Camp Hilltop Staff
One of the keys to Hilltop's success is our staff. We take pride in the valuable people we hire. They are the most important people to our families, our campers and to us. We recruit counselors who are college age and above, as well as graduate students and teachers for our Senior Staff positions. The average age of the Hilltop staff is twenty-three.
Hilltop is an international environment both in campers and staff. Our staff comes from around the world, including; the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and other countries. No matter where Hilltop's staff are originally from, they have a desire to have a positive impact on children, have specialized skills and have what we feel it takes to be a great camp counselor.
All Hilltop staff members go through an extensive application and interview process. We provide an in-depth, weeklong orientation prior to campers’ arrival and work with them throughout the summer.
Hilltop has a high rate of amazing counselors returning each summer, to the delight of our campers and families.
2012 Staff Profiles
Here is a sample of some of the amazing counselors we have lined up for the 2011 camp season.
Hometown: Miami Gardens, FL
University: University of Florida,
Major: Elementary Education
Interesting fact about myself: My Dad and I were born on the same day
Experience with kids: I have been a summer camp counselor for 2 summers. I served as a Resident Counselor and worked with ages 9 to 13 where I led small group discussions, led groups of campers to their various activities, and really encouraged campers to have fun. I have had the opportunity to work with a program called Breakthrough Collaborative where I served as a 7th grade English Teacher for the summer and I also taught Video Production. I am currently doing my pre-internship at UF where I am pre-interning in a 4th grade classroom and learning all about classroom management, teaching instruction, and catering to every students needs. Why I want to be a camp counselor: I have had the opportunity to be a camp counselor for two summers and really loved it. I love working with children and being a camp counselor directly enables me to do that. Not only do I have the opportunity to interact with them, but also I have the chance to genuinely get to know them and support them in their growth as an individual through fun activities that are available at camp. Lastly, I would like to be a camp counselor because camp is all about having fun, and having fun is something that of course enjoy and am very good at. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: In first looking at Camp Hilltop and the website, it is one of the few camps that really stood out to me. I am definitely an advocate for developing and helping children reach their potential and I feel that's what Camp Hilltop does. I love the fact that they want the campers to have fun, but they also encourage a supportive and safe environment where students are encouraged to grow and perform their best. In looking at the videos and seeing the reviews, I knew that Hilltop was a place that I wanted to spend my time and summer at and I so I applied and I am now very excited about what's to come.
Hometown: West Wales, United Kingdom
University: Oxford Brookes University, Studying English & Philosophy BA Hons
Interesting fact about myself: I moved to Wales when I was eleven from England, and learnt Welsh to a fluent level. I now use Welsh on a daily basis as much as I use English. I am proud to be bilingual!
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I’ve worked at a pre-school on and off for a few years, working with young children aged 2-4. I supervised them during play activities and learnt how important it is to stimulate children using both play and work activities, and to switch them on to learning at such a young age. I also assist in running riding club events for young riders both keen to advance in their technique and those riding just for fun.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: I worked at Camp Hilltop during Summer 2011 as a riding instructor, and was responsible for a cabin of 9-10 year olds. I have always been passionate about working with children not only because it is so rewarding seeing them develop and learn but also because of the inspiration and confidence they give me. I have learnt a lot of positive skills through previous work experience and my time at University and I feel camp can offer an opportunity to put these skills into action and allow me to tackle a new challenge in a different environment. I look forward to meeting new people and seeing how I embark upon adapting to a new work atmosphere in a different country with a culture quite different to my own. I am excited to work with the children and to ensure they have an enjoyable but safe time in happy surroundings with people they can look up to and trust. Hilltop offers a summer for me that I just couldn’t turn down. After reading through previous testimonials I realized that everyone seemed to say the same thing, that Hilltop brings out the best in you and I wanted to be a part of that. I am excited about coming to America and exploring a new culture, which I expect will be quite different to my own. I am also excited about working with the children and encouraging them to make new friends and give them the confidence to try new activities. Hilltop has all of these opportunities just waiting for me and I hope to help to continue the constructive work of previous counselors and add my own positive stamp to the experience.
Hometown: Edinburgh, Scotland
University: This year I graduate from Edinburgh University with a degree in Social Anthropology and African Politics.
Interesting fact about myself: Last summer I spent 2 months in Malawi, doing a sponsored cycle across the country to raise money for both their education sector and teacher training courses throughout the regions. My favorite animal is the elephant!
Experience with kids: During the summer holidays in Scotland I run a children's camp with various sporting and craft activities being offered daily. At the weekends I run a similar camp for children with special needs. I find both of these to be very rewarding, both for myself and the children involved.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: To be able to do this for a whole summer greatly appeals to me and I can't wait to return to Hilltop; the camp I spent my first summer as a camp counselor at in 2010.
