Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls

Volunteer: Summer 2012

General responsibilities for all volunteers include attending mandatory orientation sessions (in addition to the group info session). Everything you need to know about your time at Rock Camp will be covered at these sessions, which makes them both incredibly important and incredibly useful! All orientation sessions take place at the campsites for their respective sessions. See WHEN section for dates and times.

VOLUNTEER SYMPOSIUM & SKILL SHARE

New this year, we will be holding a mini-conference for volunteers, that will feature workshops, professional development opportunities, skill sharing, training and pre-camp planning. The Symposium is mandatory for all band coaches, counselors, workshop leaders and instrument instructors (geography allowing).

The Volunteer Symposium & Skill Share will take place on SUNDAY JUNE 10^th, from 10am – 5pm. Location is TBA, but will likely be in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. This is a chance to meet your fellow volunteers, and to receive in-depth training on facilitation, self-defense, talking to young people, gender terms, and more. Expect a clothing swap and lots of fun!

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls conducts background checks on some of its volunteers. These background checks help us to ensure the safety of our campers. Background checks are conducted by an independent agency and include a Social Security trace, U.S. criminal search, and national sex offender registry search. All background check-related personal information is kept confidential by the agency. Once you have completed a volunteer application and attended a group info session, we may ask you to fill out a secure online form to complete the background check.

POSITION AVAILABILITY & CANCELLATIONS

While it’s true that we can use all the help we can get, we have a limited number of spaces for certain positions, like workshop leader, band coach, and instrument instructor. If you are interested in one of those jobs, please apply early.

If you offer to volunteer for both sessions, we will assume that you are available to volunteer for both sessions, unless you tell us otherwise on your application. PLEASE sign up only for sessions you can fully commit to. If your availability changes, it is your responsibility to inform the Volunteer Coordinator immediately. Last-minute cancellations may negatively affect your ability to volunteer with WMRC in the future.

STIPENDS

We will offer an extremely limited number of volunteer stipends this year. If you feel you cannot volunteer without financial assistance of some kind, please check the stipend box on your application, and we will send you more information as it becomes available. The deadline for submitting a stipend request form is Friday May 18^th. We will notify you about your stipend request within 2 weeks of the deadline.

Some volunteer jobs that require pre and/or post-camp week work (see job descriptions below) have stipends set aside for them. If you are interested in one of those jobs and would like more information about the stipend, please email volunteer@williemaerockcamp.org.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, or gender identity or expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarships, and other Camp-related policies and programs, as well as volunteer and employment-related policies and activities.

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls welcomes individuals who self-identify as female, trans, and gender non-conforming to apply for leadership positions at camp. Non-leadership roles are open to individuals who self-identify as female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming. For more information, see the job descriptions for volunteer positions.

A special note to male-identified allies:
Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls is primarily led by and for women and girls. We also value diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity towards all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. The organization welcomes the support of male-identified allies, and expects male-identified allies who would like to volunteer to respect the importance of leadership by women.

VOLUNTEER-A-THON

Help raise support for Rock Camp by participating in our third annual VOLUNTEER-A-THON. Interested volunteers are invited to ask friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else to make pledges for each hour they volunteer (like a walk-a-thon). All proceeds go to the Financial Aid fund of Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls. More details to come!

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Please read through the descriptions to see which jobs interest you and suit your schedule. You’ll let us know your preferences and availability on the application form. Feel free to sign up for one job or several. Every single job at camp is an important one, and we value any time that you are able to give!

Download a sample schedule for Girls’ Camp here

Coordinator Roles
Coaches, Teachers, & Counselors
Support Crew
A/V Crew

 

COORDINATOR ROLES These positions interface with Rock Camp staff regularly, and some of them require additional hours outside of the camp week.

Media Coordinator *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

Oversee and coordinate media at Rock Camp! The Media Coordinator will be the liaison between the staff and photographers/videographers, and may assist with outside media visits. During camp sessions, the Media Coordinator will keep tabs on photographers’ schedules, help them find spots for band portraits, and oversee Media Release forms. Throughout the summer, the Media Coordinator will assist staff in collecting and organizing footage. Editing experience a plus. Must be highly organized! The Media Coordinator could feasibly be assigned other jobs during the camp week in addition to this role. This is a stipended position.

This position begins in June and ends with the delivery of edited photos post-August. There is scheduling flexibility with this position, depending on photographers’ schedules, etc.

