Overview of Working at Camp Cooper

Why Work at Camp?

For many, the experience of working at camp can be life-changing and for all, it offers enormous benefits - increased confidence, organisational and management skills, the ability to work successfully with people, and a positive attitude to life in general. Working at camp provides a great addition to a university or job's personal statement and CVs.

All applicants undergo an appropriate interview process, including an in-person interview at one of our group interview dates in either Glasgow, Manchester or London. Our goal is not only to find out if you are the best fit for camp but also to ensure that Camp Cooper is the best fit for you. We will also collect two references and complete a PVG background check.

What we look for from our staff

Positive Role models

Being an outstanding role model is the unifying theme among our diverse, talented, and caring team. We expect our staff to put campers first at all times while cheerfully and willingly exemplifying our camp policies and procedures. We look for staff who encourage campers to be their “best selves” while teaching them teamwork, resilience and kindness.

To Join In

We want to ensure our staff have the best summer experience too! We've found the best way to do this is to jump into every experience; whether that's covering yourself with blue or red paint for Vikings and Celts or launching water balloons from behind a cardboard fort in an impromptu water fight. We want to support staff to be the best version of themselves, we use a challenge-by-choice strategy and celebrate every win, small or gigantic. So whether you lead your first song in the dining hall, successfully do your own laundry or are chosen to be a V&C leader we will all be there to cheer you on.

Professionalism

We want you to leave camp with a clear understanding of what it means to be a member of a professional and dynamic team. We expect a strong work ethic as well as to be punctual and appropriate with communication in a child-centred environment. 

What Staff can expect from Camp Cooper 

We've made some exciting changes to our staff packages and roles for summer 2024. Our aim is to have the very best staff team - full of energy, enthusiasm and positive role models and in return a great staff package to underline the value of your role and work.

1 Camp - 3 Sites

Camp Cooper has 3 different sites. Each has the same Camp-magic, spirit and community based upon caring, kindness and fun. Please see below for information regarding working at each of our Camps.

Wages and Work Schedule

Staff are scheduled to work approximately 9.5 hrs per day and work schedules will be available a week in advance. Example work schedules can be found in the descriptions of each role.

Wages are paid via bank transfer and are usually paid in two instalments, one at the end of your first month (August 1) and the other shortly after the end of camp (For Camp Cooper Stirling - it will be paid in one instalment at the end of Camp).

Each employee will be deducted government taxes - National Insurance and PAYE deductions (deductions are based upon your current tax codes).

The contract amounts already include the government accommodation & food deduction allowance of £10.66 per day.

Staff who have worked at Camp Cooper before will receive between £150 - £200 extra (based on your contract length). However, this will come with extra responsibilities such as; having the ability to hit the ground running, be an outstanding role model and mentor to new staff, act as a solo counsellor if needed and have the ability to perform at the highest level for the entire summer.

Time Off

We know how important it is to recharge and take care of yourself.  We work hard to give staff as much time off as our programming will allow. Staff get one day off per week and also a day off between two-week sessions. We will try to accommodate as many time-off requests as possible and we always accommodate special time-off requests such as for weddings and graduations (there is a maximum time given of 48 hours)

Staff also get an assigned work schedule of approximately 9.5 hours per day. When you are not working, this is your own time to do as you please - to chill, exercise, make phone calls home or explore the local area, whether that be a beach walk at Edinburgh or exploring the vast woodlands in Crieff or the traditional local town of Stirling.

We encourage staff to make the most out of their summer working by going on as many adventures as possible on their time off. We can point you in the right direction regarding places to explore or adventures to be had in the local area.

Professional Development

From the interview process to staff training, all the way to end-of-session feedback, the skills you learn while working at Camp Cooper are invaluable. Staff not only learn how to work with children in a professional capacity, but also increase their communication, time management, organisation, and conflict resolution skills. 

We are also happy to write references and letters of recommendation upon request.

Good Food

We provide three meals a day, seven days a week for our staff, and we are able to accommodate most food allergies and vegetarian diets. Our food is home-cooked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We pride ourselves on having healthy, nutritious, and delicious food for our campers and staff. Please note on some session changeover periods, we don't offer food for staff.

A Place to Live

Don’t worry about having to pay rent this summer! All staff are provided with a clean, comfortable room to sleep in while they are employed. Rooms are usually made up of 3 to 6 counsellors (At Stirling, staff have their own rooms) We, unfortunately, cannot accommodate couples sharing accommodation or guarantee anyone having their room at Crieff and Edinburgh.

Staff Training 

Our 5-6 day intensive staff training week is a critical part of Camp Cooper. We set the tone for the summer and learn how to create a fun and positive atmosphere, how to run creative activities and how to ensure the campers are safe.

Staff training is fully residential and by the end of the training period, staff will have made firm friends with each other and will be confident in being an EPIC Camp Cooper Counsellor.