Summer 2022 Staff FAQs - Perlman Camp
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Summer 2022 Staff FAQs

Below are the answers to some questions you may have about traveling to and working at camp this summer. If you have a question that isn’t on the list but that you think others might want to know too, please use this link to submit. Keep checking back to this page, as it will be updated with more information in the coming months before camp.

BEFORE CAMP

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to work at camp?

We strongly encourage every staff member with access to a vaccine to get one. For staff who are unable to access a vaccine at home, our local hospital has offered to vaccinate any interested staff upon arrival at camp. 

Will I need to get a COVID test before arrival at camp?

Yes, staff will need to provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arriving to camp. We are working on a number of options to help staff figure out where to get tested. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to camp! If you are flying internationally to camp, the test you will need for the flight should also be valid for camp (assuming you travel straight to camp from the airport.)

Will I have to quarantine before arrival?

You will not be required to strictly quarantine before arrival. However, our expectation is that you limit your interaction with people outside your household in the week before camp. (Not attending parties or large gatherings, etc.)

INTERNATIONAL STAFF – VISAS & TRAVEL

When will I be able to get a visa?

Please contact your staffing agency. They will have the most up to date information about visa appointments and availability based on your location. 

When will I be able to book my travel?

If you are booking your own travel, book at your own discretion. Your staffing agency will have the most up to date information on travel restrictions. Click here to access the Staff Transportation page for more information about flight arrival times and bus transportation to camp.

What are the restrictions before I can get on a plane?

The current CDC guidelines require proof of a negative COVID-19 test (or documentation of having recently recovered from COVID-19) before you travel by air into the United States.  These restrictions are subject to change and are set by airlines and the government. These test results can also be used for your pre-camp test, assuming you travel directly to camp from the airport.

DURING CAMP

When will I have time off?
  • Evenings off – Several nights a week, leadership staff and staff who live in bunks with campers will have off from the time your campers go to bed until staff curfew (usually between 10:15 pm and 12:45 am).
  • Days off – The number of days off you will have is indicated in your contract.
What can I do during my time off?

In order to keep our staff and campers as safe as possible this summer, staff will not be permitted to leave camp during their time off. We are in the process of planning fun things to do on your time off, including opening program areas, creating new outdoor staff spaces, and creating exciting staff recreational activities. If you have ideas, please reach out to us! WiFi is also accessible from many places around camp, so you’ll be able to stay in touch with your friends and family who are not at camp. 

What will the COVID precautions be?

For this summer, we will be adopting a ⅔ Rule (Outside, Masked, and Distanced), for any time staff and campers are interacting with people outside their bunk. For any cross-pod interactions, campers and staff will need to observe at least two of the three strategies: wear a mask, be outdoors, and be physically distanced (at least 6 feet apart). Having all 3 is best! Layering protection is key to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. You can read more about our COVID plan here.

Will I be able to hang out with my friends in different bunks/pods?

Yes! You will be able to hang out with your friends in other bunks or pods as long as you are following the ⅔ Rule.

I forgot something at home! How will I be able to get the items I need?

The easiest option will be to order items online (Amazon and Walmart have very fast shipping) and have them sent directly to camp. We will be coordinating store pick-ups throughout the summer for additional items. We will also have essential toiletry items available at camp. Feel free to order items in advance you don’t want to travel with, and we can have them ready for you when you arrive.

Should I bring my own laptop/tablet/smartphone to camp?

You may bring your own laptop/tablet/smartphone to camp, but camp will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items. Laptops, tablets, cell phones, and other electronics may not be used in front of campers (campers are not allowed to use any screened devices at camp). You will not have internet access in your living areas, but you will be able to access it in from various areas around camp during permitted hours. 

Will I have phone service?

Most American cell phone carriers will have service at camp. However, cell phones may never be used during the day or in the presence of campers. Cell phones us is permitted only during time off. Most staff call home using an American cell phone, or using internet calling (Skype, Whatsapp, etc.) 

Where can I keep my valuables?

