About Camp T…

Mission Statement

The mission of Camp Transfiguration is to present to young people a living experience of the Holy Orthodox Faith, in their relationship with God and other campers in an uncluttered, natural environment. Translated to Greek, “transfiguration” becomes “metamorphosis” which literally means, “to change”. Camp Transfiguration aims to instill in all of its campers, staff and volunteers the glorious teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as the traditions of the Orthodox Church, for their spiritual growth and for the glorification of God. To accomplish this, we will seek to bring young people to:

• Awareness of self and their fellow man in God

• A deepening of their Orthodox way of life

• A greater awareness of their living religion

• Good sportsmanship in the fellowship of divine love

• Growth in personal relationships and personal responsibility

• An appreciation of nature and a concern for the environment

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Camp 2022

Camp Transfiguration will be held at Camp Wingate, same location as last year. Camp Wingate is located in Saint-Adolfe-d’Howard, Quebec a few minutes away from Saint-Sauveur. All staff should be aware of the following dates:

 

• Session 1 – Sunday, August 7th to Saturday, August 13th 2022

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• Session 2 – Sunday, August 14rd to Saturday, August 20th 2022

 

Our Team

The executive committee consists of the following team members:

Director

Alex Younes

Camp Head Priest

Fr. Nektarios Najjar

Assistant Director

Scott Shacker & Peter Bondi

Treasurer

Khalil Dawod

Members at Large

Anna Cocja

Caroline El-Chaâr

Rean Lawand

Michael Lawand

Paul Dawalibi

Saloma Tannis 

Theo Tannis

Samer Taweel

Katya Zeidan

Ronnie Lawand

Khalil Samara

Application Information

Vision

All members of the Camp Staff are responsible for carrying out the Mission of Camp Transfiguration. They must help strengthen the Camper’s grasp of the basics of the Christian life.

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Volunteer Role and Responsibilities

Volunteer Staff will be assigned to either assist in kitchen or general camp activities. Kitchen volunteers will be expected to help in preparation of meals, meal service and cleanup thereafter. General volunteers will be asked to help with specific tasks as part of the morning, afternoon and evening programs. 

All volunteer staff shall report directly to the Volunteer Coordinator, who will meet with the volunteers on a daily basis. Assignments for various morning, afternoon and evening programs will be communicated and the day’s schedule will be reviewed. Volunteer staff will be expected to be present at all church services and meals.

 

Application Checklist

A complete application must include the following:

1. A completed Volunteer Online Application Form

2. The Clergy Reference completed by your parish priest (Sent to your priest by Fr. Nektarios)

3. The Lay Reference Form completed by a non-relative (Found on the Volunteer Application tab on our website)

4. A fully completed Staff Medical Form (Section 2 of the online application form)

5. A Certified Criminal Record check will be requested for all staff members and volunteers.

*You may be asked to provide a recent picture of yourself. 

There are limited spaces available for volunteers. Selection will be based upon the strength of the candidate’s application.

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Expectations

Volunteer Staff must be at least 18 years of age before December 31st 2020. All camp volunteer staff are encouraged to attend the entire camp week of either session one or session two, or both sessions. Volunteers who are unable to attend an entire session must have their arrival and departure date approved by the Volunteer Director. Those staff taking part in only Session 1 should plan to depart camp by 3pm on Saturday August 13. Those taking part in only Session 2 should arrive no later than 3pm on Saturday August 20. Emergency leave of absences during camp are granted at the discretion of the Camp Director.

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Restrictions

Parents of children attending camp are strongly discouraged from being volunteers. This is to ensure the best possible experience for both your child and his/her cabin mates. Any semblance of preferential treatment may alter the cabin dynamic and affect the mindset of the campers (i.e. homesickness, resentment, etc.). Parents wishing to volunteer at camp while their children are attending must obtain explicit written permission from the Camp Director.

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Deadlines

All volunteer applications must be submitted no later than July 24th, 2022. Notification of acceptance will be sent out on or before July 31st, 2022.

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References

This registration package includes two reference forms: one to be completed by your parish priest, and one to be completed by a non-relative adult (teacher, coach, employer, etc.) who has knowledge of your suitability for the position in which you are applying. If you are a returning staff member you are only required to have the parish priest reference form. It is your responsibility to either: a) collect then include in your application the completed references, or b) to ensure that they are sent directly to the camp address by the deadline date. Please carefully follow the instructions given on the reference forms.

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Medical Information

All medical information is required such that the camp first aid coordinator and applicable staff may be prepared to provide appropriate care. This information will be kept confidential with the camp first aid coordinator and director.  A medical professional will be on site, full-time, during the camping session to take care of any health care needs.

