forms and other information for LARP camp

Committee For Community Concerns

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Committee For Community Concerns

Wayfinder’s Committee For Community Concerns is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and caring environment for participants, staff, and community members. This board, which is purely an advisory board, receives reports and concerns from the community, and tries to address those concerns in order to maintain a positive space at camp. The board has a commitment to confidentiality, and, as such, submitting a report does not guarantee the reporter a knowledge of the outcome. The board also maintains the Rules and Regulations section of the staff handbook, and provides an annual training for each staff member. Reports can be submitted to WayfinderCCC@gmail.com. The current board members are…

Reilly JeckerByrne (he/him)

Reilly got his start at Wayfinder when he was 17 and has been working as a staff member for ever since, jumping on every chance to work events in the summer and year round. He particularly loves working as a Counselor as that role allows for an opportunity to really get close with the community and participants. When he’s not working Wayfinder, Reilly works at Half Moon Books and spends his days digging through books, old and new, looking for treasures.

 

 

 

 

 

Alyssa Greenway (she/they)

Alyssa first came to Wayfinder as a participant at the fabled Unison Day Camps. She loved turning fantasy into reality, supporting her friends and saving lives as a stalwart cleric. Alyssa took some time away from camp to pursue her passions in the visual arts, and in 2018 as a staff member. She deeply enjoys teaching LARPs & Crafts, running trust workshops, and helping build the magic of cooperative storytelling.

 

 

 

 

 

Charlie Urban-Mead (he/him)

Charlie started at Wayfinder around 2010 and has followed the classic path of “come for the swords, stay for the community.” He works most often as workshop staff and loves the stories we can tell and the joy that we can tap into once we know there’s no judgement coming. Outside of Wayfinder, he works as a community organizer in New York City, supporting groups of tenants taking action against their neglectful landlords.

 

 

 

 

 

Claire McHarg (she/they)

Claire is a young scientist who used to make the long trip up from Philadelphia to camp, but after going to Wayfinder since 2014 has finally settled in the Hudson Valley. Following the theater kid to workshop instructor to director pipeline, Claire has always loved giving their all when at camp and is so excited to join the CCC to keep supporting the community. In her free time these days, she is directing plays and looking at rocks before the next big cool thing starts.

Testimonials

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Testimonials About Our Programs

What Parents Say About Us

“As a teacher of writing, it’s thrilling to see kids involved in the art of narrative. As a parent, it’s great to see kids find a place to work out deeper issues of the psyche…Through this process, a great sense of self-esteem and confidence in kids seems to emerge…they meet new peers, forge new friendships…learn to work together. The Wayfinder Staff…brings a unique strength and eclectic talent…as a group they maintain an amazing clarity of vision: being a part of a team that helps create something magic for our children, that encourages this incredible community…the staff absolutely and completely respects each kid for whom he/she really is. They really give the kids the responsibility to make choices; they honor each child’s individuality.”

– A.W. Langley, Parent

“My son has been captivated by Wayfinder; by the sheer potential for creative expression, by the intelligence and rich complexity of the stories, by the joy of losing himself in character, and by the broad sweep of personalities participating. Mind you, he is a cynical kid, not given to spontaneous creative expression. He fell in love with the inclusiveness and expressive spirit of everyone involved in Wayfinder events.”

– Julianna Targan, Parent

“Thank you (Wayfinder) for the magic you add to people’s lives and for nourishing and encouraging active imaginations!”

– Tanya Jurcic, Parent

“I must say my son…had a life-altering experience with Wayfinder. I am not saying that lightly. He was really affected by the activities…and I thank you.”

– Andrea Kretchmer, Parent

“It’s difficult to do written justice to the way that Wayfinder has changed his life. When he first started going, he was a bundle of pent up loneliness and anxiety–neurodiverse, dealing with divorce, being bullied at school, and no friends to speak of. And then, suddenly, foam sword in hand, he found a way to connect with other people and exorcise his feelings through the language of imagination and play.”
– Anonymous, Parent

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What Kids Say About Us

Lowell, age 8: “The most fun I’ve ever had!”

Bill, age 15: “The camp, or experience, rather, teaches love, repect, adoration of peers, and allows for a positive environment in which anyone and everyone can feel free to be themselves, without inhibition, at all times.”