Kitchen Coordinator *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

Oversee all things food at Rock Camp! The Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for interfacing with the Food Donations Coordinator, who works pre-camp to secure donations of meals and ingredients. Assist with meal planning, creating shopping lists, organizing kitchen supplies pre-camp, overseeing the kitchen team in meal/snack prep during the camp week, and ensuring that all kitchen supplies are packed up correctly at the end of the summer. Kitchen experience is a plus, but not required.  Must be able to lift 15 lbs. The person who is assigned this role will not be assigned any other job at camp. This is a stipended position.

Must be available for all sessions of camp, plus a few hours pre-camp. Daily schedule should include breakfast, lunch, and snack time.

Counselor Coordinator *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

The Counselor Coordinator is the lead counselor, in charge of disseminating important information to Counselors during the camp week. In addition to acting as support for Counselors during the girls’ camp sessions, the Counselor Coordinator participates in training Counselors at orientation sessions, acts as liaison between Counselors and Staff during sessions. The Counselor Coordinator will not be assigned a counselor group, but will often be called upon to sub for counselors who are absent or running late. Note that this position is open to returning volunteers only. Ideally, one person would fill this position for both sessions of girls’ camp.

Must be available Monday-Friday of camp week 8am – 6:30pm

COACHES, TEACHERS, & COUNSELORS

Assembly Leader *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

Assembly Leaders run morning and afternoon assembly each day. Lead ice-breakers, play games, deliver important information to campers, and generally keep them entertained! While Rock Camp has a collection of favorite games and ice-breakers, we’re always looking for folks with new ideas for non-competitive and positive activities we can do at camp. This role requires an out-going personality and lots of energy early in the morning! Does not apply for Ladies Rock Camp.

Must be available Monday-Friday at 8:30am-10:30am and 4:30pm – 6pm

Counselor *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

Counselors serve as mentors for assigned groups of girls, which involves checking in with them every morning, making sure the campers are where they need to be at all times, eating lunch with them, and offering advice and help throughout the day.  The most important parts of the job are ensuring the campers’ safety and giving them support and encouragement. Volunteers who are assigned the role of counselor will not be given any other jobs for the camp week. Does not apply for Ladies Rock Camp.

Must be available Monday-Friday of camp week 8am – 6:30pm

Instrument Instructor *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. Music experience required.

Our campers possess a varying range of skill levels – some have been playing for years, many have never touched a musical instrument in their lives.  Instructors are responsible for working with other teachers to plan classes and create a supportive learning environment for the campers. Classes usually involve a combination of team-teaching larger groups of 20-35 students and solo teaching in smaller groups (3-4 students). It is common, but not required, for Instrument Instructors to also sign up for the role of Band Coach.

Must be available 3 hours Monday – Friday, exact times TBD.

Band Coach *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. Music experience required.

On the first day of camp, the campers form bands, and each band is assigned 2 band coaches. The coaches provides help and guidance with all aspects of working as a group: setting up, tuning, songwriting, learning how to play together, working together constructively, figuring out band names, etc. Team-building, conflict resolution, and creating a supportive and encouraging environment are the most important aspects of this role.

Must be available 2 hours Monday – Friday, exact times TBD, and at the showcase concert.

Workshop Leader   *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

We offer a range of workshops throughout the week, from self-defense to songwriting to silk-screening to media literacy.  We’re also open to new ideas about workshops that we haven’t offered before. Workshop leaders are responsible for developing a one-hour session on their topic and teaching it 3-4 times to a group of 20-35 campers. Workshops often involve team-teaching. Inspired by the United Nations designation of 2012 as International Year of the Cooperative, we have chosen the theme of Cooperation, Consensus, and Leadership for Willie Mae programs this year. Workshop leaders are expected to fill out a Workshop Proposal From in addition to the volunteer application.

Must be available 3-4 hours during camp week, exact times TBD.

SUPPORT CREW These are jobs that can be done by folks with limited availability during the camp weeks. These jobs also pair well with one another, or with jobs like Instrument Instructor or Workshop Leader, if you would like to be at camp full time.

Host an out-of-town volunteer *Female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome.

We need local individuals/families to host volunteers coming in from other cities or countries, giving them a welcome place to rest their heads at night. Must be able to provide housing for an entire camp session.

Individuals assigned this position are not required to attend the pre-camp orientation session.

Volunteer After-Party Team *Female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome.

At the end of the girls rock camp sessions, we throw a thank you party for all of the volunteers! We need folks who aren’t volunteering during the week but who are able to plan, coordinate, and execute the parties: from food and drinks, to grilling, to making sure we have enough ice and cups! Help thank the volunteers for all of their hard work during the camp week! Parties for both sessions will be held at our offices in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Does not apply for Ladies Rock Camp.

