summer camp jobs Archives - Lake Bryn Mawr Camp

Staff Spotlight: How Did Working at Camp Defy Your Expectations?

April 11th, 2022

Every year, we welcome staff from around the country and around the world. Some of them have been working at camp for many years, but even the most experienced camp staff member was once brand new to LBMC! We asked some of our returning staff members how working at Camp Bryn Mawr is is different from what they expected when they first came to camp.

“I truly had no idea what was in store for me before I arrived for my first summer. It turned out to be the hardest, most wonderful and one of a kind experience I could have asked for. I left a piece of my heart at Bryn Mawr, and I had no idea that camp would hold that much power!”

“I went to camp growing up for after-school, track-out, and summer camp. But the culture at Bryn Mawr goes beyond its function as childcare. It cares for the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of every kid in addition to the physical, and I would argue that it cares for its staff to the same degree. Bryn Mawr is a family at heart.”

“I expected to make the biggest impacts on campers in my program area. It turned out the biggest impacts often happen outside of a program area.”

“I expected great experiences, but honestly, Bryn Mawr never stopped giving me happy surprises throughout the summer. I didn’t expect to make those deep connections with campers and also gain new staff friendships that I know will last for a lifetime.”

“The idea of working a full summer was daunting, but once I was there, I was having so much fun and time really flew by.”

“I think I felt a stronger sense of community and belonging than I expected to, being an international staff member. I also feel like I was valued more than I expected to be, and was given more responsibility, which felt really nice.”

“It was way more fun than I expected. I liked that, especially at the beginning, there was an introspection part to it.”

“There are moments and conversations I had with people that I never expected, and it was so good to fully feel alive! Like I was experiencing all the emotions, and for once it was okay, and other people related to me too.”

“It’s completely incomparable to any job I’ve ever had or probably will ever have again. I really feel I gave LBMC my everything. It was a lot — but also a lot of fun and felt good.”

“Bryn Mawr was supposed to be a one-time summer experience while I was still in undergrad. As I go into my 16th summer I can easily say that Bryn Mawr is a special place to work! They call it the Bryn Mawr family for a reason. Working at camp is definitely not the easiest job, but I would say it is the most rewarding job! You are able to make friends with other staff from all over the world, you are in an environment which empowers staff to lead and try new things, you learn to be vulnerable and how to ask for help. This place has shaped me into the person I am today.”

How will working at camp defy your expectations? There’s only one way to find out! Click here to learn more about our summer staff positions and apply today!

Staff Spotlight: Why Summer Camp Is The Best Equestrian Job

April 7th, 2022

It’s no secret that horses and riding are an important part of camp life at LBMC! For our Angels who love equestrian sports, as well as the girls who attend Bryn Mawr Riding Camp, the stables, arenas and trails are where amazing summer memories are made. To make this magic happen, we rely on staff members who love horses and riding just as much as our campers — but our campers aren’t the only ones who benefit! A summer equestrian job at camp comes with opportunities that our riding staff wouldn’t find anywhere else.

An equestrian summer job with a difference

Ask Emily Tyler, our riding camp director, why she has stayed at Bryn Mawr for more than a decade, and she’ll tell you: Working at camp is an experience like no other.

“The connections and bonds that you make with campers and staff are indescribable,” she said. “You also get to immerse yourself in an environment where you’re learning about all aspects of horse care, stable management, and teaching.”

Camp is a place where equestrians can share their love of horses and riding with the next generation.

“The campers who are here for the equestrian experience, they share that same passion,” Emily said.

Gain teaching experience without turning pro

For competitive amateur riders, there’s a significant benefit to working as a camp counselor: USEF rules have an exemption that specifically allows amateurs to work at camp.

Summer camp is the equestrian job where you can gain serious skills while having serious fun!

Many equestrian summer jobs have a significant drawback for competitive riders. In order to teach riding lessons for pay, they must give up their amateur status with U.S. Equestrian. It can be a tough choice if you want to gain teaching experience but aren’t ready to compete as a professional.

Because our riding counselors also live in cabins and supervise campers away from the stables, they are able to take advantage of the camp exemption and maintain their amateur status! A summer camp equestrian job is the perfect way to develop your skills as a riding instructor while you continue to show at your preferred level.

