” any role. Everyone is of equal value. Camp occurs because of all of our efforts combined.
If something is not working, change it.
If something is broken, fix it without being asked.
If someone needs help, help before being ask.
If there is a conflict, resolve it.
If you need help, ask.
If there is something you want to do or see, speak up & act. It doesn’t matter how big or small.
The phrase “someone needs to ...” does not exist at camp. That someone is you.
Be proactive. You design, determine & develop your own destiny.
Be professional at all times
Be supportive of the mission at all times
Be accountability - say what you mean and do what you say
Be engaged with the training
Be enthusiastic
Be flexible
Be responsible - others are counting on you. What you do affects others
Be truthful
Follow the rules of civility/civil discourse
Be able to moderate your tone so you are not being aggressive
Be conscious of your facial reactions
Seek clarification of intention of another’s words/actions rather outright assume another’s intent
Confront aggression with how it made you feel rather than ignore it and then seek clarification of the other’s intent
Recognize that others will make mistakes while honoring your own boundaries
Sometimes, you may need to take a break from a situation.
Committed to improvement
Committed to no drama
Demonstrate high follow-through on your commitments - What you do impacts others.
Demonstrate a high social maturity - Be sensitive to the needs of others and able to work peacefully with everyone
Demonstrate a high emotional maturity – Be aware of your needs and take care of yourself (i.e. at, sleep, breaks etc.)
Demonstrate self-control even when sleep deprived
To give your best whatever your best may be given the circumstances
To help the immersive experience come to life
To follow and consistently enforce the academy rules and policies
To put the campers first always