Must be available on the Saturday of Girls Camp sessions, in addition to being available for food shopping and prep pre-party. Must not be volunteering during the camp week. Individuals assigned this position are not required to attend the pre-camp orientation session.

Camp Nurse *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

The camp nurse keeps tabs on all known medical issues, makes sure campers who need regular medication take it, and act as the point person for any first aid needs during the camp weeks. This position is open to people who are doctors or registered nurses. Ideally, one person would fill this position for both sessions of girls’ camp. Does not apply for Ladies Rock Camp.

Must be available Monday-Friday of camp week, with some scheduling flexibility.

A & R Team *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

We prefer to have an on-site social worker to help the staff address major emotional or behavioral issues that may arise during the camp week. This position is for licensed social workers or psychologists only. Note that this position is only available at Girls Rock Camp sessions and not Ladies Rock Camp. Ideally, one person would fill this position for both sessions of girls’ camp. Does not apply for Ladies Rock Camp.

Must be available Monday-Friday of camp week, with some scheduling flexibility.

Roadie *Female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome.

Roadies are vital!  We need folks to help set up, break down, and move equipment throughout the week.  Responsibilities include setting up the camp site, reconfiguring rooms for band practice every day, helping with load-in/out on showcase days, etc. This position is supervised by the Gear Coordinators. Familiarity with musical equipment is a plus, but not required. Roadies must be able to lift about 15 pounds on a regular basis throughout the week.

There is scheduling flexibility with this position; you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want.

Kitchen Team *Female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome.

Help with snack and lunch preparation, help with kitchen clean-up, make everyone happy by keeping them nourished. May involve some errands: pick up food donations, do supply runs, etc. This position is supervised by the Kitchen Coordinator.

There is scheduling flexibility with this position; you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want.

Receptionist *Female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

From the front desk, the receptionist assists with the check-in and out of campers every day, monitors visitors, handles phone calls, answers the door, ensures that campers don’t leave the premises, gives directions, answers questions, and sells showcase tickets & merch. New this year: the reception desk will be staffed all day, in shifts.

There is scheduling flexibility with this position; you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want.

Floater *Female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

We always have last-minute stuff that comes up and we need a few folks to be available for runs to Kinko’s or the hardware store, fill in if another volunteer can’t make their shift, and generally lend a hand as necessary.

There is scheduling flexibility with this position; you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want.

Driver *Female, male, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

Drivers are on deck to do food pick-ups, transport gear, run errands, etc during the week. Having a car is a plus, but not required.

There is scheduling flexibility with this position; you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want. Individuals assigned this position are not required to attend the pre-camp orientation session.

A/V CREW

Lunchtime Sound Person *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome. No music experience necessary.

Each day at camp, we welcome performers who play for the campers. The lunchtime sound person will work with the Gear Coordinators to ensure that performers have all the gear they require, do a quick line check with the band, and run sound during their set.  Experience running live sound is required.

Must be available Monday-Friday of camp week, times TBD.

Photographer *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome.

Document Rock Camp! We need photographers to cover the activities of camp. Images will potentially be used on our website, Facebook page, Flickr, and in promotional materials for Camp and its programs. During camp sessions, photographers are asked to shoot all aspects of camp in a respectful and non-intrusive way, specifically shooting band portraits, lunchtime performances, general activities, and the final showcase. Immediately following the session, photographers are asked to deliver edited material to Rock Camp’s DropBox account. All photos that are used will be credited. Photographers should have past experience shooting special events, and should have their own digital cameras. Photographers with experience shooting band portraits a plus. Photographers will liaise with the Media Coordinator during camp sessions.

There is scheduling flexibility with this position; you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want.

Videographer *Female, trans, and gender non-conforming welcome.

Document Rock Camp! We need videographers to cover the activities of camp. Footage will potentially be used on our website, YouTube page, and in promotional materials for Camp and its programs. During camp sessions, videographers are asked to shoot all aspects of camp in a respectful and non-intrusive way, specifically the final showcase and gathering general footage of camp activity. We prefer edited footage to unedited footage, but we’re flexible. Videographers should have past experience shooting special events, and should have their own digital cameras. Videographers will liaise with the Media Coordinator during camp sessions.

There is scheduling flexibility with this position; you can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want.

 

APPLICATIONS

Fill out our application either online, or print a copy of the paper application and mail it to us.

ONLINE APPLICATION	PAPER APPLICATIONS
ONLINE APPLICATION	NEW VOLUNTEER APPLICATION RETURNING VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

 

If you have questions about any of the jobs or the application, the best way to get in touch is to drop us a line at volunteer@williemaerockcamp.org.  You can also leave a message at (347) 599-0716 and we will call you back as soon as possible. Thanks again!