Hone your stable management skills (and more)

Between our on-campus riding stable and our 50-acre Bryn Mawr Farms complex, our riding staff cares for about 40 horses each summer. Our horses come from the equestrian teams at the University of Findlay and Centenary University, and Emily and her staff take pride in caring for these animals, who need to remain in tip-top shape for intercollegiate competition. It’s a great opportunity to learn and improve stable management skills.

“We monitor for specific horses’ nutrition, hoof care, wound care, and basic health management,” Emily explained. “Our staff really get to learn a lot about caring for horses and running a stable.”

But one of the things that makes camp special, she added, is that there is so much to experience outside the barn.

“The benefit of being at camp is you get to try new things,” Emily said. “Campfires, paddle boarding, tubing, adventure programs — you get to do all the ‘camp’ things.” That includes favorite fun traditions in the arena as well, like horse shows, fun rides and games, horse beauty contests, and in-house competitions for staff and campers.

Make friendships that last

Above all else, Emily added, the best thing about an equestrian job at camp is the same thing that makes any camp job special: friendship.

“You make friends from all over,” she said. “You meet people from all different walks of life — not just staff but campers, too. You form close bonds with people from all over the world.”

When you combine that with the teaching experience, professional development, and fun, she said, it’s hard to compare working at camp to anything else.

“Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience,” Emily said. “There’s no other equestrian job quite like it.”

Are you looking for an equestrian summer job where you can gain experience in teaching, stable management and leadership — all while having the time of your life? Click here to learn more and apply today!

Staff Spotlight: Our Summer Soundtrack

April 4th, 2022

Music is a part of every day at camp! From the first sounds of Reveille to the final notes of Taps, we are always singing, dancing and getting energized by our favorite songs. Whether it’s a Dining Hall cheer, the Alma Mater, or the hit song of the summer, there are certain tunes that just feel like camp. We asked some of our summer camp staff about the songs that say “Bryn Mawr” to them:

You’re in charge of picking music for the new staff recruiting video. The first scene is a sweeping shot over Cabin Row as camp is coming to life first thing in the morning. What song do you pick to accompany this scene, and why?

“I would pick the song ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra. This song is upbeat and happy, which reminds me of the morning buzz at camp.”

“This is TOUGH, but I’m gonna go with ‘The Best Day’ by Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) or ‘It Would Be You’ by Ben Rector. They’re both telling stories of looking forward to another time where you’re back with someone or you’re remembering how beautiful it is when you’re with them.”

“An older classic like ‘I Want You Back’ by Jackson 5! Something fun and upbeat but also timeless.”

“I would choose the song ‘Love Myself’ by Hailee Steinfeld. In my time at Bryn Mawr, I found that I got to know myself better, learned to love myself, and relocated my inner child.”

“‘Beautiful Day’ by U2. I’m sure there are songs that campers may be more familiar with, but this is the first song that came to mind and was truly what I thought every single morning on the way to our early leadership meetings: ‘It’s a beautiful day!!’”

Are you already humming along? Come sing, dance and cheer with us this year! Click here to check out our summer camp staff positions.

Staff Spotlight: Why Are You Coming Back to Camp

March 21st, 2022

Working at camp is an experience unlike any other! Summer camp jobs are great for developing skills like communication, adaptability, and creativity — experiences that will serve camp staff alumni well in any career field. But camp jobs provide more than just valuable work experience. As a member of our summer camp staff, you become part of an incredible community, living, working and playing alongside co-workers and campers who start to feel like a big extended family. Many of our staff members find that one summer simply isn’t enough — they want to come back year after year to continue growing, teaching, and immersing themselves in the Bryn Mawr spirit!

We asked some of our returning staff members to think back to the moment when they first knew that they would be coming back to LBMC for another summer at camp. Here are some of their memories:

“There wasn’t one single moment that made me want to return to camp; it was once I was home and couldn’t stop talking about camp and going on and on about how utterly wonderful it was and how much I missed it.”

Summer camp jobs at Lake Bryn Mawr Camp — Working at camp is like no other experience in the world!

