About Camp T…

Mission Statement

The mission of Camp Transfiguration is to present to young people a living experience of the Holy Orthodox Faith, in their relationship with God and other campers in an uncluttered, natural environment. Translated to Greek, “transfiguration” becomes “metamorphosis” which literally means, “to change”. Camp Transfiguration aims to instill in all of its campers, staff and volunteers the glorious teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as the traditions of the Orthodox Church, for their spiritual growth and for the glorification of God. To accomplish this, we will seek to bring young people to:

• Awareness of self and their fellow man in God

• A deepening of their Orthodox way of life

• A greater awareness of their living religion

• Good sportsmanship in the fellowship of divine love

• Growth in personal relationships and personal responsibility

• An appreciation of nature and a concern for the environment

​

Camp 2024

Camp Transfiguration will be held at Camp Wingate, same location as last year. Camp Wingate is located in Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard, Quebec a few minutes away from Saint-Sauveur. All staff should be aware of the following dates:

​

• Camp T Kick-Off Fellowship Weekend @ Ottawa – May 18th-20th, (this event is optional; yet strongly encouraged! It aims to keep fellowship between current and old staff members, as well as kicking off Camp T 2024)

• Camp Staff Training (MANDATORY) @ Ottawa– Thursday, August 8th to Saturday, August 10th 2024.​

• Session 1 – Sunday, August 11th to Saturday, August 17th 2024

• Session 2 – Sunday, August 18th to Saturday, August 24th 2024

 

Our Team

The executive committee consists of the following team members:

​

Director

Fr. Nektarios Najjar & Fr. Gabriel Abdel Nour

​

Camp Head Priest

Fr. Nektarios Najjar & Fr. Gabriel Abdel Nour

​

Managing Camp Director

Peter Bondi

​

Assistant Camp Directors

Nick Ghazal & Aftim Nassar

​

Treasurer

Khalil Dawod

​

Program Director

Maya Dawod

​

Administrative Director

George Shacker 

​

Communications Director

Scott Shacker 

​

Development Director

Christian Kishfy

​

Application Information

Vision

All members of the Camp Staff are responsible for carrying out the Mission of Camp Transfiguration. They must help strengthen the Camper’s grasp of the basics of the Christian life. 

​

Expectations

Camp Staff must be at least 18 years of age before the first day of session one. CIT's must be at least 17 years of age before the first day of session one. All camp staff & CIT's are required to attend the entire Staff Training and the entire camp week of either session one or session two, or both sessions. Additionally, all staff members accepted as Program and Executive Staff are required to attend the Camp Transfiguration Fellowship Weekend. All staff are strongly encouraged to attend Fellowship Weekend. All staff will be required to attend/participate in training exercises in the weeks preceding camp. Emergency leave of absences during camp are granted at the discretion of the Camp Director. Those staff taking part in only Session 1 should plan to depart camp by 3pm on Saturday August 12th. Those taking part in only Session 2 should arrive no later than 3pm on Saturday August 12th.

​

References

The online staff application includes two mandatory references to be sent via email: one to be completed by your parish priest, and one to be completed by a non-relative adult (teacher, coach, employer, etc.) who has knowledge of your suitability for the position in which you are applying. If you are a returning counselor or staff member you are only required to have the parish priest reference form. Please carefully follow the instructions given on the reference forms.

​

Medical Information

All medical information is required such that the camp first aid coordinator and applicable staff may be prepared to provide appropriate care. This information will be kept confidential with the camp first aid coordinator and director.  A medical professional will be on site, full-time, during the camping session to take care of any health care needs.

​

Deadlines

All counselor applications must be completed in our online application portal by February 28th, 2024. If you are not sure of your availability in the summer to attend camp, apply nonetheless and keep us posted on your availability!
Notification of acceptance will be sent out on or before May 31st, 2024.

Individuals applying for program staff  positions (Head Counselors, Program Coordinators, and Support Staff) must submit all forms prior to February 15th, 2024. 

​

Camp Policies

Contained in this document you will find the Policies of Camp Transfiguration. Please read carefully the Policy for Social Media and the Dress Code Policy prior to completing the application. All camp policies, staff roles and responsibilities as well as dress code will be reviewed during training.