Hometown: Gaylord, MI
Current job: Teacher
Experience with kids: I have my degree in Education. I have taught children ranging in age from preschool to high school in both the general and special education setting. I work at an after school program primarily with 4th through 6th graders.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I have spent the last two summers as a counselor at Hilltop, and can't imagine doing anything else with the upcoming summer. When I first decided to be a counselor it was because I remember how the counselors affected my life when I went to camp as a kid. Now as I go into my third year as a counselor I realize how rewarding it is and how unbelievably amazing the kids at Hilltop are! I can't wait to spend another summer getting to see the kids I already know and meet those I do not. Another summer to be important in a child's life and make a difference.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: I originally chose Hilltop because when I looked at the website the views the Young's instill at camp match many of my own philosophies on working with children. Now as I return in my third year that reason still stands, but more importantly I realize the difference that Hilltop makes in the lives of so many people and I can't wait to be part of that again!!
Sarah Age: 21
Hometown/Country: Fremont, OH
University: Studying Physical Education and Health Education at Youngstown State University (YSU) while working as a Pool Intern at the YSU pool.
Interesting fact about myself: I have been camping since I was 8 months old and I have been a camper at Misty Meadows (a summer camp) since I was in Kindergarten.
Experience with kids: I've worked at my summer camp for 6 years and have been volunteering at the camp for many years with a variety of activities such as teaching kids how to canoe and be safe around water. I also teach swim lessons at my public pool with ages ranging from 4 year olds to adults.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I remember every summer I spent at camp as a kid and how much fun it was! I want to help build new memories for others by making camp an experience that they will never forget.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: I choose to work at Camp Hilltop this year because I wanted a new adventure where I could meet new people and gain more experience that will apply to my future job. After looking at several different camps online I came across Camp Hilltop's website and was drawn in immediately. It had everything I wanted in a camp safety, fun, and wonderful people who looked like they really enjoyed being there.
Joe Age: 20
Hometown/Country: Hopewell Jct., NY
University: SUNY Cortland. I have been studying Pre-Physical Therapy/Pre-Med through Kinesiology and hope to go on to a medical school for my doctorate, whether it be for physical therapy or medicine with focus in pediatrics.
Interesting fact about myself: I have my 3rd degree black belt in tae kwon do, and from 2002-2006 I was ranked with world standings in the American Tae Kwon Do Association (ATA)
Experience with kids: Since the age of 12 I have been working with people younger than I am. Starting as a martial arts instructor for five years and then as a gymnastics coach through the present. Also, I spent my 2011 summer as a counselor at Camp Hilltop working on the waterfront as a lifeguard and on the trapeze!
Why I want to be a camp counselor: As you can tell, I truly love working with children otherwise, why would I keep it up? There is something amazing about watching a child go through the trial and error process, and the self-satisfaction you can see in their face when they make a breakthrough. I am a camp counselor because there is no better job that allows you to become such a crucial variable in that process of success.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Camp Hilltop is a beautiful place, where as a child I chose to spend some of my summers. Some of the friendships I have made at Hilltop as a camper and counselor I just know for certain are life-long. The atmosphere here at camp, which is so tediously looked after, is one that supports children of all ages and backgrounds. As a former camper, I can tell you that camp was one of the few places you could try new things, whether it be a new sport or activity or even be more social among new audiences, with little to no judgment. Now that I am older I see that this was only possible from the hard work that my counselors put in for me. In turn, I came back to work at Hilltop to put in this same hard work for a new group of children so that they could have the same opportunities I had and loved. Now, I plan to return for another summer to do it all over again!
Hometown: Gourock on the west coast of Scotland (near Glasgow)
University: Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Interesting fact about myself: The highest mountain I have climbed was Static Peak (Wyoming USA) all 11303 feet of it, when I was the youngest member of a Scottish Scout Expedition at the age of 14!