“At some point, a Division Head asked me to envision one of my hardest days at home and then think about how that compares to my hardest day at camp… they didn’t compare!!! The hard day at camp felt about a million times better than a hard day in the real world. This made me put the camp experience into perspective … I turned my attitude and started practicing gratitude, then decided that coming back to camp was a necessity and started ‘living 10 for 2.’”

“Group Leaders were on Cabin Row supervising. Someone was playing music over a speaker, and a bunch of us were passing a ball. The circle kept growing as more girls came over to join; it didn’t matter how old you were or if you knew anyone else. The sunset was gorgeous and everyone was laughing. I felt goofy and alive in a way I haven’t since I was a kid. There was no judgment about your throwing skills, only support and love.”

“I knew I would commit to come back to camp when the buses pulled away my first summer. It was such a bittersweet moment, not only saying goodbye to my campers, but also to the amazing friendships that developed in just two months.”

“The last week of camp I couldn’t believe two months were already gone, and I couldn’t believe all the great experiences I had in my job, with campers and meeting new staff. In that moment, I knew I was going to miss camp so much, so I told myself: ‘You know what? This doesn’t have to be the last time being here at camp. I’m coming back next summer for more experiences!’”

“It was the first couple of weeks at camp when I knew I would be back. The staff and campers were so welcoming and made this ‘job’ way too much fun not to come back. There was an indescribable feeling and something that clicked with me the first week when campers arrived. I knew I would be with LBMC for the long haul.”

“We were all being silly and I saw my girls just sitting there enjoying it all. I had this thought of ‘I want to see them grow.’”

“I was so surprised by Sing, in the best way. At first it sounded kind of weird and really stressful for this one thing, but once I experienced it, I understood what it all meant… How girls grow up going to camp, and doing this and being on stage and having Jane say one last thing, it was really special. I thought about how lucky the girls were to have that, and how special it is to be a part of their experience and to get to see all their hard work come to life. I would love to keep being a part of this and seeing everyone grow.”

“When the girls asked me to come back! They begged! Of course I had made heartfelt connections, and I want to see them again, want to watch them turn into amazing young women and hopefully maybe even help in the process.”

How will working at camp surprise you? We can’t wait to see! Click here to learn more about summer camp jobs at Lake Bryn Mawr Camp and apply online.

Staff Spotlight: Our Summer Camp Family

February 15th, 2022

Working at camp is more than just a summer job — it means joining a community with its own history, traditions, and culture. We often hear campers talk about their “summer sisters” and their “camp family,” and that got us thinking… if Bryn Mawr were a real member of the family, who would it be? We asked some of our returning staff to imagine LBMC as a relative. Here’s what they had to say:

“Bryn Mawr would be a grandma. One, because Bryn Mawr has been around a long time! Second, because Bryn Mawr cares about you and your development as a person.”

“Camp would be the fun aunt 😂 It’s your home away from home and you can do all sorts of things that no one outside of camp ever has to know about. You have so much fun without a care in the world, it puts a pause in the outside reality, and you still grow so much in ways you wouldn’t have normally.”

College student sitting by the pool with her campers while working at camp Bryn Mawr — Nothing says “fun aunt” like splashing up a storm with your campers during open swim!

“Bryn Mawr is an older sister. You learn so many lessons but also can be silly and goofy with them.”

“Grandpa. Because he’s far off and full of every possible range of emotions. When you finally see him, it’s a big deal and you cherish it. He can be stern and has a lot of expectations for you to be a respectable child but also knows you’re a child wants you to be happy and enjoy life. He’s one to make proud and to be proud of.”

“I feel like there’s definitely a nurturing element of Bryn Mawr, so it has to be someone older, but then it’s also really fun and a little bit out of everyone’s comfort zone, so more like a fun cool auntie.”

“Bryn Mawr would be like an uncle to me. I don’t see them very often, but when I do, it’s like no time has passed. They are wise and after seeing them, I feel as though I have grown immensely.”

Working at camp is like being the fun aunt!

