Here are some quick FAQs about life as a Rockbrook counselor:
1. What are the camp’s objectives?– Rockbrook strives for each camper to gain a deeper understanding of herself and of her relationship with other people and the natural world. Emphasizing a friendly and noncompetitive environment, the Rockbrook camp program encourages campers to make decisions for themselves, to engage new physical and creative activities, and to develop meaningful friendships. Our overall aim is to provide summer camp memories that can serve as inner resources upon which to build character.
2. Where is Rockbrook?– Rockbrook is located in the mountains just outside the town of Brevard, North Carolina. It is about 30 minutes from the Asheville Regional Airport.- Charlotte, NC: 2 ½ hours from camp- Atlanta, GA: 3 hours from camp- Knoxville, TN: 3 hours from camp
3. Where do the campers and staff come from?– Rockbrook campers and counselors come from all over the United States and even abroad. Most of the campers are from the southeast.
4. Is there training for working at Rockbrook?– Yes, we hold a week-long staff orientation before the first session of the summer. Each staff member is required to attend. This week helps to prepare all staff for the ins and outs of working at Rockbrook.
5. What is a typical day like for a counselor?– Rockbrook counselors follow a similar schedule to that of a camper. However, no two counselors have the same schedule. You wake up with the campers at 8:00am, eat meals with your cabin, and teach an activity. There are four activity periods a day. Each counselor has one free period where she does not teach. Also, counselors help lead evening skits and special all-camp events.
6. What are some other duties a counselor might have?– Camp life is sometimes unpredictable. Being flexible and willing to help out in any area is a key part of working as a camp counselor. Helping a camper get through homesickness or comforting a scared camper in the middle of the night are some common situations a counselor might face. Other routine duties include things such as helping prepare for all-camp events, helping to clean certain areas, and performing nighttime “line duty.”
7. How much time off do counselors get?– Each week counselors have 1 full day off (23 Hours: 6:00pm-5:00pm the following day) and one shorter evening leave (6 Hours: 6:00 pm- Midnight). Half of the counselors are gone at once so that no cabin is left unattended. In addition to these times a counselor may leave camp, she has one free activity period per day, and from “lights out” until midnight, she may hang out in the staff lounge.
8. What is there to do during your time off?– Rockbrook is in a beautiful part of the country, and offers many outdoorsy things to do, from hiking to exploring waterfalls. Brevard (which is 4 miles from camp) is a small town with several neat restaurants, shops, and a movie theatre for entertainment. Also, many staff choose to drive to the nearby cities of Hendersonville and Asheville for a little more variety.
9. Does every staff member have a car?– It is not required that you have a car to work at Rockbrook. However, we have found that most counselors enjoy having a vehicle of their own for time off. If you do not have access to your own car or have to fly to Rockbrook, carpooling is definitely an option. Staff members tend to get very close and are always willing to help each other out.
10. Where do counselors live?– Counselors live in the cabins with the campers. A typical cabin has 8 campers and 2 counselors. Cabins are divided into sides A and B (each side has 2 sets of bunk beds for campers and a single bed for 1 counselor). Bathrooms are a short walk to a bathhouse.
11. What do counselors have to wear?– Both counselors and campers are free to wear what they would like on a daily basis at camp. T-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes are best. We ask that you dress conservatively, but please be comfortable. However, on Sundays and some special events, everyone wears a uniform. For staff, this uniform is white shorts with a Rockbrook staff shirt (shirt is provided by camp).
12. What do counselors eat?– All meals at Rockbrook are served family style in the Dining Hall. Counselors eat with their cabins. Meals at camp are very “kid-friendly.” At both lunch and dinner, there is always a salad bar. In addition, the kitchen prepares a vegetarian option and keeps out peanut butter and jelly.
13. Will I be able to check my email?– Yes, we provide computer access in the Staff Lounge. The staff lounge also has free Wi-Fi.
14. Does Rockbrook have a religious affiliation and/or service?– Rockbrook does not have a religious affiliation. There is a chapel service held on Sundays, but it is an ecumenical service open to all. Typical themes in the past have included friendship, nature, trust, and community. These services are camper and counselor led.