Submit the following documents in advance of arrival, and bring originals with you to camp:

• Physical Examination (completed within 18 months of your start date):
  Massachusetts requires all staff to submit a copy of an updated physical examination from your physician and a copy of your immunization record within 18 months of your start date. We recommend that you schedule an appointment with your physician in advance of the summer. If you report to Crossroads without a current physical examination, you will be asked to visit a local clinic to have one conducted and you will be subject to any fees incurred.
• Immunization History
  The Department of Public Health requires that staff have these immunizations when working at summer camps (listed below). Please review the following list and if your immunization form does not contain any of the required immunizations please reach out to your Doctor and ask for an updated version that includes the vaccines or a note stating that you have had or you are immune to any of the following:

MMR: 2 doses, anyone born in or after 1957. 1 dose, anyone born before 1957 outside the U.S. Anyone born in the U.S. before 1957 is considered immune. Laboratory evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella is acceptable.

Varicella: 2 doses, anyone born in or after 1980 in the U.S., and anyone born outside the U.S. Anyone born before 1980 in the U.S. is considered immune. A reliable history of chickenpox or laboratory evidence of immunity is acceptable.

Tdap: 1 dose, Tdap should be given if it has been ≥ 10 years since Tdap

Hepatitis B: 3 doses for staff whose responsibilities include first aid; laboratory evidence of immunity is acceptable.

• Health Insurance Card
• Social Security Card
• Passport or two forms of identification (at least one photo)
• Passport with J-1 Visa & DS-2019 (international staff only)

Log in to your CampInTouch account and select Forms & Documents to review your paperwork status.

Crossroads does not have a uniform, but does provide T-shirts to be worn on specified days throughout the summer. Typical camp wear is informal and usually consists of shorts and T-shirts. Comfortable clothes that allow full participation in camp activities are encouraged. Favorite/expensive clothing is not recommended. It is important for staff to consider the overall message that their clothing choices project. Please keep in mind that your apparel is appropriate for outdoor acitivies in case of temperature and weather changes (see Prohibited Items below).

Recommended Items

• Sleeping bag or blankets/sheets and a pillow
• Sneakers – consider that you may be hiking, too (2)
• Flip-flops
• Raincoat
• Sweatshirts/fleeces (2)
• Pants/jeans (2)
• T-Shirts (10)
• Shorts (5)
• Underwear and socks (10)
• Pajamas
• Swimsuits (2)
• Towels (2)
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant)
• Laundry bag
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Flashlight
• Watch
• Backpack

Optional Items

• Nicer outfit for staff banquet
• Books, posters, and equipment that will help with your program area or cabin activities
• Fun costumes and decorations for program theme days
• Musical Instruments, children’s books to play/read to your campers
• A flag from your home country
• Camera
• Vehicles are allowed but must be parked in designated areas

Prohibited Items

• Weapons of any kind
• Alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarettes
• Narcotics, illegal drugs (including marijuana and paraphernalia)
• TVs or large electronics
• Large sums of money, expensive jewelry
• Personal sports/adventure equipment
• Pets/animals
• Clothing with reference to beer, alcohol, drugs, offensive language, sex, inappropriate camp behavior, etc.
• Clothing that is overly revealing  (e.g. shirts which leave a bare midriff, too-tight or too-short shorts, etc.)

Medications
All medications are stored in the Health Center at camp and are distributed by the nurses on staff. If you take prescription medications (including birth control), make sure that you bring enough for the summer and that they are noted in your Health Information and Physical Exam.

The Health Center will have non-prescription medicines such as mild painkillers. Any non-prescription medications that you bring with you (including vitamins) must be stored in the Health Center and not in cabins. Exceptions include a rescue inhaler and EpiPen.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any part of camp. Smokers must be prepared to abstain from smoking for the summer, except when off-site during time off. Tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, lighters, marijuana, and related paraphernalia are forbidden on camp property, and staff must never return to camp smelling of smoke.