Garrett, age 12: “The Wayfinder community are probably the most caring, nonjudgmental, and interesting people I have ever met. This community has helped me mature as a person and for that I am forever grateful.”

Rene, age 11: “People here make me feel special.”

Jesse, age 16: “The Wayfinder Experience is by far the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. In less than two weeks I have made friends that I will have for the rest of my life… Trust me. Going will be the best decision of your life.”

Cutler, age 15: “Thank you to everyone from Wayfinder, whether it be a camper or counselor. The week I spent at Immersion camp 2016 was amazing, in and out of game I got to make amazing friends and was really able to connect with everyone. Everyone’s comradery and friendship was inspiring and hopeful to me. I absolutely hope I can come back next summer. Thank you guys for that one-of-a-kind love that only, from what I believe, this camp can bring.”

James, age 11: Thursday night before camp ended, “I don’t want to go to bed because when I wake up this will all be over.”

Dan, age 16: “The whole week was great. I wish I was coming back next week, and the week after that, and the week after that!”

Mikko, age 16: “These last 5 days here have made my outlook on life better.”

Lemon: “Just got back from Wayfinder and I am actually crying right now because I had no idea how profound of an impact two weeks could make on my life. I have never found a community more innately accepting and kind and supportive of all who enter it.”

Gaby, age 11: “You start to lose your imagination after a while. You can come here to get it back. Its almost like one huge kind of family.”

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What Educators Say About Us

“My boys’ aggressive interests are met with respect and then channeled into creative conflict negotiation, a deeper understanding of their own natures… and a healthy understanding of ‘true warriorship’ … kids really understand this, love it and want to participate year after year.”

– Elizabeth Lesser, Co-Founder of the Omega Institute

“The moment The Wayfinders arrived at the town park, it was as if a spell as thick as the summer haze was cast over the children. This magical transformation was instantaneous and did not break even as Lyra, Mary Poppins, Professor Snape, Bilbo Baggins, Winnie the Pooh and Susan Pevensie wished us well and found their way back into reality. The literary scavenger hunt incorporated a little bit of story-telling, a little bit of role playing, and a whole lot of fun. Even the counselors and adults were taken into the magic that this cast of characters delivered straight from their books.”

– Caitlyn Decker, Head of the Hurley Rec Program, about our Literary Advenutres

“I see this (Wayfinder) experience for our teens as much more than ‘the most awesome thing ever’; I see it as an opportunity for them to gain the experiences that later will allow them to join that 4% of people who… can go on to do spiritual work. I see it as an opportunity for them to have a practical experience of who they really are.”

– Jane Martin, Member of the Princeton-Waldorf Parent Council

“Kristen Diedhiou’s Grade 5 class at J. Watson Bailey Middle School was transported into a world of pure creativity this March. The students had spent time dreaming up their very own mythology to bring to life through an interactive role-playing experience! When students arrived at their class, their classroom had been transformed into a magical island in peril–its power being drained by an evil wizard! That’s when the festivities began. The Queen of Magic herself appeared, making a thunderous entrance.She helped guide the students to use the magic of teamwork to break the wizard’s spell. What followed was a journey through imagination and problem-solving. The class split into character roles they had envisioned, donning homemade costumes and props. Their unique story and universe unfolded through improvisation and quick thinking. Riddles were solved, mythical beings came to life, and the evil wizard’s nefarious plans were eventually thwarted – all through the incredible ingenuity of these young myth masters. It was an epic adventure that had jaws dropping with every twist and turn. The teachers were pivotal in bringing this engaging lesson to life!”
– Teacher at J. Watson Bailey Middle School, Kingston NY

What The Press Says About Us

Ulster Magazine

Kingston Radio

Hudson Valley Magazine’s Women in Business 2016 honorees

Event Positions & Job Responsibilities

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Event Positions & Job Responsibilities

The following positions may not be available for all summer camp offerings. Specialty summer camps may have different requirements for hire. These requirements will be communicated during the hiring process.