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Camp Policies

Contained in this document you will find the Policies of Camp Transfiguration. Please read carefully the Policy for Social Media and the Dress Code Policy prior to completing the application. All camp policies, staff roles and responsibilities as well as dress code will be reviewed during training.

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Housing

Room and board are provided free of charge for those staying on camp grounds. Volunteer staff are housed in cabins separate from the camper cabins.

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Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Also contained in this document is a description of the roles and responsibilities of all staff members. It is important that these be reviewed in order to best understand the reporting structure. A camp organizational chart has been included to illustrate the flow of responsibility. The roles and reporting structure may be adjusted in order to best suit the staff selected for these jobs.

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Registrar Contact Information

Questions regarding the application process or camp itself may be directed to:

info@camptransfiguration.org

All camp registration material such as Lay Reference Forms should be submitted BY EMAIL. 

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Camp Policies

READ CAREFULLY!

Policy for Social Media

Once a person accepts a position as a member of the Camp Transfiguration staff, they accept a great responsibility that lasts well beyond the time spent together at camp. Camp Transfiguration staff members will forever be recognized by campers, parents, clergy, fellow staff members, and many others as a representative of the camp and, more importantly, the Orthodox Christian faith.

In general, Camp Transfiguration views social networking sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), personal websites, and blogs positively and respects the right of staff to use them as a medium of self-expression. 

Each Camp Transfiguration staff member who posts information (text and photos) on the internet in any format including social networking websites, personal websites, and any other information posted on the internet must do so in accord with that of an Orthodox Christian lifestyle. In addition, Camp Transfiguration requires that staff observe the following guidelines when referring to the camp, its programs or activities, its campers, and/or other staff, in a blog or on a website:

1. Any photos or messages that are linked or “tagged” from “friends” and attached to your site(s) or profile(s) that are inappropriate should be removed.

2. Staff must be respectful in all communications and blogs related to or referencing Camp Transfiguration, its campers, and/or other employees.

3. Staff must not use obscenities, profanity, or vulgar language.

4. Staff must not use blogs or personal websites to disparage Camp Transfiguration, other campers, or staff of Camp Transfiguration.

5. Staff must not use these venues to discuss engaging in conduct prohibited by camp policies and an Orthodox Christian lifestyle, including, but not limited to, the use of alcohol and drugs, sexual behavior, sexual harassment, and bullying.

6. Staff must not post pictures of campers on a website without obtaining written permission from the parents of the camper(s).

Any staff member found to be in violation of any portion of this policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including the staff member’s voluntary dismissal from the staff at the discretion of the Camp Director.

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Dress Code Policy

All staff should be good role models for campers, and thus it is of the utmost important that the Dress Code be followed strictly. While camping is by its nature informal, Christian modesty should be the guiding principle when dressing for camp. Inappropriate clothing will not be permitted to be worn. Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to:

 

• open back tops

• low-cut fronts 

• skin tight clothing

• half shirts

• two-piece bathing suits

• tank tops with less than two finger-width straps

• shorts cut shorter than a few inches above the knee

• low-cut waistlines

 

No more than two pairs of earrings are permitted for women, none for men. Excess earrings must be removed upon arrival.

Because of the outdoor setting with uneven terrain, tree roots, etc, neither open-toed nor backless shoes (flip-flops, etc.) are not permitted to be worn outside the cabin at any time, but may be packed as shower shoes. Athletic shoes must be worn during Afternoon Program. 

Dress for daily church services is casual, however long pants and covered shoulders are required. For Divine Liturgies, men are expected to wear a collared shirt (tie preferred), and women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse, with skirt length at least knee-length or longer. Staff should be prepared for at least two Divine Liturgies.

In addition, staff members must keep any tattoos covered at all times.

Any staff member found to be in violation of any portion of this policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including the staff member’s voluntary dismissal from the staff at the discretion of the Camp Director.

 

 

*** All camp policies, staff roles and responsibilities as well as dress code will be reviewed during training. ***

 

Staff Roles and Responsibilities

The following are general descriptions of the roles and responsibilities for each staff member @ Camp T. 

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Counselor:

• Live with and provide for the needs of campers in each cabin and guide them in a Christian manner in participating in all aspects of the camp program.

• Teach & lead activities as assigned by Program Staff.

• Be an example and role model to campers.

• Must work well with children; enjoy camp environment; willingly accept guidance & supervision.

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Head Counselor:

• Help the Camp Mentor plan and prepare Staff Training as well as CIT program.

• Handle Camper issues brought by Counselors, and supervise Counselors throughout the day.

• Routinely evaluate the performance of the Counselors and CITs, and offer insightful feedback.

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Morning Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, plan camp’s daily morning program schedules in cooperation with the Program Director. 

• Work with Spiritual Advisor/Camp Head Priest in finalizing Christian Education sessions.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise morning program Counselors in execution of program.

