Important Dates
Counselors: General Staff Development for all counselors begins on May 16th. 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 26th. We ask all medical staff to arrive at camp between 12 PM and 3 PM.
PAs: Program Assistant (PA) Development begins on May 26th. All PAs must arrive between 9 and 10:30 AM.
Counseling Staff: August 2th
All other staff: August 1th
*Medical staff whose fall class start dates conflict with the end of the summer will be allowed to depart early.
Counselors: May 16th – June 1st
Med Staff: May 26th – June 1st
PAs: May 26th – June 1st
All staff will be required to complete certain materials prior to arrival. Those will be communicated throughout the spring.
First Session – June 2nd – June 20th
Second Session – June 23rd – July 11th
Third Session – July 14th – August 1st
General Staffing Logistics
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.
Your Name – Your Cabin
c/o Camp Sweeney
PO Box 918
Gainesville, TX 76241
Staff mail will be delivered to cabins each day.
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.
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
Catholic Mass will be available every weekend during the staff development period and through the summer.
Counselor Logistics
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.
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.
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.
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 16th, 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.
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.
<yourcabin>@campsweeney.org
You will be assigned your cabin in March.
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
Medical staff have at least 1 period of time off per session. All medical staff will receive their time off assignments in the spring.
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.
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.
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.
Program Assistant (PA) Logistics
You will be assigned to either the green team or the gold team in March or April, once we finish hiring all the PAs.
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.
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
Billie Hood, Business Manager
billieh@campsweeney.org
Lynn Garcia, Assistant Business Manager
hr2@campsweeney.org
Please send your updated contact information by email to: Billie Hood billieh@campsweeney.org or Lynn Garcia hr2@campsweeney.org
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:
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 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)
Camp Sweeney is a camp intended specifically for children ages 5-18 with type 1 diabetes. Designed as a behavioral modification program, Camp Sweeney helps young people avoid the long-term complications of diabetes by instilling in them the self-confidence and medical knowledge they need to live longer, healthier lives. Each year we make a concerted effort to hire individuals who have a strong desire to serve others and make a difference in the life of a child. Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, Inc. / Camp Sweeney is an equal opportunity employer.
STAFF APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
Counselor Staff Applicant Requirements
* 19 years of age by the first day of First Session (see session dates under “Important Dates” above)
* Currently enrolled in a college or university or recipient of an undergraduate degree from a college or university
* Completion of at least 30 college credit hours with passing grades by first day of First Session
Medical Staff Applicant Requirements
* 19 years of age by the first day of First Session (see session dates under “Important Dates” above)
* Currently enrolled in medical school
* Completion of at least one successful year of medical school by first day of First Session
Other Staff Applicant Requirements
* 19 years of age by the first day of First Session (see session dates under “Important Dates” above)
* High School diploma or equivalent preferred. Certain other positions may require higher education. See Employment Inquiry page or call 940-665-2011 for details.
FIVE STEP APPLICATION & HIRING PROCESS
1. Employment Inquiry
Please click on “Join our Staff”, and select the desired position. Fill out this employment inquiry. You will receive an email with the appropriate next steps to apply or interview.
2. Online Application
As a part of your application file, you must complete an online application. Be prepared to list recent employers and at least three references with working phone numbers and email addresses. We are required to conduct criminal background checks on all employees.
3. Personal Interview
All applicants must be interviewed in person. We do not conduct interviews over the phone or over the Internet. Interviews are informal and normally last 30-45 minutes. For certain positions, you may be asked to bring the following items to your interview:
* A recent college transcript (official or unofficial copy)
* A resume (optional)
4. Recommendation Form
All applicants who will be working directly with campers must have a Recommendation Form submitted on their behalf by an individual unaffiliated with Camp Sweeney. This form may be completed by professors, employers, volunteer supervisors, etc. A letter of recommendation may be submitted in the place of the Recommendation Form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to send the link to the recommendation form to the individual that will complete their recommendation.
5. Hiring Process
If selected for a position on our staff, you will receive a contract via email. You will be asked to complete and return the contract via email or fax within 5 days. Additional employment paperwork will be requested at that time. If you choose to decline the position, please notify us as soon as possible.
Training & Development
* Safe Environment Training – All staff will be required to complete a one-hour online “Safe Environment” course mandated by the state of Texas. Staff members will be given instructions and access codes to complete this course prior to Staff Development.
* Onsite Camp Staff Development – All staff must attend Staff Development at Camp Sweeney. Development will be specific to each staff position, and may include diabetes education, implementation of our program goals, and instruction to perform duties. In addition, counselors will receive American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certifications.
* Additional Certifications – Based on the terms of their contract, some counselors may be required to complete additional certification courses (i.e. lifeguarding, ropes course training, or gun safety training).
Dates of Employment – See specific dates above or in employment contract
* Counselors are required to work Staff Development (early to mid-May) and all three camp sessions (through early August). Counselors will be notified of their scheduled time off prior to the beginning of Staff Development.
* Other staff members are required to work Staff Development (late May) through the end of the summer camp sessions (early August), unless otherwise stated on employment contract.
Dress Code
* Male staff members are not allowed to have or grow facial hair while at camp.
* Male staff members are not allowed to wear earrings. All other body piercings (such as tongue, nose, and naval) are not permitted by either male or female staff members.
* Tattoos must be covered at all times.
* Unnatural hair color is not permitted.
Key Personnel
Ernie Fernandez, M.D., Camp Director
Bob Cannon, Program Director
Preston Walhood, Senior Associate Program Director
Will Duhe, Senior Associate Program Director
Billie Hood, Business Manager, billieh@campsweeney.org