Table of Contents

  1. Head Counselor
  2. Counselors
  3. Community Leader
  4. Event Director
  5. Story
  6. Workshop
  7. Wardrobe
  8. Sets & Props
  9. Game Systems
  10. Medical Wellness
  11. Volunteers

Head Counselor

Responsibilities:

  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work. Check in with office regarding administrative tasks.
  • Arrive to the event in time for first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Participate in registration at direction of Administration.
  • Participate in bunk assignments with Event Director and Office.
  • Schedule counselors for wake up and late night duties. Two counselors should be assigned to each; schedule is at discretion of Head Counselor and Event Director.
  • Keep open communication with Event Director about the general wellness of the event.
  • Work with Medical Wellness to ensure the overall well-being and safety of all.
  • Be prepared to mentor, supervise and evaluate Apprentices and/or Counselors and/or Community Leaders during the event.
  • Perform all Counselor duties (see below).
  • Be prepared to take part in the live action role play Adventure Game.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.
  • Schedule and run Counselor meetings in coordination with Event Director.
  • Complete other tasks at discretion of Event Director.

Counselors

Responsibilities:

  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for the first Staff Meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Be prepared to support workshops.
  • Each counselor will be assigned to a bunk and should be prepared to monitor the wellness of participants residing in that bunk.
  • Responsible for late night and wake up duties
  • Encourage camp spirit through participation and enthusiasm.
  • Be prepared to take part in the live action role play Adventure Game.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Event Director

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate with Office for event specifics such as times, dates, personnel, emergency information, on-site contacts, or any other specific piece of information needed.
  • Create a schedule for the event, filling workshops with the appropriate teachers. Provide this schedule to staff as soon as possible, but no later than 2 days before the event.
  • Plan a time for an opening Staff Meeting the day of the event. Communicate to all staff and Apprentices the time and location.
  • Coordinate a load in and load out time with production heads. Communicate to all staff and Apprentices times and locations for load ins and load outs.
  • Arrive to load in and load out location ahead of staff and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for first Staff Meeting.
  • Be prepared to be the communication hub for the event and all persons involved: staff, participants, land contacts, parents, etc.
  • Check in with all staff members regularly during the event. Make sure that the LARP Adventure Game is progressing in a timely and organized fashion.
  • Coordinate with Head Counselor around wake up and late night.
  • Be prepared to teach workshops.
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to mentor, supervise, and evaluate Apprentices during the event.
  • Be prepared to take part in the live action role play Adventure Game.
  • Be prepared to take responsibility for handling any unexpected developments.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Story

1186012_10152232034438712_1982969066_nResponsibilities:

  • Communicate to Event Director any schedule requests.
  • Contact the Story Board with questions and concerns.
  • If possible, provide all staff with story background, flows and character sheets before the event.
  • Send production lists to the heads of the specific departments in advance of the event.
  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Arrive to the event with all story elements ready- flow sheets, character sheets, etc. Little preparation should occur at the event itself.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director. Provide the Event Director with an SPC Meeting schedule.
  • Provide a linear and organized story experience, from introduction to SPC meetings to character development.
  • Keep in touch with all department heads and make issues and requests known immediately.
  • Be prepared to teach workshops.
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to mentor, supervise and evaluate a Apprentices during the event.
  • Be prepared to take part in the live action role play Adventure Game.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Workshop (Play or Theatre)

Responsibilities:

  • Get in touch with the Event Director for schedules and workshops.
  • Prepare any workshops for which you are responsible.
  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for the first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to mentor, supervise, and evaluate Apprentices during the event.
  • Be prepared to take part in the LARP Adventure Game.
  • Be prepared to teach during unexpected blocks.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Wardrobe

Responsibilities:

  • Receive production lists from Story as soon as possible before the event. Contact necessary persons for coordination of special costuming, patterns, etc.
  • Coordinate a load in and load out time with Event Director.
  • Arrive to load in and load out locations early the day of the event or the day before the event to organize the following items to be taken to the event:
    • All costumes
    • Belts
    • Prosthetics and wigs
    • Jewelry
    • Furs, hats, masks, gloves, headpieces
    • Makeup
  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Be prepared to teach workshops.
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to mentor, supervise and evaluate Apprentices during the event.
  • Be prepared to take part in the LARP Adventure Game.
  • Sign out and sign in all costumes & accessories in use for the game.
  • Ensure that all costumes & accessories are returned in an acceptable condition and washed if necessary.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Sets and Props

1236503_977046913317_1290384122_nResponsibilities:

  • Receive production lists from Story as soon as possible before the event. Contact necessary persons for coordination of special items, materials, etc.
  • Coordinate a load in and load out time with Event Director.
  • Arrive to load in and load out locations early the day of the event or the day before the event to organize items the following items to be taken to the event:
    • Set materials requested by Story
    • All props requested by Story
    • Decorating material
    • Tiki torches and other set light sources
  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Be prepared to teach workshops.
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to mentor, supervise, and evaluate Apprentices during the event.
  • Be prepared to take part in the LARP Adventure Game.
  • Return all materials taken in an orderly fashion and up to the standards of the Office.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Game Systems

Responsibilities:

  • Receive production lists from Story as soon as possible before the event. Contact necessary persons for coordination of special items, materials, etc.
  • Coordinate a load in and load out time with Event Director.
  • Arrive to load in and load out locations early the day of the event or the day before the event to organize the following items to be taken to the event:
    • Weapons (swords, shields, bow & arrows, spears or any special weapons requested by Story)
    • Magic System (unless Story has specifically instructed that there is no magic system needed)
    • CTF materials, including flags, cones and ropes
    • New Games materials such as balls and discs
    • Pouches
    • Spirit costumes
    • Personal light sources
  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Be prepared to teach workshops.
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to mentor, supervise, and evaluate Apprentices during the event.
  • Be prepared to take part in the live action role play Adventure Game.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Medical Wellness

Responsibilities:1238020_977030286637_1646048064_n

  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time unless requested by Office to be early.  Be prepared to work. Pack medical equipment, supplies and medical file box.
  • Arrive to the event in time for first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Participate in registration to receive all medications and special instructions from parents and to assist with lice checks and general health checks.
  • Speak with Event Director and Head Counselor about any medical issues.
  • Work with the Head Counselor to ensure the overall well-being and safety of all.
  • Responsible for upkeep and administration of all medications and first aid supplies.
  • Responsible for in-game wellness packs where they apply (whistles, lights, etc.).
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to take part in the LARP Adventure Game as much as wellness responsibilities allow.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Volunteers

Responsibilities:

  • Arrive to load in and load out location on time and prepared to work.
  • Arrive to the event in time for the first staff meeting. You are responsible for knowing when and where this meeting occurs.
  • Become familiar with and follow the schedule accordingly. Bring up any concerns with the Event Director.
  • Be prepared to teach workshops.
  • Be prepared to perform all camp counselor duties: night check-in, participant bonding, clean up, etc.
  • Be prepared to help in any and all aspects of the camp: production, wellness, story, flow management or teaching.
  • Be prepared to take part in the LARP Adventure Game.
  • Adhere to the WFE Rules and Responsibilities during all times of the event.

Partner List

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Wayfinder’s Partner List

We’ve had the privilege to work with a large number of public and private schools, institutions and local businesses. Here is a list of those locations with links to their respective websites.

Public Schools

Private Schools

Institutions

Libraries

Camps

Festivals

Staff and Apprentice Applications

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Staff and Apprentice Applications

Please read instructions below.  Only Applications submitted through the link on this page will be considered! Applications for Summer 2024 are now available and will remain so until 11:59 on February 29th. In other words, you cannot submit an application March 1 or after.                                            

Age Requirements:

  • Apprentice applicants must be 16+ for all overnight events; 15+ for day camps.
  • Staff applicants must be 18+ for day camps and for overnight camps.

Instructions:

  • All applications must be submitted using this link.
  • Overnight Summer Camp Apprentices must register and will receive a discount on registration for the camp(s) they will be working.  We urge those applying to be apprentices to register for the camp(s) you hope to work at.  If you are not hired and do not wish to attend as a camper, the deposit will be refunded.
  • Summer Day Camp apprentices do not need to register for the camp(s) they will be working
  • You can find a comprehensive list of event positions and job responsibilities here on our website.
  • Send questions about applications to: staffing@wayfinderexperience.com

Equal Opportunity Statement:

It is the policy of the Wayfinder Experience, Inc. to provide for and promote equal employment opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, military statues, marital statues, or genetic predisposition or carrier status. It is the policy of the Wayfinder Experience, Inc. to provide qualified persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Wayfinder Experience, Inc., and to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary, to enjoy such equal opportunity, including accommodations in the examination process. Further, it is the policy of the Wayfinder Experience, Inc. to provide reasonable accommodation for religious observance.