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The counselors are given a rigorous 4-day staff training program before every camp and special training in life skills. Even those who have been with GCA for 15 camps go through the training. GCA pays the counselor’s $6.50 per day of training and camp as a sign of appreciation and as part of its effort to retain committed, experienced staff who have proven effective at dealing with children coming from difficult circumstances.

The staff is the key to a successful camp session. Counselors are instructed in how to act as a congenial unit and to support each other. It is an intentional training program with a carefully noted set of goals we want to achieve through the camp session.

Staff recruitment begins almost as soon as the prior camp ends. GCA interviews many people for the available spots and never has any vacancies – the job is highly sought after. GCA recognizes that being away from their jobs and loved ones for 13 days works a substantial hardship on its counselors, and wishes to show its gratitude in the form of a small stipend.

The project pays for 35 staff members at $6.50 per day, x 13 days (9 for camp and 3 for training) = $3,000. The success of the project is measured by GCA’s senior staff’s evaluation of how well the counselors performed. It has been very high for the past two years. GCA also receives reports from the children, which we include in the evaluation process. The project will be completed with the end of the summer camp cycle.