Ramapo for Children

Bunk Counselor

June - August 2021 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

I think the amazing people that I've met and interacted with have made a life-changing impact on me. Being around such compassionate people from many different backgrounds was the best experience I've had and being around the unique campers brought out challenges, growth edges, and accomplishments in me that I didn't know I could endure and achieve.

What I wish was different

There was a lack of staff which quickly led to burnout and scheduling issues along with limited professional staff that might've offered extra support for cases that counselors were not adequately trained for. I also think there should be more investment in the campers (better programs, better facilities) and proper monetary compensation for bunk counselors/specialty counselors who are interacting with the campers every single day.

Advice

Take things one day at a time. Things might get extremely overwhelming at times and you might feel defeated, but tomorrow's always a new day full of opportunities. Appreciate and enjoy every moment.

14 ${count} people found this helpful

Bunk Counselor

June - August 2021 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

It was a tight community, I got to become close with my fellow counselors, and I loved working with their camper population.

What I wish was different

More support for bunk counselors.

Advice

It is can certainly be emotionally draining, but that's what your coworkers and supervisors are there for

5 ${count} people found this helpful

Camp Counselor

June - July 2019 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

Great opportunity to work with children who have severe challenges and help them have a great camp experience.

What I wish was different

More staff would have made some of the campers’ challenges more manageable.

Advice

Working here is definitely a challenge but very rewarding. Make sure to talk to people who have worked here to know what you are getting into.

5 ${count} people found this helpful

Assistant Director of Waterfront

June - August 2019 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

Great experience for thosse looking to go into childhood education or early childhood care, especially in the special education field. So much personal growth!

What I wish was different

the very long hours and little down time.

Advice

5 ${count} people found this helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

I enjoyed working with my fellow counselors as well as my campers. I became so close with so many individuals that I keep in touch with them even now, when we are back to living our own lives. I enjoyed learning more about autism and behavioral disorders and getting to work with those type of individuals. It was so much fun.

What I wish was different

A little more organization. Scheduling was disorganized at time — there was confusion with what groups were going to which activities and scheduling was disorganized at times.

Advice

It’s was tough but totally worth it. If you love talking on challenges as well as have a love for children, this is the right spot for you.

7 ${count} people found this helpful

Camp Counselor for children with special needs

July - August 2019 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

I liked working with children and all of the great relationships I made with my coworkers.

What I wish was different

I did not think we received sufficient training to work with children with severe special needs, who could often be violent. I think this job could really be improved with training.

Advice

I would say it is much better to work for the whole/most of the summer instead of the last two sessions (which is what I did).

7 ${count} people found this helpful

General Counselor

June - August 2019 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

It gave me hands on experience working with children with special needs and children in the foster care system.

What I wish was different

Advice

4 ${count} people found this helpful

Camp Counselor

July - August 2018 • Rhinebeck, NY

What I liked

I liked the people I met there, and I enjoyed working with children with autism!

What I wish was different

I wish that I had more support from my co-counselors and supervisors as well as higher management. Burn out is real, and they should work on addressing counselors' wellbeing in addition to camper wellbeing.