“I think Bryn Mawr would be the aunt of the family. I really look up to my aunts for comfort, laughter, hugs, advice and I feel like we get all of that at camp. The aunt is important because we are close and they get to see us grow up, but it’s different than a relationship with our parents. We know they care and love us and want what’s best for us, but we also get to have a little independence with them and see ourselves grow.”

“I don’t think you can pick just one. Bryn Mawr encompasses every role of a family, which is why it is so special. Bryn Mawr provides the love and support of a mom and dad as they guide the staff to grow and learn through every experience. Bryn Mawr provides the siblings to laugh and cry with through the good and challenging times. And of course the extended family that brings the impromptu moments, silliness, and adventure into our lives!”

“Bryn Mawr is my mom. Bryn Mawr is my collection of aunts I admire. Bryn Mawr is my sisters. Bryn Mawr is my endless female cousins. Bryn Mawr to me is every fierce and powerful woman in my life, in my family. There is no place else where I feel so empowered and needed and like I am welcomed with open arms. Bryn Mawr envelops you in love and warmth and empathy and that inspires you to give that back tenfold. It inspires me.”

If you are ready for a summer job that’s more than just a paycheck, you might be ready to join our camp family! Click here to learn more about working at camp, discover summer job opportunities, and apply today.

Staff Spotlight: What’s The Best Job At Camp?

February 10th, 2022

One of the best things about summer camp jobs is that there is truly a place for everyone! From cabin specialists who get to spend the day alongside their own group of campers to group leaders who keep things running smoothly for an entire age group, from program staff who teach activities like gymnastics, swimming, soccer, outdoor adventure and drama to support staff who ensure everyone at camp is comfortably fed, housed and kept in clean laundry, there are many different jobs at camp… and each and every one plays a vital role in creating our summer magic.

We asked some of our staff members a tough question: What is the best summer camp job at LBMC? And what makes it the best? Here’s what they had to say.

What Is The Best Job At Camp?

“I think any job at camp could be the best job. Every job is what you make of it! It depends on the personality of the person doing that job!”

“I’ve only ever worked in one program area, but I’ve seen two sides of it. I’ve worked as a general counselor, and that is awesome. It is exhausting both physically and emotionally, but the connections and relationships with your campers are the best. I remember every camper I had and could tell you where they all slept and a favorite movement with each. Leadership is amazing because you get to contribute to everyone’s experience, both campers and general staff, but the relationship between a cabin counselor and a camper is unlike any other.”

“Working at camp is just being surrounded by amazing strong women! My direct superior: woman. Her direct superior: woman. Owner of camp: woman (well, and Dan 😁). I think that is amazing … Empowered women empower women. I truly believe that being surrounded by amazing women will make any job at this camp AMAZING.”

“Any job where you get to work with the girls! They’re silly, goofy, smart, intelligent, and at camp to grow/have fun/make friends… it sounds pretty similar to the reasons staff come to camp.”

“I may be biased, but being a Group Leader is hands down the best job at camp. I not only was able to form meaningful connections with the sweetest girls in the Manor House, but I was able to form even deeper connections with the MH staff. Being able to be the go-to person for everyone in that house meant the world to me. I got to be a part of the outstanding leadership team that provided me with limitless resources and comfort and overall a group of people who stood by me and lifted me up and helped me every single day.”

“I love being a counselor and getting to get to know the girls and work with them.”

“Aquatics, because you get to spend a lot of time at the pool with the beautiful view. And (most of the time) the girls really enjoy being there, so that’s really fun to see.”

“Being a cabin specialist, you get to do the activities with the girls almost as if you were a camper too!”

Photo of summer camp directors Jane, Eliza and Dan Kagan with their dog Bryn. — The position of Camp Dog has been filled… but there are lots of other summer camp jobs to explore at Bryn Mawr!

“I really enjoyed serving food and getting to see everyone’s faces. It was fun to be able to see everyone, especially if you may not have them in program or are with them a lot. It was good to get to remember names and have quick little conversations as the campers go through the line.”

“Probably Bryn’s job! Because who doesn’t want to be a dog.”

What do you think will be your favorite part of working at camp? Check out our list of summer camp jobs and apply today!

