Kris' Camp Staff - Frequently Asked Questions

Overview
Kris’ Camp is an intensive therapy/respite camp for kids with autism and/or related difficulties and their families. Volunteers and assistants play an important role in both the therapy and respite aspects of the camp. Typically these staff help out in therapies during the day, and then help to provide respite during group dinners (3 nights), the Wine & Cheese party (1 night) and the parent/staff meetings (1-2 nights) for 1-2 hours each evening. This provides critical support for parents/caregivers to interact with the therapy team. Plan to work long, hard days and gain lots of insight and experience. The work is very, very rewarding, but it is tough!

What is the typical volunteer/assistant schedule like?

Each therapy camp session consists of a 7-day schedule. This tentative schedule and volunteer/assistant obligations are listed below. ‘Day 1’ denotes the first day that camp is scheduled. For example, if the program calendar/website says July 8-14th, Day 1 is the 8th. However, most staff should plan to arrive the evening of the previous day, as staff meetings and set-up will occur throughout most of Day 1.

• DAY 1: Staff orientation & meetings, plus set-up, from approximately 10am until done. Families usually check-in by 3pm. Group dinner (including all families & staff) and introductions are held the first night at 5:30pm.

• DAYS 2-6: Days 2-6 are therapy days. Therapy camp and sibling camp generally run from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Staff should plan to arrive at assigned locations by 8:15 am. Assistants and volunteers provide support to therapists during the therapy day, and occasionally (depending on experience and qualifications) provide one-on-one support to campers.
  
  After the therapy day, therapy teams hold staff meetings from approximately 3-5 (if there is a group dinner at 5:30, otherwise later). Occasionally and depending on the camp and the campers' needs, meetings will be continued after dinner. Volunteers and assistants typically help out in various ways during meetings, by helping to make memory books, putting up the next day’s schedule, etc.
  
  Group dinners: Including the first night of dinner/introductions, there are 3 casual group dinner nights for families & staff. Group dinners are typically scheduled for 5:30pm the first, third, and fourth nights of camp. Assistants and volunteers generally eat first, and then take siblings and campers to the playground/play area for an hour or so to allow parents some respite and opportunity to talk with therapists.
  
  Wine & Cheese Party: Typically on the second evening (a night when there is no group dinner or parent/staff meetings) we host a Wine & Cheese Party for parents and staff. Group babysitting is provided by volunteers, assistants, and therapists (who rotate through for one hour each).
  
  Parent/Staff Meeting Night: On the final or second to final evening of camp (usually Day 6), parent/staff meetings are held from approximately 3pm – 9pm with a break for dinner (for camps with more families, parent/staff meetings are split into 2 nights). During this time volunteers and assistants provide individual babysitting for families during their scheduled meeting time – usually this is done in pairs in the family’s cabin.

• DAY 7: This is check-out day for families and staff. Staff is expected to help take-down and clean up in the morning before leaving camp.

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What food is provided for staff?

We provide lunch and dinner and some snack foods (peanut m&ms & blueberries are some of our favorites for meeting times!) for the staff on therapy days. On the days before and after camp (ie set-up day breakfast & lunch, clean-up day breakfast & lunch), there is often food available but no organized meals are provided. There are also plenty of drinks (including coffee) to be had, but usually not a lot of sodas. Often we also have breakfast cereals and milk and/or toast available for staff breakfasts on therapy days, but again nothing official. You are on your own for more elaborate breakfasts, special dietary needs, late night snacks, etc. There is usually one large refrigerator available at each camp, but keep in mind that the majority of this space is used to house food for group dinners, camper & staff lunches, etc. Please be mindful when helping yourself to food in the kitchen – if you’re not sure, please ask, as you might be planning to eat a crucial ingredient to that night’s group dinner! Some cabins have small kitchenettes with a refrigerator, but not all. However, we’re a friendly bunch so if someone has a fridge in their room and you don’t they’d probably be willing to share a bit of space! Please just keep in mind that it is a balance - we don’t expect you to bring your own food for the entire week of camp, but we also cannot provide catered or prepared meals for everyone at every meal.

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What lodging accommodations are provided?

Volunteers and assistants for all camps stay in cabins set aside for staff lodging. You will share the cabin/room with other staff. Typically linens & towels are provided by the lodging. All of our lodging (so far!) has running water, electricity, etc. In other words, it is not highly rustic.

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What should I know before making travel arrangements?

Please speak with our Program Director for specific details on travel arrangements. Typically all staff members make their own travel arrangements after discussing options us. However, to get you started, below is some information on lodging and nearby airports pertaining to each camp:

Arizona: Most Arizona staff are local to the area. Staff coming in from out of town will either be housed by a fellow staff person who lives in Phoenix or at a local hotel.

California: Lodging at Silver Pines Lodge (www.silverpineslodge.com) and Rainbow Inn (www.rainbow-inn.com) inn Idyllwild. Nearest airports are Palm Springs and Ontario (CA). Both are over an hour’s drive from Idyllwild, but we will try to arrange for someone on the staff to provide you with a ride to and from either airport – please just communicate what your needs are and we’ll try to work something out.

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What should I bring/pack?

Arizona: Phoenix is hot during camp season - there is no other way to say it!

California: You will be staying at one mile elevation, so be prepared for warm to hot days (between 80 and 95 degrees) and chilly nights (between 50 and 60 degrees). When the sun sets it gets cool fast, so you will probably want a heavy sweatshirt and warm socks after 9 pm and before 9 am. The air is dry out west, so if you do not live in a dry climate, be sure to bring hand/body lotion. If you like to hike and are willing to get up early, you may want to bring some hiking shoes. Also bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes (i.e. running shoes). You will be doing a lot of hands-on work, so casual summer clothes (shorts & t-shirts) are best and most comfortable! Cell phones typically, although not always, work in Idyllwild.

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