Summer Camp Employment FAQ

1. Where is Camp Cheerio?

   YMCA Camp Cheerio is located in the northwestern corner of North Carolina, near the town of Sparta in Alleghany County. We are about an hour's drive from Winston-Salem, NC and only 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, just off Highway 21 between Elkin and Sparta, NC.

2. How old do I have to be to be a counselor?

   Senior Counselors must be at minimum a rising college sophomore or of equivalent age. Junior Counselors are rising high school seniors or rising college freshmen.

3. Will I live in the cabin with the campers?

   Yes, each cabin has one Senior Counselor and one Junior Counselor. There are 21 cabins at camp. There are anywhere from 10 to 14 campers in each cabin. Each of these cabins has its own bathroom, wooden bunks and shelves for storage.

4. Can I apply if I have never been a counselor?

   Yes, Camp Cheerio welcomes new staff members. If you have had experience working with children, we encourage you to learn more about us.

5. As a camp counselor, will I also be an activity instructor?

   Both senior counselors and junior counselors are responsible for teaching activities. Each counselor receives an activity preference form prior to the summer. This allows us to find out the areas in which each counselor is interested and skilled.

6. Do I have to work all ten weeks of camp?

   Camp Cheerio is a ten week summer residence camp. Girls Camp is the first 5 weeks of the summer and Coed Camp is the second 5 weeks of the summer. Counselors and Staff members have the option of working either 5 weeks of Girls Camp or 5 weeks of Coed Camp. Some of the positions extend the entire 10 weeks and some counselors choose to work 5 weeks as a cabin counselor, then 5 weeks as a program assistant/instructor.

7. Will I have time off?

   Each counselor has a 1 hour free period each day. Each session, counselors have a night off. In between sessions, counselors have a day off (24-hours).

8. Will there be any training prior to the arrival of the campers?

   Staff training is generally held the week prior to the beginning of camp.

9. What is Cheerio's policy on tobacco and alcohol?

   Camp Cheerio strongly discourages the use of tobacco and alcohol during summer employment. Alcohol, drugs and tobacco have NO place at Camp Cheerio. At no time is tobacco or alcohol allowed on camp property. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors (under 21) during employment is not tolerated and is grounds for immediate dismissal. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on camp property and at NO time may staff members return to camp under the influence. The use of drugs during employment with Cheerio is PROHIBITED. Staff violating this policy will be faced with termination of employment.