Avodah – GFC’s Counselor-In-Training Program

GFC’s Avodah Program Is Our Staff-Training Program

For Campers Entering Their Senior Year in High School (11th grade in ’23-’24).

Whether or not you have been to GFC as a camper, this program gives you the unique opportunity to start on the road leading to a camp staff position after high school, as well as valuable skills to prepare you for college and the workforce.

In our Avodah program, you’ll gain valuable skills you wouldn’t be able to attain through a traditional internship or summer program. From building top-notch resume building skills, to leaving with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, to serving as role models to younger campers,  you will grow personally and professionally while having a summer of impact and fun. Check out our Profile of an Avodah Graduate.

 

Some of the participant highlights of the program include:
  • Serving as a role model for a bunk of campers
  • Behind the scenes involvement with GFC’s operations team
  • Planning and facilitating small and large group programming
  • Avodah unit community building and bonding
  • President’s Volunteer Service Award Recipient

Members of our Avodah program have traditionally been required to attend a full summer program – both sessions as well as an intersession trip. We understand this has been challenging for some participants as they may have other commitments with their families or schools through the summer. This year, we have chosen to offer only single session options for this program. Avodah participants can choose to sign up for Session One or Session Two. 

Avodah

  • Bunks to work with: 1
  • Community Service: 250 Hours
  • First Year Staff bonus: $50
  • Eligible to become a Junior Counselor 2nd session
  • First Year Staff bonus for Junior Counselor: $125

In our Avodah program, you’ll gain valuable skills you wouldn’t be able to attain through a traditional internship or summer program. Check out some of the benefits below.

 

Working with Bunks

As part of a unit team, you will work with bunk counselors and assist in the leadership of campers. You will remain with the same bunk throughout each session, allowing you to develop relationships with the campers and to have a positive impact on their lives. From theory to application, you’ll learn about child development, managing small and large groups, and remaining flexible to make smart decisions quickly.

 Life After High School

The Avodah program will prepare you for life after high school in a variety of ways: preparation for the college application process, gaining life skills for “adulting,” and networking. You will personally grow and learn skills such as time management, self-care, and managing challenging situations. You will also have an opportunity to learn about Jewish life on college campuses from some of our visiting faculty who are staff members of Hillel at universities in our region.

 

Scholarships are available to all campers, including Avodah participants. Check out our resources for ways to make camp affordable on our Scholarships page. 

As a higher-level program, Avodah participants must apply to complete their registration. Any questions about the application process should be directed to Shira at skarp@urj.org.

 

  1. Have a parent or guardian register the Avodah participant for the summer.
  2. Upon registration, the Avodah participant should complete the application process including: 
    1. Complete the Avodah Questionnaire, which can be found in the Forms and Documents of your CampInTouch account.
    2. Send the Avodah Reference Form to two references. Family members are not allowed to be references for you, and at least one of your references must be a Jewish professional who has worked with you or knows you personally.  
    3. Schedule an interview with Shira. 
    4. Decisions of acceptance will be sent to the applicant and parents via email.
  3. Upon acceptance, the parent/guardian and Avodah participants must read and sign the Avodah Agreement. After the agreement is signed, the deposit and any due up to that date will be charged to the family’s account.  

More Questions?

For questions about the Avodah program, please contact Shira Karp at skarp@urj.org.