Important Dates
What is the first day of employment?
Counselors: General Staff Development for all counselors begins on May 18th. We ask that everyone be fully moved into their cabins before 5:00 PM on that day. This will allow adequate time for all staff to get settled before we begin the evening’s program. Staff parking will be provided for anyone who wishes to bring their personal vehicle to camp.
Med Staff: Medical Staff Development will begin on May 28th. We ask all medical staff to arrive at camp between 12 PM and 3 PM.
PAs: Program Assistant (PA) Development begins on May 28st. All PAs must arrive between 9 and 10:30 AM.
Med Staff: Medical Staff Development will begin on May 28th. We ask all medical staff to arrive at camp between 12 PM and 3 PM.
PAs: Program Assistant (PA) Development begins on May 28st. All PAs must arrive between 9 and 10:30 AM.
What is the last day of employment?
Counseling Staff: August 5th
All other staff: August 4th
*Medical staff whose fall class start dates conflict with the end of the summer will be allowed to depart early.
All other staff: August 4th
*Medical staff whose fall class start dates conflict with the end of the summer will be allowed to depart early.
When is staff development?
Counselors: May 18th - June 3rd
Med Staff: May 28th - June 3rd
PAs: May 28st - June 3rd
All staff will be required to complete certain materials prior to arrival. Those will be communicated throughout the spring.
Med Staff: May 28th - June 3rd
PAs: May 28st - June 3rd
All staff will be required to complete certain materials prior to arrival. Those will be communicated throughout the spring.
What are the dates for each session?
First Session – June 4th – June 22nd
Second Session – June 25th – July 13th
Third Session – July 16th – August 3rd
Second Session – June 25th – July 13th
Third Session – July 16th – August 3rd
General Staffing Logistics
When will I get paid this summer?
Pay checks are distributed at the end of first and second session, and on the last day of employment. Federally mandated tax withholding (federal tax, social security, and medicare) will be deducted from each check. Direct deposit is available.
What is my mailing address at camp?
Your Name - Your Cabin
c/o Camp Sweeney
PO Box 918
Gainesville, TX 76241
Staff mail will be delivered to cabins each day.
c/o Camp Sweeney
PO Box 918
Gainesville, TX 76241
Staff mail will be delivered to cabins each day.
What is my shipping address at camp?
Your Name - Your Cabin
c/o Camp Sweeney
10687 FM 678
Whitesboro, TX 76273
This is for UPS or FedEx only. Otherwise there will be a delay in mail delivery. Staff packages will be delivered to cabins each day.
c/o Camp Sweeney
10687 FM 678
Whitesboro, TX 76273
This is for UPS or FedEx only. Otherwise there will be a delay in mail delivery. Staff packages will be delivered to cabins each day.
How do I get my stuff to camp?
If you are driving to camp, we recommend bringing your bedding, clothes, personal toiletries, etc. with you in the car. If you are flying to camp, it will likely be more convenient for you to ship items such as toiletries and bedding to camp ahead of time. We recommend ordering items 2-3 weeks before you are scheduled to arrive at camp. The Associate Program Directors will deliver items to your cabin. For anything you are shipping to camp, it helps if you include your cabin name in the shipping address. See below for an example. It is important that you utilize the shipping address for all packages and not the PO Box.
Your Name - Your Cabin
c/o Camp Sweeney
10687 FM 678
Whitesboro, TX 76273
Your Name - Your Cabin
c/o Camp Sweeney
10687 FM 678
Whitesboro, TX 76273
Is Catholic Mass available?
Catholic Mass/Worship Service will be available 2 times during development and once in between the transition of sessions for a total of 4 times during the Summer.
Counselor Logistics
When do I get time off?
Counseling staff members will be provided one period of off-time (off the grounds of Camp Sweeney) during each session. This period of time off will be based on your cabin placement, activity (class) assignments, and cabin responsibilities. Camp Sweeney will provide lodging during this period to ensure that all staff members can get some well-deserved rest.
In addition, counselors will be given time off from roughly 5 PM Thursday to 11 PM Friday at the completion of sessions 1 & 2. A similar but shorter period of off time will be given between the end of Staff Development and the beginning of session 1.
Counseling staff members will receive notification of their cabin placement and time off allocation in mid March.
In addition, counselors will be given time off from roughly 5 PM Thursday to 11 PM Friday at the completion of sessions 1 & 2. A similar but shorter period of off time will be given between the end of Staff Development and the beginning of session 1.
