In the words of one of our former 'Head Counselors', now a Local Instructional Superintendent for the New York City Public School System;
"The top five reasons I return to work at Camp Mohawk each summer:
1. THE PEOPLE
The people you meet at Mohawk are fine individuals, really wonderful people. I have met people of all ages who have become a part of my life and have enriched it. When I first considered taking a camp job, an old friend of mine said, 'it's wonderful, you'll have a whole new set of 'summer friends'.' when we see each other again that first week of orientation... there are hugs across the campus... and joy at the growth and developments of the year that has passed. I have NEVER met finer people than Barbara and Steve. They have created a staff community that is diverse and genuinely kind and tolerant of differences.
2. NETWORKING
The connections you can make from a Mohawk experience are part of the benefit. I have met people whom I have hired as teachers for my school, and others who have introduced me to people and organizations around Westchester and the city. I was able to write a college recommendation for a CIT from our work together in the summers.
3. GOOD EXERCISE
Honestly, if I spend my summer in almost any other way, it would involve a lot of sitting around and probably snacking. While I am at Camp, I am constantly walking around, playing sports with the girls, swimming at least once a day-I am out in the sun, in the fresh air (compared to NYC!), and eating from the salad bar the Camp provides.
4. FUN
My work at Camp Mohawk is good clean wholesome fun with kids. This is not hard... keep the kids safe, active and happy. Play Wampum trivia, make Arts and Crafts birthday crowns, play Indian Chief and other circle games, sing camp cheers, play some soccer, some basketball, some tennis, run a cupcake decorating booth... What FUN!
5. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The training experiences I have had at Mohawk orientations have given me new ideas to use for professional development with my school staff the following year. Also watching the Directors try to motivate college age counselors and other adult staff often gives me new ideas."
Mohawk gives you a chance to make a lasting, positive impact on children. You can be their role model and their hero! Here's what a former camper has to say!
"I just wanted to let you know how much Camp Mohawk means to me.
I attended Camp Mohawk from 1967-1971. One of the little kids I met in 1968 has been my best friend for 31 years. We often reminisce about Camp Mohawk. It's where we caught our first butterflies. It's where we learned how to swim and play baseball. It's where we made our first wooden sailboat. It's where we had our first cookout. It's where we watched Batman land in a helicopter. It's where we learned how to be kids.
I am now a Professor at Arizona State University, as is my wife. I only wish we lived back east so that our two little girls could experience the joy that Camp Mohawk brings to all." - Former Camper
Then two staff applicants who are former campers said:
"I want to be a counselor at Mohawk because I still remember my bus route to camp by heart. Because I remember what it felt like to wear a green band when I went swimming... Because I remember ordering buttered bagels when we had sloppy joes for lunch... Because I can still remember the composers in chronological order thanks to Mr. B... Because I still use the rabbit bank I made in woodshop... Because I remember waiting all day to get to play gaga... Because I remember helping my counselor carry two pitchers of kick-a-poo juice from the kitchens to the big tent for snack time... Because I still remember a few of the dozens of hand games I used to play... Because I remember while doing interpretive dance on the dance platform near the lunch area, seeing the counselors eating lunch and wanting to be them. I want to be a Mohawk counselor because I want each and every kid to walk away from the summer with the same great memories that I have of my days at Mohawk." - Former Camper/Staff Applicant
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"It is important for a counselor to teach a young child how to have fun at camp and still respect other campers and the rules of the camp. It is also important for the counselor to be a warm, friendly, and calming presence, especially if the camper is not used to being away from their parents.
As a child, I truly had great experiences during my years attending Camp Mohawk. My favorite counselor was when I was an Onondaga at Camp Mohawk. As I was a shy child, she taught me to confront my fear of going to the drama tent! She also taught me that trying new (and sometimes scary) things can open up a whole new world of possibilities - I am no longer that shy little girl, and look forward to helping other shy children to come out of their shells." - Former Camper/Staff Applicant