Staff Expectations

As a member of the Nature Up Close Camp Staff you will:

• be a member of the camp team! Success will depend on us working together.
• enjoy working in the outdoors in all the weather that is part of a Michigan summer. Flexibility and good judgment are very important.
• be a responsible role model for each camper through your actions, language and work habits. Camp is extremely fun, but it is also a job - You are expected to act in a professional manner.
• help to create a positive and safe environment for all campers. The focus will always be on the campers and their needs. We provide encouragement, guidance, support and patience.
• be responsible for planning the activities of your camp group. Senior Educators, with the help of Junior Educators and the advice of the Directors, will plan the schedule of the group based on the week and session theme.
• be enthusiastic and willing to participate in all camp activities. You will not only be around children, you will “experience” camp with them. Enjoy camp and let the campers know it.
• abide by all procedures and guidelines.
• have experience working with children and other skills required by your position.
• be available for the entire camp season including potential overnight events.
  be on time for work. Transportation and other activities may not interfere with the camp day.
  meet the minimum age requirement and be able to perform essential job functions. 
  
  If you can meet these expectations, look below to see we can do for you!

CAMP STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT: 
As a member of the KNC Staff, you will have an incredible opportunity to impact the life of a child. With this opportunity comes great responsibility to present yourself in a manner that any parent would want their child to emulate. The Code of Conduct is designed to help you make decisions in the way that you represent yourself. They equally apply to all staff.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

TOBACCO The use of any tobacco product is not permitted while on KNC property. This includes cigarettes, cigars, snuff, and chewing tobacco.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE You get only one chance to make a first impression. It is important that we look professional and neat to convey to parents that we are professional people, worthy to be entrusted with the care of their children. It is also more likely that the campers will respect us if we look as though we respect ourselves. Below is our dress code policy. 
Clothing: All clothing must cover your entire midriff area at all times. Shirts: You will be provided with 5 KNC Camp t-shirts which must be worn every day. Please feel free to wear camp appropriate sweatshirts, sweaters or jackets as weather permits.
Footwear: Closed toe shoes are preferred (for campers this is required), but you have the choice to wear sandals at your own risk. Footwear must be worn at all times and kept in good condition.
Pants/Shorts: You may wear any neutral colored pants or shorts. Shorts may be no shorter than half way between knee and hip. Please NO JEANS.
Name Tags: All staff will wear name tags at all times.
Jewelry: Is permitted unless it presents a safety issue (dangling or sharp) or represents offensive, illegal or inappropriate behavior.
Other: Hats and bandanas may be worn as long as they are camp appropriate. Sunglasses can be worn when needed, but should be avoided when communicating with campers or staff. 

DATING AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS Dating relationships are permitted but should never become the focus of the camp. It is expected that you refrain from showing any undue attention to your significant other and maintain a professional demeanor while at camp. Staff are not permitted to discuss their personal dating relationships with their campers.

KNC STUDENT COOPERATIVE HOUSING: Camp staff who will be living in KNC housing must be over 18 years of age and abide by the policies of that house. Visitors to the house must also be over the age of 18 years.

RULES AND OTHER POLICIES It is expected that you will take all rules, regulations, and policies seriously. Typically, rules are designed with safety in mind. As a staff member, we ask that you set the tone and lead by example not only to campers but also to your fellow staff.