Counseling staff members will receive notification of their cabin placement and time off allocation in mid March.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend that all staff members bring at least:
• 6 shirts or tank tops
• 5 pairs of athletic shorts
• 2 swimsuits
• 2 pairs of tennis shoes
• 1 pair of flips flops or sandals
• 1 hat
• plenty of socks and undergarments
• 1 laundry bag
We’ll also provide you with a drawer full of Sweeney shirts to wear during the summer, but it's good to bring some shirts of your own in case you get sweaty.
In the unlikely event that it rains, you may want to have a rain jacket on hand. Many staff members like to bring a fleece or pair of sweat pants for evening events in the Shull Activity Center.
Staff members should also bring their own bed sheets, pillows, wash rags, towels, laundry bag, and personal toiletries.
There are also special events that you will want to dress for appropriately. See "Are there special events I should prepare for?" below.
We encourage you to order items prior to camp; the Associate Program Directors will have them waiting in your cabin when you arrive. You can also order directly to camp during development and the summer sessions. See "How do I get my stuff to camp" above.
• 6 shirts or tank tops
• 5 pairs of athletic shorts
• 2 swimsuits
• 2 pairs of tennis shoes
• 1 pair of flips flops or sandals
• 1 hat
• plenty of socks and undergarments
• 1 laundry bag
We’ll also provide you with a drawer full of Sweeney shirts to wear during the summer, but it's good to bring some shirts of your own in case you get sweaty.
In the unlikely event that it rains, you may want to have a rain jacket on hand. Many staff members like to bring a fleece or pair of sweat pants for evening events in the Shull Activity Center.
Staff members should also bring their own bed sheets, pillows, wash rags, towels, laundry bag, and personal toiletries.
There are also special events that you will want to dress for appropriately. See "Are there special events I should prepare for?" below.
We encourage you to order items prior to camp; the Associate Program Directors will have them waiting in your cabin when you arrive. You can also order directly to camp during development and the summer sessions. See "How do I get my stuff to camp" above.
Are there special events I should prepare for?
OPENING/CLOSING DAY: On opening day, all staff members are asked to wear either khaki pants or a khaki skirt with the Camp Sweeney oxford we will provide you. On closing day, all staff members wear either khaki or navy shorts with a Camp Sweeney polo.
FIGHT SONG WEDNESDAY: Every Wednesday at camp is “Fight Song Wednesday.” Campers and staff dress in their favorite college gear and cheer for their schools at dinner. Be sure to bring enough clothing to deck out yourself and your little siblings.
CHAPEL: Twice per session Camp Sweeney has a non-denominational chapel service. Campers dress up for this so staff are asked to dress up as well. Boys should pack a polo or other collared shirt. Girls should bring a sundress or other semi-formal wear.
PURPLE POWER DAY: “Purple Power Day” is a serious camp tradition, so you’ll want to bring as much purple as you can!
DANCES: Four of the biggest and most popular camp events each session are our Dances, where we turn the Shull Activity Center into a massive dance club. Each dance has a theme, and staff members are encouraged to go all out with their costumes. The themes for this summer are: Luau, Halloween, Neon, and prom!
BANQUET NIGHT: The final night of each session is our Awards Banquet and Code of Living ceremony. Staff members are asked to dress formally to honor our campers and provide a festive atmosphere for the evening. Male staff members should wear a coat and tie and female staff members should wear a semi-formal dress. That night is also the "prom night" after the banquet. So the banquet attire can also work for that night's dance.
FIGHT SONG WEDNESDAY: Every Wednesday at camp is “Fight Song Wednesday.” Campers and staff dress in their favorite college gear and cheer for their schools at dinner. Be sure to bring enough clothing to deck out yourself and your little siblings.
CHAPEL: Twice per session Camp Sweeney has a non-denominational chapel service. Campers dress up for this so staff are asked to dress up as well. Boys should pack a polo or other collared shirt. Girls should bring a sundress or other semi-formal wear.
PURPLE POWER DAY: “Purple Power Day” is a serious camp tradition, so you’ll want to bring as much purple as you can!
DANCES: Four of the biggest and most popular camp events each session are our Dances, where we turn the Shull Activity Center into a massive dance club. Each dance has a theme, and staff members are encouraged to go all out with their costumes. The themes for this summer are: Luau, Halloween, Neon, and prom!
BANQUET NIGHT: The final night of each session is our Awards Banquet and Code of Living ceremony. Staff members are asked to dress formally to honor our campers and provide a festive atmosphere for the evening. Male staff members should wear a coat and tie and female staff members should wear a semi-formal dress. That night is also the "prom night" after the banquet. So the banquet attire can also work for that night's dance.