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Afternoon Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director & camp facility staff to plan camp’s afternoon programs (including rainy day activities and non-sport activities).

• Be knowledgeable in the rules and equipment requirements for common outdoor sports at camp.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

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Arts and Crafts Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to develop arts and crafts activities (including rainy day activities).

• Prepare materials and equipment for each activity, including Morning program arts and crafts lesson with the Morning Program Coordinator.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

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Evening Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to develop evening activities, with backups for rain.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

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Overnight Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to plan the overnight for oldest and second oldest cabins, with backups for rain. 

• Prepare a spiritual activity for each overnight, with the help of Camp Head Priest.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

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Weekend Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to develop activities for campers staying over at camp between Week 1 and Week 2 (including backup activities for rainy days). 

• Prepare a list of tasks for volunteers helping during the weekend.

• Supervise Counselors (or Volunteers) in execution of programs.

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Registrar:

• Coordinate registration process for staff, volunteers and campers, including payment for the latter.

• Be available for questions and concerns of parents with Assistant Director and Director.

• Provide the first aid coordinator with a medical binder.

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First Aid Coordinator

• Review staff and camper medical forms, with documents provided by registrar.

• Provide camp executives and kitchen staff with a list of allergies.

• Prepare an individualized list of 

• Ensure the medical safety of all people on campground. 

• Give medication to campers and staff as prescribed.

• Take care of minor medical emergencies.

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Kitchen Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, develop menu for meals throughout both sessions.

• Ensure that all equipment and supplies are ordered in advance.

• Coordinate kitchen volunteers and ensure smooth food service.

• Stock and supervise ‘Gimme Shop’

• Ensure cleanliness of kitchen.

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Volunteer Coordinator:

• In coordination with each of the programs, prepare daily schedule for volunteers.

• Supervise and encourage volunteers.

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Media Coordinator:

• Photograph, film and digitally document camp.

• Upload appropriate content to social media sites for viewing of parents. 

• Be responsible for organizing and taking camp photo as well as cabin photos.

• Edit and screen a 25-30 minute video to be shown on the last night of camp.

• Following camp, prepare and distribute DVD to campers.

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Camp Mentor:

• Plan, prepare and lead Staff Training as well as CIT program (in cooperation with directors and head counselors).

• Train Program staff alongside with the Assistant Director

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Administrative Director:

• Order t-shirts and ensure all general camp supplies are purchased.

• Complete staff manual and organize all documents needed by camp staff.

• Oversee general camp logistics to ensure cooperation between all service providers (first aid coordinator, volunteer, kitchen, media).

• Prepare lists of campers and assemble final cabin lists.

• Organize registration Day and departure day (with Registrar and Assistant Director)

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Program Director:

• Coordinate scheduling (with the aid of each specific program’s coordinator) of the Master Schedule including morning/afternoon/evening activities, arts and crafts and overnight.

• Provide feedback and guidance to program coordinators.

• Help each program coordinator to organize, prepare, budget, and purchase materials.

• Plan, prepare and lead Staff Training (in cooperation with Head Counselors & Directors).

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Communication Director:

• Maintain camp email/mail correspondence and archived documents.

• Prepare camp Newsletter in January and in November every year, alongside with the Assistant Director.

• Ensure the visibility of camp in parish, diocese and archdiocese events, alongside with the Assistant Director.

• Run the camp website and Facebook and Instagram page; prepare bulletin announcement for parishes 

• Follow-up on campers and staff experience after camp.

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Assistant Director:

• Oversee all aspects of planning to ensure cooperation of camp directors, coordinators and head counselors in the preparation of programs and services.

• Plan, prepare and lead Staff Training (in cooperation with Head Counselors & Directors).

• Run daily staff meetings to facilitate communication between all camp staff.

• Manage camp spending within the context of the established budget.

• Facilitate the resolution of any camper, staff or volunteer issues.

• Ensure the safety of all participants in camp.

• Be available for questions and concerns of parents with Camp Director.

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Camp Director:

• Oversee all aspects of planning to ensure cooperation of camp directors, coordinators and head counselors in the preparation of programs and services.

• Plan, prepare and lead Staff Training (in cooperation with Head Counselors & Directors).

• Run daily staff meetings to facilitate communication between all camp staff.

• Manage camp spending within the context of the established budget.

• Facilitate the resolution of any camper, staff or volunteer issues.

• Ensure the safety of all participants in camp.

• Be available for questions and concerns of parents with Assistant Camp Director.

• Oversee Assistant Director’s work.

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Camp Head Priest:

• Train a staff member in charge of liturgical services

• Provide daily service and liturgy schedule

• Be the spiritual advisor for all campers and staff members

• Update and approve Morning Program curriculum with respective Coordinator.