Experience with kids: I am currently about to participate in my 3rd summer in a row as a counselor at Camp Hilltop! Prior to my time at Camp, I was a Young Leader helping with my local Beaver and Scout colony, organizing weekly meetings, camps and competitions. During my final year of high school, I was also a mentor for 1st year pupils, ensuring their move and transition from primary school to high school was a smooth as possible.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I initially wanted to become a camp counselor because it gave me the opportunity to build on my experience of working with kids away from home and under different circumstances and with new people. My first summer at Camp Hilltop gave me a totally different experience of working with kids compared to anything I had ever done before. Being a sleep away camp, where campers can be with you from between 2-8 weeks, gives you the opportunity to know every camper so well, not least your own cabin where you become like a family away from home. This 1st years experience made me want to return again and again, knowing that I had the opportunity to make the summer even more special for every camper, while challenging my own development at the same time.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Before my first summer at Camp, I attended a Recruitment Fair in Edinburgh, where many different camps from America were represented. Before I went to the Fair, I looked over the brief details of all the Camps that where to be in attendance and picked a 3 or 4 that I wanted to work at. When the Fair opened I was almost first in line and I headed straight to the Camp Hilltop stall. I was instantly hooked by simply talking to some staff from previous years, mainly because of how friendly they were. They were obviously impressed with what skills and experience I had to offer and I was put through to an interview with Scott, who was just as friendly. After answering Scott’s questions and getting some information about Camp, Scott offered me a job for that summer. I instantly accepted, knowing that the friendliness I was exposed to at the Fair was only going to increase when I got to Camp. The experience, expertise and helpfulness of the Young’s, along with the enthusiasm of the campers, are the main reasons why each of the past 2 summers I have chosen to return and work at Camp Hilltop.
Sean Age: 22
Country: Ireland
University: Jordanstown University Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Interesting fact about myself: I love sports
Experience with kids: Coaching children form the ages of 8 to 16 in Gaelic Football (Traditional Irish Sport) and Soccer.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I have always worked with children as a coach in Ireland and wanted to take it one step further and being a counselor is the next step up. I have always heard how rewarding being a counselor is and wanted to give it a go myself. I can’t wait for summer to come to put my all into it!
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Where do I start! Hilltop always give everything they can to make this stay for your children one they will remember for the rest of their lives! The Young family show this by how hard they work all year round and you only have to look at the website to see this. The camp is not like any other its unique in so many ways. The main reason I choose Hilltop is because I know if I had any children of my own I would send them there in a heartbeat! Hilltop just shouts fun to me however we are all under rules to ensure your child's safety at all times. I can’t wait to camp season!
Brittany Age: 20
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
University: Elgin Community College, soon to transfer on to Northern Illinois University. I'm currently in my second year of school and have decided on majoring in elementary education.
Interesting fact: I've been taking horseback riding lessons and have been competing since I was 10 years old.
Experience with kids: This will be my second summer at Hilltop and I've had many years of experience working with children. I've been babysitting since I was younger and have now started doing more regular babysitting on a weekly basis. I also help out with the kids quite often at the stable where I ride. And I also spent a year volunteering at a therapeutic riding facility where I was working with special needs children and helping them learn how to ride horses. :)
Why I want to be a counselor: Why I wanted to be a counselor? At first I thought being a camp counselor would be a simple summer job, but it became much more to me than just that. I wanted to be a camp counselor because I want to help be a good role model in the children's life. I want to be someone they can look up to, someone they can ask questions to and look up to for advice. Since becoming a counselor, I've met friends that will last a lifetime. And have found a special place that will always have a spot in my heart as well, Camp Hilltop.
Why I choose Camp Hilltop: I happened to find Hilltop on a whim, but after doing my research I knew it was the right place for me. Just from the videos I watched, I got goosebumps. Camp Hilltop looked so fun. And not only fun, it looked very friendly and inviting, every person who talked in the videos was pleasant and it simply made me want to be apart of the hilltop way and join in on the fun. And since then I've certainly made a heap of friends!
Zoe Age: 22
Hometown: Manchester, England
University: Liverpool John Moores University - Primary Education with French
Interesting fact about myself: I'm graduating as a qualified teacher this summer but I love Hilltop so much that I'm missing my graduation ceremony in July!
Experience with kids: I've worked as a leader in Girl Scouts, taught in lots of schools in England, as well as schools in France and South Africa, and volunteered in a children's center in Eastern Europe!
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I love being busy, being outside and being around people - camp is all of these things! I've loved my past 2 summers working with campers and staff at Hilltop and couldn't think of a better way to spend this summer.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Its small size means everybody gets to know everybody! The family feel and strong sense of community means I never get homesick because I've always got friendly company!
Andrew Age: 18
Hometown: My hometown is Doylestown, PA but I have lived in Kalispell, MT the past few year
Job: A waiver for Liberty Tax.
Interesting fact about myself: Adrenaline Junkie from birth.
Experience with kids: I am the oldest of 8 kids. One sister aged 16 and six brothers aged; 16, 14, 12, 12, 9, 8 (no twins some of them were adopted)
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I always loved going to summer camp as a kid, and I cant think of a better way to spend my summer!
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: It seemed like a very well run camp, and when I heard about the new ropes course I started twitching with excitement!
