Camp Finances: Crafting a Model for Successful Employment

5 Tips for Successful Employment

1. Critical Handbook Policies — To create transparency, your handbook should include your camp’s mission, expectations for code of conduct, discipline policy, and anti-harassment policy.

2. Screening — Do you always follow your policy? Don’t be tempted to deviate from your critical screening steps to fill a last-minute vacancy or to hire a previous employee.

3. Staff-to-Camper Ratio — Most states mandate staff-to-camper ratios. Ask your attorney to help determine requirements. Some camp activities or locations may require additional staff.

4. Application & Interview Don’ts — Use caution before asking about these topics: a person’s health, marital or family status, age (allowed if related to a legal requirement), disability, race/ethnicity, arrests or sexual misconduct allegations, and wage history. Discussing these types of topics can lead to discrimination claims.

5. Worker Misclassification — Is your new hire an employee or an independent contractor? Incorrect classification could leave a camp vulnerable to serious fines, back taxes, and other penalties. Start by asking, “Do I provide training and control or determine how and when the job must be performed?”