WESTFIELD-While Camp Shepard is currently under mounds of snow, soon a variety of jobs will be available to ensure the 105-acre outdoor center is ready to open for its summer season.
Owned and operated by the YMCA of Greater Westfield, Camp Shepard on Northwest Road is “special for many reasons,” according to Patrick Lusteg, YMCA’s camp/program director.
Hiring has begun for Camp Shepard summer positions, according to Patrick Lusteg, seen in the middle, back row, with his 2016 staff after the last day of camp.
“One reason is the friends that you make here,” said Lusteg, who is beginning his ninth summer at Camp Shepard. “Every friend that you make at Camp Shepard, whether it is as a camper or counselor will be a lifelong friend. All of my closest friends I met at camp when we were counselors.”
After high school, Lusteg attended Norwich University where he was an active member of the Corps of Cadets, participating in Air Force ROTC as well as the Men’s Club hockey team. During his school years between 2010-2014, he worked with Y’s Kids as a site coordinator and filled in as the interim youth development director in 2014. He also started at Camp Shepard in 2008 as a counselor and then worked as the rope course facilitator until 2014. After taking more than a year off from the YMCA, he was hired last March as the camp director.
Lusteg noted that staff numbers fluctuate depending on the number of children who attend camp, however, 23 to 25 counselors are traditionally hired during the summer season.
Currently, positions available include four lifeguards, one office manager, five skill staff, and a new program director.
“Camp is also looking for a qualified and hardworking maintenance staff that can help maintain the camp grounds and pool area,” said Lusteg.
Lusteg said volunteers are also welcome to assist counselors, adding that all staff members are required to complete a background check that involves three reference checks and a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Inquiry).
“Background checks ensures that our staff is qualified to work with children,” said Lusteg, adding that staff members also undergo a face-to-face interview.
Staff applications are available at the front desk of the Westfield YMCA on Court Street or by contacting Lusteg at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted through the end of March with interviews taking place in April. Training will take place one to two weeks before camp, between June 11-24.
“Camp Shepard regulations require at least 23 hours of training which will touch on subjects such as diversity and inclusion, behavioral training, leadership skills, age characteristics, abuse prevention, and learning new songs and games,” said Lusteg.
Lusteg added that staff also complete simulated exercises on how to handle different situations at camp, and the last day of training includes how to teach swim lessons and how to ensure the pool and pool area are kept safe at all times.
A group presentation at Camp Shepard’s Family Night last summer.
“Counselors will work with campers in a 1:10 ratio allowing them to both keep the children safe at all times as well as connect with them on an individual basis,” said Lusteg. “Some of the skill areas we hire include a sports and mountain bike instructor, an arts and crafts teacher, an archery instructor, a ropes facilitator, and a nature instructor.”
Lusteg noted that individuals applying for skill areas must have at least one year of experience in the specific skill area.
“Camp is such a welcoming and warm environment where everyone is included no matter what which allows for campers and staff to truly be themselves as well as develop themselves into a diverse, well-rounded individual,” said Lusteg.
Lusteg noted that Camp Shepard is also “unique” because of its traditions and activities.
“Whether it be singing camp songs all day every day or camping outside on Family Night, Camp Shepard has experiences that are very unique to just our camp,” said Lusteg.
Open houses are planned June 3 and June 10 for parents and their children who are considering Camp Shepard as a summer option. Open houses are planned from 1 to 4 p.m., rain or shine, featuring activities that both campers and parents can participate in. In addition, campers will also meet some of the staff who work at Camp Shepard, allowing them to become more comfortable with them before they start camp.
Summer camp dates set are June 26-July 7, with a theme of “Stars and Stripes,” July 10-July 21, “Camp Spirit,” July 24-Aug. 4, “Time Travelers,” Aug. 7-18, “Wet and Wild,” and “Super Week” is slated Aug. 21-25.
“Parents should consider Camp Shepard for their children because it provides a place for individual growth, unique and new experiences, as well as a place to express themselves freely all while being supervised in a safe and controlled environment,” said Lusteg, adding, “While most of Camp Shepard has mainly group-based activities, a camper is still able and encouraged to grow on an individual basis with staff setting goals for campers and encouraging them to grow and express themselves as an individual.”
Camp Shepard activities range from archery, arts and crafts, rock climbing, high/low ropes, and swim lessons and swimming, to canoe and kayaking, nature activities, hiking, biking and team-building programs.
“What makes all of the experiences campers have at camp unique are that staff focuses on achievement, belonging, and their relationships,” said Lusteg. “Camp Shepard allows campers to disconnect from the outside world to focus on what is directly in front of them. Without electronics, campers can focus directly on the nature and activities that staff present to them while interacting with other campers and staff.”
For registration information on Camp Shepard, visit www.westfieldymca.org. Brochures and camp registration forms are also available at the YMCA’s front desk.
