Manor House
As our youngest campers, most Manor House residents (who are going into second and third grade) are experiencing Bryn Mawr for the first time. The Manor House is part of Junior Camp but is overseen by the “Manor House Mama,” a special group leader who coordinates operations within this age group. Manor House counselors must be loving, patient and sensitive, but with a strong sense of creativity and fun.

Junior Camp
Campers going into fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Most of our first-time campers are juniors, and these age groups require counselors who are nurturing and caring, upbeat, organized and energetic. Juniors are accompanied by counselors when they go to their activities, and fourth and fifth graders in particular require constant supervision on camp and in the cabin.

Lower Seniors
Campers going into seventh and eighth grades. Although there are some new campers in this division, most are returning for their third, fourth or fifth summers. Seventh graders are experiencing Senior Camp and its accompanying privileges (electives, socials with boys’ camps, overnight trips) for the first time, while eighth graders are preparing to assume a leadership role in camp. While these campers still require supervision, they travel to activities unescorted. Counselors in this division must be patient, creative, understanding and resilient.

Upper Seniors
Our oldest campers in Bunk One (tenth grade) and Bunk Two (ninth grade) are camp leaders, responsible for setting a spirited tone for the younger girls. A Bunk Two counselor’s most important job is helping her campers make the adjustment from a small cabin group to living in one bunk with as many as 59 other girls. She should be creative, resourceful and able to handle pretty much anything. Bunk One campers have a variety of leadership obligations, from cheering up homesick campers to leading the weeklong Color War in August. Bunk One counselors must be energetic, positive, flexible and able to understand the girls’ commitment to camp spirit and traditions.

We’ve already told you that a summer at Bryn Mawr is the experience of a lifetime, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Read on to find out what previous counselors had to say about Bryn Mawr…

I’ve never thought of myself as a person who’d ever work with children so closely, but now that I’ve experienced it, I think I’m stronger for challenging myself. ~ Michele M., Georgetown, TX I’d just like to thank everyone who made my summer excellent, including fellow counselors, returning staff, head counselors, group leaders, administrators, campers and anyone who was kind enough to welcome me, make me feel loved and supported and a part of the Bryn Mawr family! I admire you all and love you all! ~ Aimee S., Wagga Wagga, Australia I came with a fairly good idea of what this job would be like, but I didn’t fully understand how many jobs fit under one title. You’re so many different things to these girls. ~ Angela P., Tallahassee, FL

This summer I learned…
Little girls are more responsibility than I had imagined.
No child is perfect.
I can and should ask for help.
It’s okay to show emotion.
Patience.
There are many people who are willing and able to help me.
Candy, soda and ice cream make for an interesting bedtime scenario.
If I listen carefully, free advice is everywhere.
Children need hugs and goodnights like they need oxygen.
Seek out and show appreciation for a child’s strengths rather than dwelling on their weaknesses.
To laugh at myself.
I am not perfect.
With a new day comes a new chance.
~ Meredith B., Baltimore, MD