A lock will be issued during staff week to all staff members. There are lockers in the staff lounge for everyone, and you may use a locker there to store your electronics, passport, medication, food, and other items that you cannot keep in your living area.

What if I take medications?

Our on-camp Health Center holds all medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicine. As a safety policy, no medication is allowed in the bunk. You may also keep your medication locked in the staff lounge in your provided locker. You are able to access medication kept in the health center at any time. Medication will also be available at the Health Hut outside the dining hall during mealtimes.

If you need any medications not available on camp, we can purchase them for you at a local pharmacy and charge the cost to your account.

How does laundry work?

Laundry is sent out every Thursday morning and is returned washed and folded on Friday afternoon. Counselors living in bunks will put their laundry in with their camper’s laundry (separating lights and darks). You may wish to hand wash delicate items, as we cannot take responsibility for items lost or damaged in the laundry service. We highly recommend you put your name in your clothing and on other items with a laundry marker or labels.

Do I have to bring my own linens?

If you are flying to camp (international or domestic), camp will provide you with sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. If you have a favorite item that you would like to bring to camp you are free to do so, however, it is not necessary. If you are missing an item or are cold at night, please ask right away so that we can make sure you are comfortable! Staff members who are driving to camp (or driving to the bus) should plan to bring their own linens. 

What kind of food is served at camp?

All food served at camp is kosher, meaning it is prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws, and meat and dairy items are never served together. A salad bar is always available at lunch and dinner in addition to the prepared meal. Typical meals served at camp are macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, pizza, and barbecue cook-outs. We are able to provide meals for most special dietary needs that we are aware of. Please contact us with any questions.

Can I bring a car to camp?

Yes, you may bring your own vehicle to camp. Staff cars are kept in the lower lot and may never be driven through camp. Camp will not assume responsibility for any damage done to vehicles while on camp property.

Do I have to wear a uniform while working?

There is no camp uniform. However, we ask that all items of clothing be appropriate for young children to view. Shirts must be worn by male and female staff at all times, with the exception of waterfront and pool activities. Underwear must not be visible, shorts must be long enough to cover your bottom, bras should be covered, and shirts should cover the belly. Clothing with swear words or that promotes alcohol or drug use may not be worn. Clothing should also be appropriate for the activity that you and your campers are participating in. 

Additionally, if you work in the kitchen, you must wear closed-toe shoes, and should consider wearing long sleeves and pants to avoid potential burns. You must also tie back long hair, and wear a hat.

If I work in the kitchen or on the housekeeping team, can I participate in camp activities?

Yes! As part of a cultural exchange, we very much encourage you to participate in as many camp activities as you can. Throughout the summer, we will schedule opportunities for you to participate in certain camp activities.

FAQS ABOUT INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY FOR COUNSELORS LIVING IN A BUNK WITH KIDS

What is the Perlman Technology (Screen Free) policy?

Camp places a restriction on what electronics can be brought to and used at camp by campers. Below you will find some guidelines for staff, when it comes to using your electronics. We will go through all of this again during staff training.

Perlman Camp allows staff members to bring their screen items to camp, but what exactly does that mean for me?

This means that you are able to bring any iPod, smartphone, tablet, laptop, or e-reader you would like, but they are not to be used in the bunk. We hope that you will take this as an opportunity to make stronger connections with your campers and work more constructively with your co-counselors.

How will I set an alarm to wake the campers up in the morning?

We can provide an alarm clock for your bunk to be able to set an alarm. Phones may not be used as an alarm.

How will we listen to music in the bunk?

We allow campers to bring an MP3 player that does not have a screen (ie. iPod shuffle) to listen to music, and you may do the same, along with a speaker and  AUX cord to plug it in. You can also burn CDs and bring old players if you have one sitting at home. Counselors may not carry phones around for music.

STAFF SUBMITTED QUESTIONS

Is there a gym where staff can train?

Yes! We do have a small staff gym with several pieces of cardio and strength training equipment. Many staff also enjoy running around the trails on camp, or on a 3 mile loop just outside camp. You can also borrow athletic equipment on your time off and use our athletic facilities, as long as it does not interfere with camper programming.