Cabin Counselor Manual 2013 Final - Interlochen Center for the Arts

Camp Life General Information
Camp Life Mission - Our goal in Camp Life is to provide students with age-appropriate freedoms and structures
which afford opportunities to establish diverse and life-long friendships, develop life skills and foster independence.
In a safe, organized and clean environment, Camp Life provides creative social and recreational activities that
enhance and complement the intense artistic program.
Staff Training – Prior to arrival, each Camp Life staff member is expected to complete an on-line Pre-Arrival
Orientation. Information about this program is sent via email to all staff who have signed and returned their contract.
Verification of completion is collected upon arrival at Interlochen. Just prior to camper arrival, all Camp Life staff
arrive at Interlochen for a week-long intensive training program. State licensing requirements prohibit any Camp Life
staff member from assuming their full responsibilities prior to completing the prescribed training program.
Student Handbook – In addition to this manual, all camp life staff must be familiar with the Camp Student
Handbook. A copy is mailed home to all campers and parents in May and campers are expected to read this with
their families. A copy should always be posted in every cabin.
General Behavior - Interlochen Arts Camp counselors are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that
represents Interlochen positively and serves as a positive role model to campers. When in Camp uniform,
counselors are expected to maintain standards consistent with the responsibility of the position.
Personal Grooming - Personal appearance of the staff and faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp is an important
ingredient in the overall program of Interlochen as viewed by parents, visitors and guests. It is essential for
counselors to maintain their personal appearance in a neat, clean, well-groomed manner, keeping in mind that they
are always setting an example for the students and are constantly representing Interlochen to the public. All
Interlochen employees are expected to wear the Interlochen uniform at all times when on Main Camp or at other
locations as directed by your supervisor. The uniform is always worn perfectly – shirt tucked in, socks, shoes,
appropriate length shorts, etc.
Alcohol Policy - Interlochen Arts Camp does not permit counselors to consume or store alcoholic beverages of any
kind on campus. Staff is expected to refrain from drinking or purchasing any alcoholic beverage when in Camp
uniform. All staff and faculty are expected to abide by this policy. The legal drinking age in Michigan is 21.
Interlochen cooperates with authorities regarding underage use of alcohol, up to and including prosecution, if
necessary.
Illegal Substances - Possessing, dispensing or engaging in the unauthorized use of illegal drugs and other
substances or the misuse of legal substances while under contract with Interlochen Arts Camp is prohibited. Any
violation of this policy can result in immediate dismissal and forfeiture of any further salary. Drug possession is also
illegal in the State of Michigan and IAC will take measures to prosecute if necessary.
The foregoing policies are necessary both to maintain discipline within each Camp division and to lead by example in
modeling the pledge that must be signed by all campers. You should be aware of this pledge, and it reads as
follows: “I agree not to possess or use tobacco or alcoholic beverages, or to possess or engage in the unauthorized
use of drugs while a member of the Camp. Camp authorities reserve the right to dismiss students for a violation of
the above pledge without returning any part of the fees paid.”
Smoking Policy - In the interest of providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, students and visitors,
and in accordance with the Michigan Clean Indoor Air Act, P.A. 198 of 1986, the following policy was adopted
effective May 4, 1987: Smoking is prohibited entirely, throughout all Interlochen Center for the Arts campus or
grounds. Additionally, staff members should not smoke while in uniform, even when off campus.
Confidentiality - Faculty and staff have the most direct contact with the campers. This relationship may bring rise to
information: signs of neglect, abuse, or camper use/abuse of substances. In this situation, the staff member may not
promise confidentiality to the camper. It is for the camper’s benefit that a staff member brings these issues to the
attention of the division director, Administrator or Professional Counselor.
Time Off - In general, Interlochen Arts Camp uses the American Camping Association standards regarding time off
for counselors. This allows for a day off during the week as well as one night out. Since the time periods vary within
each division, please refer questions about time off to your director. If it is not a counselor’s day off or night out, it is
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