Camp Takajo Job Listings & Profile

Camp Takajo was founded in 1947 by Morton J. Goldman. Throughout its history, Takajo has been known for diversity, carefully designed programs, and exceptional facilities that combine to offer youngsters a breadth of experience that is unique in camping. Exposure to a wide range of activities enables each boy to find his niche in the camp setting. An underlying philosophy which emphasizes individual growth helps every child thrive in Takajo's family-oriented environment. Amusement, entertainment, and recreation for children can be accomplished by summer activities other than camping. Good camping more than any other experience offers an environment that fosters the development of values. An important goal at Takajo certainly is to create a fun-filled, positive atmosphere in which youngsters can develop the many facets of their unlimited potential. The fundamental emphasis, brought home through sports, games, and special events, is on time-tested moral and ethical standards. Integrity, a sense of fair play, respect for one's self and others, appreciation of nature- these are most vital qualities which we constantly reinforce at camp. If we help children learn to live with others, help them develop self-esteem, independence, and a deepening sense of responsibility, and do so in a way that leads to lasting friendships- then we have accomplished a great deal. This is our goal at Camp Takajo. STAFFING The Takajo counselor staff is comprised of more than 130 men and women, about 40% of whom are returning veterans. Our counselors are college and graduate students, teachers and administrators from throughout the United States and abroad. Approximately twenty percent are from overseas with representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland, and Germany. The average age of our counselors is 24. There are no C.I.T.'s or junior counselors. Our entire camp personnel totals over 175. Forty of this group are the kitchen, office, medical, and maintenance staffs. In camp, at all times, are a licensed physician and seven registered nurses. The staff is hired on the basis of character, stability, interest in working with children, warmth and personality, and expertise in a specialty. The order in which the criteria are listed here represents the relative weight given to each, with no consideration given to race or religion. The entire Takajo staff assembles at camp for an intensive week of pre-season orientation and training. The philosophy of the camp, its aims, ideals, and objectives are covered extensively. The primary concern at the opening orientation meeting is to emphasize those values and attitudes in our society which we deem desirable, how they relate to camp, what our limitations are, as well as what we are striving to accomplish with the boys. The philosophy is reinforced daily throughout the course of the summer by our administrators and group leaders. At separate meetings, the staffs of the Warrior, Junior, and Senior groups are apprised of pertinent information concerning each camper. Once a week during the season, separate meetings are held with each of the three staffs and its group leader to discuss each camper and his adjustment. For more about staffing and an online application visit our Employment page.