Can someone pick me up from the airport in May?
If you choose to fly to camp this summer, we will provide transportation from the airport to Camp Sweeney. There are two airports in the Dallas area: Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Love Field (DAL). On May 18th, a charter buss will pick up all staff members from Love Field at 2 PM and DFW at 3 PM. Please arrange your travel so that you arrive and collect your luggage before the designated pickup time. Sweeney staff will be waiting in a designated meeting area of each airport.
Whether you are flying or driving, we ask that all staff members fill out a travel form to ensure that everyone arrives to camp on time.
Whether you are flying or driving, we ask that all staff members fill out a travel form to ensure that everyone arrives to camp on time.
Can I do my laundry at camp?
Free laundry service is provided once a week by our onsite laundry staff.
For a small fee, counselors can have their dress clothes dry cleaned between sessions.
For a small fee, counselors can have their dress clothes dry cleaned between sessions.
What is my email address at camp?
<yourcabin>@campsweeney.org
You will be assigned your cabin in March.
You will be assigned your cabin in March.
Can I bring personal electronic devices to camp ?
Many staff members may need to work on Medical School and post graduate applications while they are at camp this summer. Cell phones, laptops, and personal electronics will be stored in cabins for use during time off only.
Medical Staff Logistics
When do I get time off?
Medical staff have at least 1 period of time off per session. All medical staff will receive their time off assignments in the spring.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend that all staff members bring at least:
• 6 shirts or tank tops
• 5 pairs of athletic shorts
• 2 swimsuits
• 2 pairs of tennis shoes
• 1 pair of flips flops or sandals
• 1 hat
• plenty of socks and undergarments
• 1 laundry bag
We’ll also provide you with a drawer full of Sweeney shirts to wear during the summer, but it's good to bring some shirts of your own in case you get sweaty.
In the unlikely event that it rains, you may want to have a rain jacket on hand. Many staff members like to bring a fleece or pair of sweat pants for evening events in the Shull Activity Center.
Staff members should also bring their own bed sheets, pillows, wash rags, towels, laundry bag, and personal toiletries.
There are also special events that you will want to dress for appropriately. See "Are there special events I should prepare for?" below.
We encourage you to order items prior to camp; the Associate Program Directors will have them waiting in your cabin when you arrive. You can also order directly to camp during development and the summer sessions. See "How do I get my stuff to camp" above.
• 6 shirts or tank tops
• 5 pairs of athletic shorts
• 2 swimsuits
• 2 pairs of tennis shoes
• 1 pair of flips flops or sandals
• 1 hat
• plenty of socks and undergarments
• 1 laundry bag
We’ll also provide you with a drawer full of Sweeney shirts to wear during the summer, but it's good to bring some shirts of your own in case you get sweaty.
In the unlikely event that it rains, you may want to have a rain jacket on hand. Many staff members like to bring a fleece or pair of sweat pants for evening events in the Shull Activity Center.
Staff members should also bring their own bed sheets, pillows, wash rags, towels, laundry bag, and personal toiletries.
There are also special events that you will want to dress for appropriately. See "Are there special events I should prepare for?" below.
We encourage you to order items prior to camp; the Associate Program Directors will have them waiting in your cabin when you arrive. You can also order directly to camp during development and the summer sessions. See "How do I get my stuff to camp" above.
Are there special events I should prepare for?
OPENING/CLOSING DAY: On opening day, all staff members are asked to wear either khaki pants or a khaki skirt with the Camp Sweeney oxford we will provide you. On closing day, all staff members wear either khaki or navy shorts with a Camp Sweeney polo.
FIGHT SONG WEDNESDAY: Every Wednesday at camp is “Fight Song Wednesday.” Campers and staff dress in their favorite college gear and cheer for their schools at dinner.
CHAPEL: Twice per session Camp Sweeney has a non-denominational chapel service. Campers dress up for this so staff are asked to dress up as well. Boys should pack a polo or other collared shirt. Girls should bring a sundress or other semi-formal wear.
PURPLE POWER DAY: “Purple Power Day” is a serious camp tradition, so you’ll want to bring as much purple as you can!
DANCES: Four of the biggest and most popular camp events each session are our Dances, where we turn the Shull Activity Center into a massive dance club. Each dance has a theme, and staff members are encouraged to go all out with their costumes. The themes for this summer are: Luau, Halloween, Neon, and prom!