Fall 2022 Camp Staff News

November 12th, 2021

Dan & Jane are already counting down the days to 2022! Dan is busy working on camp projects/improvements and Jane is helping with camper and staff recruitment. They have enjoyed seeing many campers at the Fall Family Day, Pop-Ups and home visits. In their personal life, Jane and Dan have been busy moving to a new home in Short Hills, New Jersey, and enjoying time with their grandchildren.

After a great round of Pop-Ups in the tri-state area, Eliza is full speed ahead in planning for 2022! She is planning overnight trips and day trips, booking outside entertainment, and working on the camp calendar. Outside of the office, she is playing tennis, golf and pickleball!

Jocelyn is busy already hiring camp staff for 2022 and says it will be the best year yet! In addition to staffing she is enjoying spending time with her daughters and baking!

Kyle and Elena are hard at work assisting with maintenance, staffing and the conference center. Off camp, they are enjoying time with their daughter, Sasha!

Pilar is busy working on… A little bit of everything! She is helping with operations, staffing and planning for next summer, and she is gearing up for coaching this basketball season in Honesdale.

Becky is busy working with Dan on projects and updates at camp. When not at camp, she uses her free time to enjoy her hometown of Honesdale, PA!

This fall, Emily has been working at Bryn Mawr’s Conference Center full time, as well as recruiting and enrolling new Riding Campers for 2022. She is looking forward to helping Jocelyn with camp staffing this season as well. She has been spending her spare time with her husband Torrey and her two dogs, Delilah and Piper, who love going for walks at the farm!

Spring 2021 Staff Update

May 5th, 2021

Who is coming back to camp? And who will the new counselors be? Jocelyn has an update for us from summer staff HQ!

Returning Staff

Chandra Obregon, Cooking Director
Michele Beus, Sundance Crafts

New Staff

Group Leaders:
Angelica Torres
Julia Moseman
Lauren Sciortino
Tiffany Buddy

Program Directors:
Ashley Clendenen (Arts & Crafts Assistant Director)
Isabelle Cooper (General Athletics Director)
Kaylee Argo (Basketball)
Madi Smith (Sewing)

LBMC Alumni Returning as Staff:
Ava Hammer, Gymnastics
Kate O’Keefe, Waterski
Lucy Blank, Waterski
Maddie Allen, Aquatics
Olivia Schwartz, Group Leader

Counselors:
Abigail Zachritz, Drama
Alyssa Knowlton, A&C
Annabelle Parrish, Cabin Specialist
Bronwen Richards, Adventure
Caitlynne Zelazny, Cabin Specialist
Camryn Lamontagne, Dance
Carolina Garcia Bonilla, Soccer
Claire Allan, Riding
Danielle Miller, Drama
Elena Rosario Diaz, Aquatics
Elisa Pandolfi, Aquatics
Fernanda Montes, Fitness
Isabella Baez, Video
Jemima Greenwood, Aquatics
Jordyn Trombley, Tennis
Juan Rivera, Adventure
Juliette Petersen, Riding
Kayla Nee, Lacrosse
Keely Watt, Aquatics
Kennedy Hanna, Lake
Kiara Sweat, Gymnastics
Logan Kemp, Tennis
Luis Hernandez, Adventure
Madison Cornelius, Drama
Madison Hall, Gymnastics
Ale de la Rosa, Photographer
Megan Ashton, Cabin Specialist
Megan Monteith, Gymnastics
Niambi Hawkins, Arts & Crafts
Olamide Olayiwola, Adventure
Sebastian Canino, Soccer
Susie Hall, Lake
Tabitha Brown, Aquatics
Tiarelei Cade, Tennis
Ximena Torres, Soccer
Zoe Gibbs, Riding
Zoe Stoner, Gymnastics

2021 Staff Update: Who’s Coming Back To Camp?

February 15th, 2021

Jocelyn has been hard at work recruiting and hiring our staff for Summer 2021! We are thrilled to report that many of your favorite staff members will be returning this summer. Here’s a look at who’s coming back to camp, plus some of the new staff members who will be making their Bryn Mawr debut in 2021.

Parents, older sisters and alumni: Do you know someone who would make an amazing Bryn Mawr counselor? We would love to hear from them. Let them know that they can learn more and apply online today!