Alcohol/Drugs
Alcohol is forbidden on camp property at all times. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol in the state of Massachusetts. It is also illegal for anyone to purchase alcohol for someone who is underage. Crossroads upholds this state law and violations may be cause for dismissal. Crossroads has a zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs, and anyone found possessing or using illegal substances will be dismissed immediately.

Time Off
You will have the equivalent of one day off each week. These include pre-assigned days between sessions where the whole staff will be off, and other days that are set at the beginning of each session. We provide transportation to local public transport stops for days off whenever possible.

Daily time off includes two assigned hours each day.

Typically, one cabin counselor is on duty overnight and must stay in the cabin with campers all night, while their co-counselor has time off once dismissed after the campers are in bed.

Laundry
Laundry facilities are available for personal laundry during time off, when they are not being used for camp purposes.

Valuables
With the exception of required documentation such as Passports, valuables should not be brought to camp. Accommodation is shared and Crossroads cannot be held responsible for the loss of any valuable items (jewelry, cash, electronics, etc).

Devices & WiFi
Electronic devices can only be used during time off and never in the presence of campers. Crossroads recommends that staff use careful consideration when deciding what devices to bring to camp. There is a staff lounge with WiFi available during time off.

Weather
In July and August, the weather in Massachusetts is sunny and warm during the day (75-90°F / 22-32°C) and can get cooler at night (55-65°F / 12-18°C). Camp doesn’t stop for occasional rainy days, so waterproof jackets are recommended.

Do I have to swim in the pool/lake?
Yes, we expect all our youth and staff to be willing to go in the pool or lake. If you cannot swim, you will not be expected to go outside of the shallow area.

What is the food like?
The food at camp is basic, nutritious, and kid-friendly. It is served family-style. We try to accommodate dietary requirements; but please let us know in advance.

Is there an opportunity to experience Boston and the surrounding area?
Yes, on your days off we highly recommend checking out Boston and the local beaches and hiking trails. Rides to public transport will be provided.

Where do I sleep and shower?
Counselors sleep in an assigned cabin with co-counselors and campers. Cabins are basic and rustic. There are washhouses where counselors can shower during time off.

What does a typical day look like?
Sample Camp Wing Daily Schedule
Sample Camp Lapham Daily Schedule

What happens if I can’t work the whole summer?
To maintain staff-to-camper ratios, we expect that you will honor your staff agreement. Please call or email us as soon as possible if there are any changes in your availability.

What are the other people like that I will be working with?
Crossroads hires a diverse team of staff who are passionate about making a difference with the young people we serve. The majority of the team ranges in age from 18 to 35 years old and come from the Boston area, other US cities and states, and from all over the world. Staff are selected for their interest in working to create an environment where youth can learn, grow, and achieve success. Crossroads is excited to support this group of inspirational individuals to come together, create a powerful team, and positively impact our campers this summer.

What are the campers like?
Crossroads inspires over 1,000 youth per year to unlock their potential and positively impact the world. Our programs are designed to high potential youth in grades 2 -12 from the Boston area. At Crossroads, we believe that the key to transforming youth is combining long-term empowerment programs with consistent positive relationships. We provide our students with summer and school year programming that supports them to become economically independent citizens, socially responsible leaders and emotionally connected adults.

Crossroads Camps include Camp Wing (Duxbury, MA) and Camp Mitton (Brewster, MA). Both camps offer four sessions (each session is twelve days) for youth currently in 2nd through 8th grade. Counselors work as part of a team to deliver fun, intentional activities that promote social and emotional learning through traditional camp activities including sports, swimming, boating, ropes courses, fishing, archery, biking, arts and crafts, performing arts and more!

The C5 Leaders Program is a five-year summer and school year program where youth develop and practice their leadership skills through various experiential activities and workshops designed to support participants in learning how to lead both themselves and others in their community. The summer camp program is based at Camp Lapham (Ashby MA). C5 works with youth from 8th through 12th grades. Counselors work as part of a team to deliver a curriculum that revolves around leadership, community involvement, and college and career preparation, along with traditional camp activities including backpacking, adventure programs, sports, swimming, boating, and performing arts.

