FAQs
We are located in Paradox, NY in Adirondack Park.
- Support Staff and Pre Camp Staff Arrival: June 1, 2025
- Waterfront, Trek, and Leadership Staff Arrival: June 7, 2025
- Remaining Staff Arrival: June 12, 2025
- Staff Departure: August 10, 2025
- ADK ADV Camp and Post Camp Staff Departure: August 17, 2025.
You are welcome to drive to Southwoods if you own a car. We have 3 pick-up dates at JFK Airport on June 1, June 7, and June 14. Outside of those pick-up dates, it is up to you to arrange your travel. We will drop off at JFK on August 10 and August 17, 2025. Departure outside of the drop off date is up to you.
Counselor Staff get one period off a day and alternating evenings out of cabin. Staff all receive one day off per week (excluding the first and last week of camp) and one evening off per week. Support Staff work 40 hour weeks. When they are not scheduled, they can have time off while remaining on camp. Support Staff receive the same one day and one night off per week as Counselor Staff.
Counselor Staff live in-cabin with their campers, as do some Leadership Staff. Support Staff live with roommates in separate housing.
Of course! Staff have access to offices, the Staff Lounge, the LIT training room, the Health Center, and additional areas on camp with WiFi access during their time off.
No cell phones are allowed in cabins or at activities. Cell phone use is limited to the Staff Lounge, Office, and time-off.
Payroll is run bi-weekly by direct deposit. A $300 completion bonus is withheld from staff pay until the end of the summer with the exception of new international counselors. Upon completion of the contracted time, the staff member will receive their final pay check, plus the $300. Travel reimbursement is not given until the end of camp. International staff are paid using RAMP, a pre-paid debit card that is set-up during staff training. Domestic staff must submit direct deposit information. Southwoods does not issue paper checks.
We do not expect staff to come to Southwoods already knowing how to be great counselors. Our staff training runs eight days and teaches you everything you need to know from policies and procedures to traditions and the inside scoop on Southwoods. By the end of training, you’ll feel ready for Opening Day!
Our Leadership Team work tirelessly to keep the ship off the rocks. Leadership Staff members must be 21+, have experience in the area they direct, and be able to keep the 30,000 ft view of Southwoods in the forefront of their decision making. When hiring Leadership Staff, the best candidate gets the job, regardless of whether or not they were a previous Southwoods staff member or camper.