BANQUET NIGHT: The final night of each session is our Awards Banquet and Code of Living ceremony. Staff members are asked to dress formally to honor our campers and provide a festive atmosphere for the evening. Male staff members should wear a coat and tie and female staff members should wear a semi-formal dress. That night is also the "prom night" after the banquet. So the banquet attire can also work for that night's dance.
FIGHT SONG WEDNESDAY: Every Wednesday at camp is “Fight Song Wednesday.” Campers and staff dress in their favorite college gear and cheer for their schools at dinner.
CHAPEL: Twice per session Camp Sweeney has a non-denominational chapel service. Campers dress up for this so staff are asked to dress up as well. Boys should pack a polo or other collared shirt. Girls should bring a sundress or other semi-formal wear.
PURPLE POWER DAY: “Purple Power Day” is a serious camp tradition, so you’ll want to bring as much purple as you can!
DANCES: Four of the biggest and most popular camp events each session are our Dances, where we turn the Shull Activity Center into a massive dance club. Each dance has a theme, and staff members are encouraged to go all out with their costumes. The themes for this summer are: Luau, Halloween, Neon, and prom!
BANQUET NIGHT: The final night of each session is our Awards Banquet and Code of Living ceremony. Staff members are asked to dress formally to honor our campers and provide a festive atmosphere for the evening. Male staff members should wear a coat and tie and female staff members should wear a semi-formal dress. That night is also the "prom night" after the banquet. So the banquet attire can also work for that night's dance.
Can I do my laundry at camp?
Free laundry service is provided once a week by our onsite laundry staff.
For a small fee, counselors can have their dress clothes dry cleaned between sessions.
For a small fee, counselors can have their dress clothes dry cleaned between sessions.
Program Assistant (PA) Logistics
When will I get my team assignment?
You will be assigned to either the green team or the gold team in March or April, once we finish hiring all the PAs.
What is the dress code?
Program Assistants will be provided staff shirts that they must wear while working. All shoes must have a back (no Birkenstocks, flip flops, etc.) and we discourage open-toed shoes even if they have a back-strap. Wear shorts that are easy to work in, but bring at least one nicer pair of shorts. Staff shirts will be washed at the end of each shift.
What should I pack?
Bring plenty of shorts, socks, and underwear to get you through a week. Laundry service will NOT be provided during your shift, only in between shifts. Additionally, we recommend at least 2 pairs of good working shoes that you're not afraid to get dirty. These shoes MUST have a back, and we discourage any open-toed shoes such as Chacos.
Questions about employee paperwork and payroll information
Main contact information
Billie Hood, Business Manager
billieh@campsweeney.org
Lynn Garcia, Assistant Business Manager
hr2@campsweeney.org
billieh@campsweeney.org
Lynn Garcia, Assistant Business Manager
hr2@campsweeney.org
Who should I contact about making a change to my address, phone number, or email?
Please send your updated contact information by email to: Billie Hood billieh@campsweeney.org or Lynn Garcia hr2@campsweeney.org
How can I safely send my social security card and other confidential documents?
The CampSweeney.org website uses the most up-to-date software and monitoring systems to insure your information remains confidential. These safety protocols are required in order for Camp Sweeney to receive online credit card payments and donations and serve the dual purpose of protecting your information.
Use the link below to safely and securely upload your documents:
CampSweeney.org/upload
Use the link below to safely and securely upload your documents:
CampSweeney.org/upload
Which mailing address should I use on my documentation?
If you live in the same place all year round, use that mailing address on your employee paperwork including your tax-related W4 form.
If you have both a physical address and a post office box, use the address where you receive most of your snail mail.
More than half of our staff have a temporary address (like a university address) and a permanent address (usually a parent's residence). In this case give us both on your Employee Information and Documentation paperwork. Then use your permanent address on W4 form. The address on your W4 form is where we will mail your Form W2 for tax purposes each January.
If you have both a physical address and a post office box, use the address where you receive most of your snail mail.
More than half of our staff have a temporary address (like a university address) and a permanent address (usually a parent's residence). In this case give us both on your Employee Information and Documentation paperwork. Then use your permanent address on W4 form. The address on your W4 form is where we will mail your Form W2 for tax purposes each January.
W4, I9, and HRDirect
If you are a new employee, you will receive an email from HRDirect.com to complete the following two documents. Be sure to check your spam folder.
* W4 (IRS Employee’s Withholding Certificate)
* I9 (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Verification form)
* W4 (IRS Employee’s Withholding Certificate)
* I9 (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Verification form)