Great opportunity for gaining experience in art education and studio settings. Fellow staff members had a wide range of artistic backgrounds and were always encouraged to share knowledge with each other. Staff were given the opportunity to create their own work and use other studios at specific hours. The upper management cared about the well-being of the staff members and made a consistent effort to be transparent and communicative.
What I wish was different
It would have been nice for staff to be given a slightly longer break in between the first and second session, and for all studios/shops to be fully staffed. Ideally Junior Staff would have been compensated monetarily as they winded up taking on the role of regular staff members since learning opportunities that make up the internship experience of Junior Staff weren't available due to covid.
Advice
For other students looking to work/internship at Buck's Rock I would definitely recommend it. My time working there was rewarding and gave me hands on experience being an art educator. I recommend going into this experience with the knowledge that you will be living in a camp environment (cabins, no a/c) and also the knowledge that you will be helping to create an uplifting and transformative experience for so many young people. Buck's Rock has so many resources and facilities that most kids (and some professionals) don't have access to at home. Take advantage of the experience and learn and engage as much as you can!
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One person found this helpful
Camp Counselor
June - August 2022 • New Milford, CT
What I liked
The people, the work done, the administration, the children I worked with; most all of it.I've been a part of the Buck's Rock community for years, and it's a place that's very special to me. But I met many people who were working there for the first time, and they too found the place to be extremely special and a great place to work at.
What I wish was different
Management of COVID, though it's their first year dealing with it. Also, food-- sometimes not enough, often of middling quality.
Advice
Come with an open mind, ready to collaborate with both peers and children alike.
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One person found this helpful
Camp Counselor in Weaving
June - August 2019 • New Milford, CT
What I liked
It was an incredible environment to work in; I learned so much from the campers and my fellow counselors. The creative environment is so much fun.
What I wish was different
The communication between administration and staff is not always the best.
Advice
Working at Bucks Rock is not like working at a regular summer camp. If you are working in one of the visual arts shop you are a teacher, and it is essential that you are both highly skilled in working in that medium and comfortable teaching young teenagers.