​

Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Also contained in this document is a description of the roles and responsibilities of all staff members. It is important that these be reviewed, especially by those applying for head counselor and coordinator positions. A camp organizational chart has been included to illustrate the flow of responsibility. The roles and reporting structure may be adjusted in order to best suit the staff selected for these jobs.

​

Bursary

A ‘Travel Bursary’ shall be awarded to each staff member of Camp Transfiguration.

​

Registrar Contact Information

Questions regarding the application process or camp itself may be directed to:

info@camptransfiguration.org

​

All camp registration material (including references and medical forms) should be submitted through Circuitree Application System.

​

Camp Policies​

​

READ CAREFULLY!

​

Policy for Social Media

Once a person accepts a position as a member of the Camp Transfiguration staff, they accept a great responsibility that lasts well beyond the time spent together at camp. Camp Transfiguration staff members will forever be recognized by campers, parents, clergy, fellow staff members, and many others as a representative of the camp and, more importantly, the Orthodox Christian faith.

In general, Camp Transfiguration views social networking sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), personal websites, and blogs positively and respects the right of staff to use them as a medium of self-expression. 

Each Camp Transfiguration staff member who posts information (text and photos) on the internet in any format including social networking websites, personal websites, and any other information posted on the internet must do so in accord with that of an Orthodox Christian lifestyle. In addition, Camp Transfiguration requires that staff observe the following guidelines when referring to the camp, its programs or activities, its campers, and/or other staff, in a blog or on a website:

1. Any photos or messages that are linked or “tagged” from “friends” and attached to your site(s) or profile(s) that are inappropriate should be removed.

2. Staff must be respectful in all communications and blogs related to or referencing Camp Transfiguration, its campers, and/or other employees.

3. Staff must not use obscenities, profanity, or vulgar language.

4. Staff must not use blogs or personal websites to disparage Camp Transfiguration, other campers, or staff of Camp Transfiguration.

5. Staff must not use these venues to discuss engaging in conduct prohibited by camp policies and an Orthodox Christian lifestyle, including, but not limited to, the use of alcohol and drugs, sexual behavior, sexual harassment, and bullying.

6. Staff must not post pictures of campers on a website without obtaining written permission from the parents of the camper(s).

Any staff member found to be in violation of any portion of this policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including the staff member’s voluntary dismissal from the staff at the discretion of the Camp Director.

​

Dress Code Policy

All staff should be good role models for campers, and thus it is of the utmost important that the Dress Code be followed strictly. While camping is by its nature informal, Christian modesty should be the guiding principle when dressing for camp. Inappropriate clothing will not be permitted to be worn. Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to:
 

• open back tops

• low-cut fronts 

• skin tight clothing

• half shirts

• two-piece bathing suits

• tank tops with less than two finger-width straps

• shorts cut shorter than a few inches above the knee

• low-cut waistlines

​

No more than two pairs of earrings are permitted for women, none for men. Excess earrings must be removed upon arrival.

Because of the outdoor setting with uneven terrain, tree roots, etc, neither open-toed nor backless shoes (flip-flops, etc.) are not permitted to be worn outside the cabin at any time, but may be packed as shower shoes. Athletic shoes must be worn during Afternoon Program. 

​

Dress for daily church services is casual, however long pants and covered shoulders are required. For Divine Liturgies, men are expected to wear a collared shirt (tie preferred), and women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse, with skirt length at least knee-length or longer. Staff should be prepared for at least two Divine Liturgies.

​

In addition, staff members must keep any tattoos covered at all times.

​

Any staff member found to be in violation of any portion of this policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including the staff member’s voluntary dismissal from the staff at the discretion of the Camp Director.

​

*** All camp policies, staff roles and responsibilities as well as dress code will be reviewed during training. ***

 

Staff Roles and Responsibilities

The following are general descriptions of the roles and responsibilities for each staff member @ Camp T. 

​

​Counselor-In-Training:​

The goal of the CIT program is to give former campers the opportunity to learn and experience the responsibilities of being a counselor at Camp Transfiguration. The CIT will work with an assigned counselor, living in a cabin with campers, for which he/she will be compensated by receiving free room and board. The CIT must be willing to accept guidance and supervision from their assigned counselor.

