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 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, Birmingham 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 actively 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.

Wages and Work Schedule

Staff are scheduled to work approximately 11 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. Underneath are the gross wage amounts before taxes - National Insurance and PAYE deductions (deductions are based upon your current tax codes). The amounts below already include the government accommodation & food deduction allowance of £9.10 per day. Our 2024 staff will be paid the following amounts for a 7-week role (this includes a 6-night residential staff training period). 

• Camp Counsellor £4200
• Head Counsellor £4400
• Logistics Manager £4400
• Events Coordinator £4300
• LIT Coordinator £4300
• Office Manager £4200

Staff who have worked at Camp Cooper before will receive £150 extra. 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 Staff returning for their third year and beyond will also be expected to run training sessions during staff training and be a source of knowledge and inspiration for new staff.

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. Camp Cooper is run on two-week session schedules and staff get 2 days off during each 2-week session. Staff also get a day off at the end of each session. 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. 

Staff also get an assigned work schedule of approximately 11 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. 

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.

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, more often referred to as cabins are usually made up of 3 to 6 counsellors. We, unfortunately, cannot accommodate couples sharing accommodation or guarantee anyone having their own room.

Staff Training 

Our 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.

Our staff training is being held at Ardmay House surrounded by the beautiful wilds of Scotland. Staff from both Edinburgh and Crieff will come together for an epic training week

Staff training is fully residential and by the end of the 6-day period, staff will have made firm friends with each other and will be confident in being an EPIC Camp Cooper Counsellor.