Camp Overview
Located in New York’s Putnam County, a short train ride to NYC and near the Connecticut border, Green Chimneys day camps offer’s a traditional camp opportunity to children aged 4-15. Green Chimneys philosophy is to recognize each child's individuality, support their desire to discover the world, and embrace who they are in it. Green Chimneys summer camps aim to create meaningful summer experiences that keep kids returning to camp year after year with weekly camp themes and traditions that are sure to created lifelong memories. Although Green Chimneys serves the special needs population within their school programs, our summer camps are not special needs camps.
Hillside Day Camp pairs outdoor exploration and traditional camp activities with unique farm and wildlife activities. Over 160 acres of natural beauty including activities such as boating in Great Swamp, ascending one of the five walls on our climbing tower, and exploring the Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Centre, that features over 300 animals, including camels, llamas, and even an emu! An Olympic-sized indoor pool allows for swimming in almost any weather and two large fields call for sports all day long!
Clearpool Day Camp boasts a 3.5-acre natural lake with a waterfront perfect for campers to swim, boat, and play on our large floating obstacle course. Over 300 acres of forest at Clearpool sets the stage for an exceptional summer camp experience that offers traditional camp activities, a farm, and a zipline that takes campers across our lake!
Green Chimneys Summer Camps hires over 100 international staff each summer. All of our internationals are 21+ year olds creating a mature and diverse group. As a day camp, all of our staff reside and enjoy their weekday evenings on our Clearpool Campus together. Weekends are typically spent traveling to nearby cities (NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls etc.), participating in organized activities (skydiving, mall trips, etc.) or just relaxing at Clearpool.
STAFF TIME OFF
Staff work Monday - Friday 7am-6pm. Weekday evenings consist of weekly residential meeting, off site laundry nights, preparation for camp events & free time. Occasional overnights are required. Staff have weekends off with the exception of 2 Saturdays during training week. Train to NYC is a 10 minute drive from camp. We organize a variety of weekend trips that staff can choose to participate in, from New York City weekend, to camping in the Catskills. Wifi is available for all staff in our dining hall and cell service throughout campus.
STAFF QUALITIES
Head Counselor: leadership, management, organized, flexible, willingness to work long hours, desire to help others grow, previous camp experience is a must.
Specialist: previous experience running activities with children, teacher (is preferred but not mandatory), time management with activities, examples of work, flexible.
One to One: previous experience working with special needs children in any setting. Flexible, caring, willing to learn.
General Counselor: energetic, flexible and a desire to make camp the best experience possible for their campers