Returning Staff

Assistant Directors:
Bill Widman
Jocelyn Glantz
Maxine Matovic

Emily Tyler, Riding Camp Director

Liz Cozad, Dance Camp Director

Division Heads:
Meryl Heller
Lindsay Jarvis
Tanya Skinner
Eliza Kagan
Lacy Stanton

Group Leaders:
Shelby Buchanan
Merewether Lackey
Julie McCoy
Emily Benson

Program Directors:
Jeremy Burbrink (Pool)
Teshena Marshall (Arts & Crafts)
Gracyn Bird (Ceramics)
Emma Twigs (Dance)
Macy Earley (Drama/Music)
Bec Stafford (Gymnastics)
Sydney Ameluxen (Fitness)
Josh Gray (Soccer)
Rennie George (Tennis)
Amanda Jean Baptiste (Special Projects)
Cait Doyle (Videographer)

Counselors:
Lucia Costa
Megan Kinsey
Lizzy Frischling
Olivia Glantz
Jolie Smith
Jenna Luiere
Alexis Mladineo

Nurses:
Jenn O’Keefe
Christine Weis
Beth Ziegler
Maile Kalinowski

New Staff

Group Leaders:
Emily Duplantis
Alexis Millsaps

Program Directors:
Corinne Casazza (Lake)
Alec Hundley (Waterski)
Jordan Deaton (Softball)
Anna Holland (Tennis)
Anna McCurchy (Adventure)

Nurses:
Sam Gulick

Counselors:
Lauren Kennedy
Nicky Santos
Mikayla Rebecca
Katie Murphie
Natalia Facchinato-Sitija
Isabelle Blok
Megan Sefcik
Skye Bess
Sloan Pollom
Abby Hanlon
Kaila Sullivan
Kelsey Swaim
Alex Volkov
Sophie Sweeny
Alexa Runnels
Kylie Anderson
Megan Violet
Katey Fleming

Why We Can’t Wait For Summer 2021

February 15th, 2021

Our leadership staff is always happy to get back to camp — but this year, after such a long time apart, their excitement is through the roof! We asked them to share what they’re most looking forward to about returning to Bryn Mawr this summer. We bet you can relate to the anticipation that they are feeling!

Eliza:
“I just can’t wait to be back at camp – back at my favorite place! There is no other way to say it. I am looking forward to all of the camp traditions and being back with our camp family. I am always excited for camp, but this year, there are no words to describe that level of excitement!”

Tanya:
“I can’t wait to be back at camp hearing the cheering in the dining hall, the campers’ laughter down Cabin Row, and the serenity of the Alma Mater after evening activities. Summer 2021 will be something truly special and I’m excited to be back with my camp family enjoying the fresh mountain air!”

Joe:
“I’m looking forward to reuniting with so many friends and to hearing about all that has gone on in their lives in different parts of the country.”

Max:
“I am excited for camp this summer because I can’t wait to see how much our girls have GROWN UP since we saw them last. And I can’t wait to hear all the exciting things they have been up to. I am excited for camp this summer because I love being with my LBMC family, and I have missed them so much.”

Emily:
“I’m excited because the farm is not the same without forty horses to greet me every morning. I’m also excited to see the progress of all my Riding Camp and LBMC riders over the past year!”

Becky:
“I’m excited to have everyone see all the renovation projects around camp and get back to having fun in our favorite summer place!”

Meryl:
“Spirit and tradition. Seeing girls come together after being apart for so long.”

Bill:
“I am very excited to return to camp in the summer of 2021 so that I may finally witness Bunk One summer 2020 get the opportunity to graduate from camp at camp.”

Liz:
“I want all the fresh air and to get back to dancing at my second home! And of course, gimme all the s’mores.”

Peter:
“I am excited for camp more than ever this year because I miss all the campers so much and I cannot wait to see how much growth they had since 2019.”

Lacy:
“I am excited to be back at camp more than ever to celebrate my 16th summer with my summer family!”

Jocelyn:
“I miss being with our camp family. I can’t wait to be outside in the fresh air all day and hear girls cheering, bunk doors closing, announcements over the loudspeaker — my sounds of summer!”

What are you most looking forward to this summer? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!