Who We Are
Thank you for inquiring about a staff position at Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures.

As you search for summer employment in the field of camping, it is as important that you investigate the camp and people who direct it, as it is that they investigate you. If you believe in the camp's philosophy and goals and are comfortable with the program offered, you will do a good job for the campers and the camp. While there are many similarities among camps, each is different.

Night Eagle is a primitive wilderness camp for 40 boys, ages 10 -14, located on 135 forested acres which is completely surrounded by 365,000 acres of the beautiful Green Mountain National Forest. The camp's location, approximately 20 miles north of Manchester, Vermont, affords us warm days and cool nights.

Our non-competitive program emphasizes the history and values of the American Indian, personal growth, community interaction and individual achievement in areas such as crafts, camping, music, gardening, canoeing, and swimming. The camp, itself, is set up as closely as possible as an early Sioux encampment. Campers and staff live together in tipis, and when the weather is nice, some wear breech clouts as they learn to be comfortable in the woods with themselves and others.

Activities and trips out of camp are planned during a weekly staff meeting, but can be changed at the last minute in order to take advantage of weather, guest instructors, etc. There is a daily planned program, and every counselor must be innovative in offering activities that teach basic skills and values. Although we as staff participate in the activities, we do not try to dominate them. And, we never do for a boy what he can do for himself. Instead, we constantly try to find ways to let each camper do well.

At Night Eagle we simplify our lives and reduce our dependence upon material things. We make the campers aware of concerns of society and try to teach them that they can make a difference in the world. We supervise the campers closely to ensure that the freedom of one child is not taken as permission to interfere with the freedom of another, and we look beyond outward behavior to try to discover its underlying causes. Because we are trying to develop a sense of security in the world, we are careful to make sure that no child is teased, frightened by ghost stories, or intimidated by pranks in the name of fun.

The spiritual dimension of life is very important at Night Eagle, so we want staff members who are interested in growing with us in this area. Young people today desperately need the hope that comes from a belief in things beyond themselves, and we feel that it is easier for campers to develop that hope if we as counselors are secure in our own outlook toward life.

Finally, we develop opportunities for work through chores (gardening, wood cutting, cook crew, etc.) and work projects so boys feel useful and needed. Therefore we need staff who find physical work invigorating and fun.

This may sound like a tall order for one summer, but keep in mind that much strength and support come from fellow staff members and, in some cases, from the campers, themselves!

Purpose
Night Eagle was founded to:

• Promote a better understanding of the American Indian and other earth-based cultures through camp lifestyle, discussions, and activities.

• Provide an innovative experience so boys learn to appreciate the worth of each individual and to value the strength that a variety of backgrounds brings to a community.

• Give boys a deep respect for the land, an understanding of the interconnection and value of all life, and the skills to live competently in the wilderness.

• Foster simplicity of life by emphasizing ruggedness, personal fitness, and an understanding of nature through practical experience such as organic gardening and the study of ecology.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2010

Staff Week: June 27 - July 3
(Arrive by 3:00 P.M. Sunday)

Camp Sessions: July 4 - August 14
(See Schedule for various session dates.)

Post Camp: August 14 - 16

If, after reading this, you feel you would be a good candidate for the Night Eagle staff this summer, please click on links to the following materials:

What Else Do I Need to Know about Night Eagle? (What Should I Expect?)

Positions Available / Requirements / Applying