Monster Camp

Counselors-In-Training (CIT)/Monster Campers

Monster Campers (CIT) are our elite group of older, overnight campers (ages 16-18) who wish to train as entertainers and perhaps become staff one day.  Our camp is unusual in that our CITs are NOT treated as counselors… we do not count them toward our ratios and they do not lead the campers without specific guidance while being overseen by our adult staff.  They are, however, trained like our counselors and have specific responsibilities in accordance with their age and experience.

Our CIT are trained by our adult staff who have extensive training in youth management.  Since CITs are close in age with our campers, they need more training and time to develop important decision making skills before they can become counselors.  We provide a safe environment where our CITs can practice their entertainment and youth management skills with the campers but without the stress of being actual counselors.  We rely on them as role models and to help in many aspects of running the camp – but they are also campers and are given rest time, recreation time and supervision like our youth campers.

Monster Campers are given the opportunity to learn the following:

1. Methods for running safe, entertaining and educational plots for the younger campers
2. Conflict resolution skills to help campers as well as their own team work and play together
3. How to role play various types of  creatures and characters from literature, mythology and history
4. Basic makeup and costuming techniques to create a more theatrical environment
5. Problem solving and thinking-on-your-feet to address instant changes in storyline and to adjust entertainment or educational value
6. Coordinating and planning logistics for flow of events, resources, staffing, props, special effects and more
7. How to establish a professional demeanor and motivate your team and campers
8. Being pro-active and identifying problems before they arise

Daily meetings provide feedback to the CITs and help them further develop their skills.  As well, our Monster Campers develop a camaraderie with each other and their staff mentors which can last a lifetime.  Graduates from the CIT program may be preferred candidates for future camp counselor paid positions.

The following are requirements for all CIT Campers:

• Previous experience working with younger kids
• A strong sense of responsibility and safety
• Provide own basic costuming (see Costuming Page)
• Be reliable and able to take instruction
• In good physical shape (playing monsters is rigorous!)

Acting/role playing experience is helpful, but not necessary.  We can teach you.

All CIT/Monster Campers must interview with our Counselor Director before being accepted into the program.  Tuition is as follows:

1. First level:  50% off tuition
2. Second level:  Attend at cost $295
3. Third level:  Tuition reimbursement for each week attended*

*Second and third level CIT are by invitation only.  Tuition reimbursement occurs at the end of the last week of camp and is for each week successfully completed by the CIT. Guard Up reserves the right to terminate a CIT position if that CIT’s conduct, physical condition, attitude or influence is considered unsatisfactory.  If a CIT leaves camp early for any reason, the tuition will not be refunded and (for those who qualify) tuition reimbursement will be prorated to the amount of time worked minus any deductions.  All Monster Campers must arrive at camp between 9am and Noon the Saturday before camp begins (CIT who need to be picked up at the airport must arrange to arrive at Boston Logan between 8am and 11am).  CITs will then begin their pre-camp training workshop immediately.  CITs should check out by 5pm on the last Friday of their camp session.

To apply, please submit a request via our contact form.   We hope to see you soon!

Junior Counselors

Guard Up has a very limited number of Junior Counselor (JC) Stipend Positions.  These are reserved for CIT candidates who have significant youth leadership experience and are dedicated to assisting our counselors in youth management.  These position require a high level of responsibility, proactive participation and strong decision making skills.  These position are dedicated to helping with campers and logistics more than with role playing or story creation.  This position may require an in-person interview as well as an assessment of skill at one of our off-season events.  The stipend is provided to cover travel, costuming and other related expenses.  Stipends range from $50 – $100 a week plus housing and meals.  Junior Counselors are expected to attend all 5 weeks of camp – one week of NERF Zombie Camp and four weeks of Wizards & Warriors Camp.   JCs are given one day off a week for down time.

All Jr. Counselors must arrive at camp between 9am and Noon the Saturday before camp begins (JCs who need to be picked up at the airport must arrange to arrive at Boston Logan between 8am and 11am).  JCs will then begin their pre-camp training workshop immediately.  As well, JCs must stay until 8pm on the last Friday of Camp to help close up the facility.

There are 3 primary areas of skill that we are looking for in Junior Counselors:

1. Strong Decision Making Skills

• Safety:  Being able to stay “non-immersive” and focus on keeping safety a priority over entertainment
• Entertainment: Ability to value the experience of others over your own
• Flexibility:  Able to flow with quick changes and handle obstacles while keeping objectives in mind

2. Leadership Skills

• Conflict Management:  Keep a level head and help campers come to peaceful resolution during moments of personal conflict
• Motivation and Demeanor:  Able to inspire campers to participate in activities and to make friends with campers while maintaining professional boundaries
• Full Engagement:  Making sure that no campers are “left out” or that any individuals are perceived as “favorites”

3. Reliability

• Communication:  Consistent and clear communication skills – especially regarding safety concerns
• Endurance and Self Motivation:  Ability to handle the physical and mental rigor of working with campers within intense adventure environments for 6 out of 7 days
• Timeliness:  Being punctual and aware of time as it pertains to schedules and storylines

To apply, Contact Us.  For pricing and dates, please visit our Camp Pricing and Dates page.