Camp Counselor Information
We host programming all year round for individuals on the autism spectrum! We are excited that you are interested in working or volunteering at Camp Royall. Below please find information to help prepare for your time as a staff member or volunteer.
Program descriptions
- This is our 10-week camp program for campers of all ages, abilities, and levels of independence.
- Our summer camp program includes 1.5 weeks of counselor training and 10 weeks of summer.
- We have a day camp program (16 campers per week) and a sleep-away camp program (32 campers per week).
- We provide 1:1 staffing for most of our campers during the summer.
- This camp is for campers of all ages, abilities, and levels of independence.
- Essentially a miniature version of what we do during the summer, we have four of these weekends throughout the year, two in the fall and two in the spring.
- We have between 15-20 campers each weekend.
- We provide 1:1 staffing for most of our campers during these programs.
- For more independent participants. Ages, 18+ for Adult Retreat and 13-22 for Teen Retreat.
- We have weekend (Friday-Sunday) and week-long (Sunday-Friday) options for both programs.
- With both of these programs, we do activities at camp while building and fostering friendships among our participants.
- We provide a 1:4 supervision ratio for these programs.
- Our Winter Camp program is for campers of all ages, abilities, and levels of independence.
- Program includes one week of residential camp.
- We provide 1:1 staffing for most of our campers during this program.
- For more independent participants. Ages, 18+ for Adult Social Club and 13-22 for Teen Tuesday.
- One Tuesday a month from 5 – 7:30 p.m.
- Both of these programs feature activities at camp and emphasize building and fostering friendships among our participants.
- Staff members will help supervise the group and lead activities.
Internships and Working at Camp Royall
Each summer, we welcome passionate, independent, and caring college students onto our team. You can earn college credit for your year-round or summer camp job. Many universities offer internship credits in degree programs like psychology, parks and recreation, education, child development, tourism, etc. We are delighted to help you achieve course credit while working at camp. You must contact your college career services office to initiate the process, and we are happy to help support you in this endeavor.
Summer internships/work at camp last 10 weeks. During this time, interns gain over 300 hours of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Summer interns receive a stipend, plus housing and all meals.
We value growth and acceptance. That means we love and appreciate our interns, who help to form the welcoming and supportive camp environment we provide under the supervision of our directors. As a Camp Royall intern, you will gain extensive professional development in a challenging and rewarding environment. Ranging from behavioral support and intervention to personal care support and structure and communication, our internships provide hands-on experience that fosters professional skills and personal connections.
Any of our counselor positions can be adapted to an internship that meets your course credit needs. If you are not currently enrolled in school don’t worry. Our internships are designed with growth in mind, but we don’t require you to seek a degree or course credit.
Sample Schedules
| Residential Camp (Summer & Mini Camp only) | Day Camp (Summer and Track-Out Camp only) | ||
| 8:15 | Counselors to Cabins | ||
| 8:15 | Playground | ||
| 8:30 | Breakfast | ||
| 9:00 | Playground | 9:00 | Free play in Gym |
| 9:15 | Shady Circle | 9:15 | Change for Pool |
| 9:30 | Morning Activity | 9:30 | Swim in Pool |
| 10:00 | Gym | 10:15 | Change from Pool |
| 10:30 | Arts & Crafts | 10:30 | Water Break (at Pavilion) |
| 11:00 | Water Break (at DH) | 10:45 | Morning Activity |
| 11:15 | Change for Pool | 11:15 | Music & Motion |
| 11:30 | Swim in Pool | 11:45 | Gym |
| 12:15 | Change from Pool | 12.15 | Shady Circle |
| 12:30 | Lunch | 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:15 | Rest Time | 1:15 | Rest Time |
| 3:00 | Choice Time | 2:30 | Arts & Crafts |
| 3:30 | Water Break | 3:00 | Choice Time |
| 3:45 | Music & Motion | 3:30 | Change for Pool |
| 4:15 | Change for Pool | 3:45 | Swim in Pool |
| 4:30 | Swim in Pool | 4:30 | Change from Pool |
| 5:15 | Change from Pool | 4:45 | Free play in Gym |
| 5:30 | Dinner | 5:00 | Campers go home |
| 6:00 | Walk | ||
| 6:15 | Evening Activity | ||
| 6:45 | Pool OR Gym | ||
| 7:30 | Shower calling starts |
Staff/Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Counselors- Work on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio with campers.
- Night Duty- Stays in the cabin with campers at night and during rest time (usually a 1:8 Ratio during the overnight sessions).
- Activity Directors (AD) – Lead camp activities and serve as extra support for counselors.
- Program Leader (PL) – Help the support AD’s and counselors.
Absolutely! We have seen camp make a huge impact on countless numbers of staff and volunteers. We hope that being a part of the Camp Royall family will also make a positive impact on you.
At Camp Royall, we can employ international staff as students on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas. We understand the importance of gaining work experience while studying in the United States, and we are committed to providing opportunities for international staff members. If you are on CPT or OPT and interested in joining our team, we encourage you to apply. Our team is happy to assist with any questions regarding the application process or work authorization requirements to ensure a smooth experience.
No. Having experience is always positive but we provide training for all of our staff. A positive attitude, and a willingness to work hard, learn, and be flexible are a must.
- Housing
- Air conditioning/Heat
- WI-FI
- Meals for Residential Counselors
- Washer/dryer units
Counselors live communally in the counselor cabins with AD’s and PLs. Housing is clean and comfortable. Storage is limited. All cabins have bathrooms, wifi and electricity.
- During each program our staff/volunteers have a break from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and then are off after their camper has showered for the night (anywhere between 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.).
- Day camp counselors will also get a mid-day break and are off once their camper leaves for the day approx. 5 p.m.)
- Summer overnight program staff will also get 1 week of unpaid vacation during the middle of the summer.
Yes. Some people find it helpful to have a personal vehicle to take to town at night or to use on days off. Camps provide staff parking.
Cell phones can only be used during time off. Staff are not allowed to walk around camp with their cell phones while they are with a camper. Cell phones are kept in the staff cabins Cell phone coverage varies based on your carrier and the remoteness of your camp’s location. Staff will have access to telephones in the staff cabins for personal calls during off hours.
Something comfortable. We are very active at camp and do a lot of walking. You will want to wear clothes and shoes that are easy to put on and take off, especially when we have the pool open. You will also want to make sure that your attire is weather-appropriate. We generally advise you not to wear things you would be upset if they got dirty or damaged.