How will Crossroads help me grow as a youth development professional?
At Crossroads, you will develop real-world experience as a youth development professional. Working alongside experts in the field, you will explore, share, and learn new strategies for working with young people. You will also develop a network of support to share best practices. As you develop skills and knowledge, you will gain a level of proficiency in core competency areas for work in the youth development field.

Where are the camps?
Camp Wing is located in the New England town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, halfway between Boston and Cape Cod. Camp Wing is situated on 200 acres of woodlands and trails, with two pools and two ponds. It is a 5-10 minutes drive from the highway and nearby stores, 20 minutes drive from the nearest public transport station, and about 45 minutes south of Boston.

Camp Mitton is located in the Cape Cod town of Brewster, Massachusetts. Camp Mitton is situated on 17 acres and is surrounded by lakes. We are about 1.5 hours from Boston. The summer beauty of Cape Cod and the islands attract visitors from all over the world.

Camp Lapham is located in Ashby, Massachusetts. Its remote location in north-central Massachusetts, close to the New Hampshire border, is perfect for exploring the great outdoors. Camp Lapham is situated around a reservoir and surrounded by woodlands close to Mount Watatic.

Camp Mitton
46 Featherbed Lane
Brewster, MA 02631

Camp Lapham
731 South Road
Ashby, MA 01431

Camp Wing
742 Keene Street
Duxbury, MA 02332

Phone Number: 617-765-7556

Lifeguard Training
The Crossroads qualified lifeguard trainers facilitate the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training that includes First aid and CPR/AED training. If you successfully pass the training, you will receive a two-year certification from the American Red Cross which you can use across the US. Lifeguard training is informative, interactive, challenging, and essential to our programs. Be ready for some long days that include classroom time as well as in-water skill scenarios as we train you to become a confident and professional lifeguard. To pass the course, you will be required to take 3 written examinations along with a few in-water scenarios and proficiency evaluations.

Lifeguard Requirements:

1. Must be able to swim 550 yards (untimed) continuously with a combination of front crawl and breaststroke with rhythmic breathing and a stable kicking action
2. Must be able to retrieve a 10lb brick by doing a surface dive within 1 min 40 sec
3. Submerge to the bottom of a 10ft deep end and perform appropriate rescues
4. Tread water for 2 minutes without using hands
5. Able to work as a lifeguard at both the pools and lakes
6. Ability to accept supervision and guidance
7. Can endure long hours at the pools and waterfronts
8. Will ensure strict compliance with all Crossroads policies as well as ACA standards for aquatics programs including supervision of youth and safety protocols.
9. Can respond to inappropriate and unsafe behavior according to the established procedures in the staff manual
10. Must be able to visually and audibly supervise up to 25 swimmers

2023 Training Dates:
Class 1: June 7th – June 10th (TBC)

Class 2: June 11th – June 14th (TBC)

Ropes Course Training
Crossroads hosts a High Ropes Course specialist company to facilitate training that covers all three of our ropes courses. Ropes course training is informative, interactive, challenging, and essential to our programs. Be ready for some long days that include classroom time as well as on-element scenarios as we train you to become a confident and professional ropes course instructor. To pass the course, you will be required to participate in the full training and complete all assigned scenarios.

Ropes Course Requirements:

1. Must be confident with heights
2. Must be willing to learn all skills for ropes course
3. Must be willing to learn how to rescue participants at a maximum of 60 feet in the air.
4. Willing to be at the ropes course during assigned times throughout the summer
5. Ability to accept supervision and guidance
6. Will ensure strict compliance with all Crossroads policies and ACA standards for adventure programs including supervision of youth and safety protocols.
7. Can respond to inappropriate and unsafe behavior according to the established procedures in the staff manual

2023 Training Dates:
TBC

If you are interested in either of these trainings, please make a note of that in your staff application or email us at staff@crossroadsma.org for more information. Due to limited spaces in our trainings, showing interest does not guarantee you will be selected to participate.