Summer Staff and Summer Volunteer FAQs

How old do you have to be to a staff member or volunteer at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?

A staff member/volunteer applicant must be at least 19 years of age or must have completed one year of college.

What are “Volunteer Counselors”?

The volunteer program is essential to our Camp program. Each session there are 30-40 volunteer counselors on Camp. Volunteers come to Camp for an eight-day session. This includes one day of orientation to Camp. The volunteer counselors live in one of our log cabins with two all-summer staff counselors, another volunteer, and eight-to-ten campers. Volunteer and staff counselors work as a team to accompany campers to activities and take care of the daily living needs of our campers. Volunteer counselors are a wonderful part of Camp, bringing spirit, fresh ideas, and energy to our Camp program.

What are the living arrangements for staff/volunteer counselors and program staff?

Volunteer and staff cabin counselors live in one of our 15 cabins. The volunteer and staff counselors also have separate sleeping and bathroom facilities. Program volunteers and/or staff live in our staff housing located on Camp grounds. All meals are provided in our dining hall and are eaten with the campers and other staff.  A vegetarian option is always made available.

How long will I be at Camp?

There are nine sessions throughout the summer. Each session is 7 days. Click here for our official
2013 summer dates.

All summer staff members are hired for the full 12-week program. Our season starts with a weeklong orientation and staff training. We can be flexible at the end of the summer for those staff who will need to leave a few days early to return to school. Please note that you must be available to start between May 24th and May 28th (depending on your position) for mandatory staff orientation, and work through the summer until August 24th.

Volunteer counselors stay for one session, a total of eight days (includes one day of orientation). If accepted, we will do our best to place volunteers in the session that best fits their summer schedule.

Can I get transportation from an airport or train station to Camp?

Transportation to and from Hartford’s Bradley International Airport and the Hartford train and bus station is available upon request. The Camp is located approximately 40 miles east of Hartford, CT.

Who are the campers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp?

The Camp accepts children ages 7-15 years of age, who have been diagnosed with Cancer, Leukemia, or serious blood diseases including Hemophilia, Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, HIV/AIDS and Aplastic Anemia. Many children are still receiving active treatment while at Camp, while others may be in remission.  

What are the starting salaries for 2013 Summer staff?

Position                                          Basic Duties                                                         Starting Salary
Cabin Counselor           Accompany campers to activities/assist with daily living needs             $3,300
Program Staff               Assist in running one of our activity areas                                           $3,100
Program Specialist        Run one of our activity areas, oversee inventory and curriculum           $3,700
Unit Floater                  Assist counseling staff with challenging behavioral or medical issues     $3,600
Driver                          Responsible for transportation of camper/volunteers/program needs  $3,000
Unit Leader                  Responsible for three cabins of campers, staff, and volunteers            $3,900

For any questions regarding our staff and volunteer nursing positions please contact Sharon Space, Medical Director (sharon.space@holeinthewallgang.org).

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?

Employment/volunteer positions will be contingent on positive references, criminal background check, and completion of comprehensive Medical History/Physical Forms.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Camp grounds. Drinking and drug use are also strictly prohibited.
Except for scheduled time off, all counselors (volunteer and staff) are expected to be "on duty" 24 hours a day. We must be able to count on you to help us as the need arises, so we ask that you not leave Camp except during your scheduled time off.
Everyone at Camp, adults and campers alike, are required to deposit all medications with the Camp infirmary. Medications will be dispensed by the infirmary staff only.

Do you accept staff or volunteers with disabilities?

We do not exclude staff or volunteers with disabilities. However, because work as a counselor can sometimes be strenuous, we expect that any person working at Camp will have the ability to supervise and provide for the safety of our campers.