About our Staff
Our staff members are the heart of the Hawkeye
community. They serve as positive role models and mentors for all of our
campers during the summer. At Camp Hawkeye we look for
creative men and women who have a love for working with young people,
enthusiasm in their activity areas, and an appreciation for the
outdoors. Many of our staff are teachers during the school year,
allowing them the opportunity to join us during the summers.
Hawkeye’s commitment to a diverse community extends
to our staff as well as our campers. We promote an environment that
includes campers and staff from myriad backgrounds, income levels, and
countries of origin. Our counselors come to us from all across the
United States, as well as across the ocean from places like England,
Scotland, and Spain; to name a few.
Our staff members vary in age. This past summer they ranged in age from 17 to 42 and were of an average age of 24. Our youngest counselors are Junior Counselors, JC's. These individuals have some restrictions on their capabilities and are all General Counselors assigned to assist older Cabin and Program Counselors in our Cabins and activity areas respectively. At least two counselors live with the campers in each cabin group, which range from 8-14 campers grouped according to age and school grade.
Staff members are chosen through an in-depth application process that includes a series of phone and/or face to face interviews and nationwide background checks. Most of our counselors have come to us through personal recommendations from current and former staff members and camper families.
Our staff retention rate from 2006 to 2007 was 63% and we expect it to grow going in to 2008. We view staffing as a relational process that is enduring through the growth and development of both our program and the staff member. We strive to maintain staff relationships for multiple summers because we recognize the additional value to our program and the safety of our community members of an experienced staff.