• CITs must be aged 17 years of age before the first day of session one

• All CITs are required to attend the entire Staff Training and the entire camp week of either session one or session two, or both sessions

• Additionally, all CITs are encouraged to attend the Camp Transfiguration Fellowship Weekend

• CITs are volunteering their time to garner experience under a trusted counselor

Counselor:

• Live with and provide for the needs of campers in each cabin and guide them in a Christian manner in participating in all aspects of the camp program.

• Be an Orthodox Christian example and role model to campers.

• Teach campers to follow Christ. 

• Teach & lead activities as assigned by Program Staff.

• Must work well with children; enjoy camp environment; willingly accept guidance & supervision.

Head Counselor:

• Help the Camp Mentor plan and prepare Staff Training as well as CIT program.

• Handle Camper issues brought by Counselors, and supervise Counselors throughout the day.

• Routinely evaluate the performance of the Counselors and CITs, and offer insightful feedback.

Morning Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, plan camp’s daily morning program schedules in cooperation with the Program Director. 

• Work with Spiritual Advisor/Camp Head Priest in finalizing Christian Education sessions.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise morning program Counselors in execution of program.

Afternoon Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director & camp facility staff to plan camp’s afternoon programs (including rainy day activities and non-sport activities).

• Be knowledgeable in the rules and equipment requirements for common outdoor sports at camp.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

Evening Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to develop evening activities, with backups for rain.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

Arts and Crafts Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to develop arts and crafts activities (including rainy day activities).

• Prepare materials and equipment for each activity, including Morning program arts and crafts lesson with the Morning Program Coordinator.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

Overnight Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to plan the overnight for oldest and second oldest cabins, with backups for rain. 

• Prepare a spiritual activity for each overnight, with the help of Camp Head Priest.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each activity.

• Supervise Counselors in execution of programs.

Weekend Program Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director to develop activities for campers staying over at camp between Week 1 and Week 2 (including backup activities for rainy days). 

• Prepare a list of tasks for volunteers helping during the weekend.

• Supervise Counselors (or Volunteers) in execution of programs.

Fishing Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director, Afternoon Program Coordinator & camp facility staff to plan camp’s fishing programs

• Be knowledgeable in the rules and fishing and boating equipment requirements at camp.

• Prepare materials, equipment and staff needed for each fishing activity in coordination with the Afternoon Program Coordinator .

• Execute all fishing programs and ensure camper safety and enjoyment

Waterfront Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, work with the Program Director, Afternoon Program Coordinator & camp facility staff to establish a Waterfront policy for Camp Transfiguration 

• Be knowledgeable and enforce the Waterfront policy of Camp Transfiguration

• Supervise all Waterfront activities at Camp Transfiguration 

• Hold an active National Lifeguard certification 

•  

Volunteer Coordinator:

• In coordination with each of the programs, prepare daily schedule for volunteers.

• Supervise and encourage volunteers.

Kitchen Volunteer:

• Assist in the execution of daily kitchen tasks assigned by the kitchen coordinator and/or head chef

• Offer assistance with the distribution of snacks and gimme shop to campers and staff

• Ensure cleanliness of dining hall and kitchen with the guidance of the kitchen coordinator

• Assist in the setup and take down of camp transfiguration’s kitchen equipment, supplies and food

Program Volunteer:

• Assist in the execution of program tasks assigned by the program director or program staff

• Offer assistance with colour wars, overnight and other irregular programs

• Coordinate with program director to find other ways to help

• Once complete, offer assistance to kitchen staff with their duties

Audio Visual Coordinator:

• Responsible for all maintenance, management, setup, and tear down of microphones, sound systems and video systems 

• This position is recommended for applying volunteers or volunteer coordinator as an additional responsibility. 

Camp Nurse:

• Review staff and camper medical forms, with documents provided by registrar.

• Provide camp executives and kitchen staff with a list of allergies.

• Prepare an individualized list of 

• Ensure the medical safety of all people on campground. 

• Give medication to campers and staff as prescribed.

• Take care of minor medical emergencies.

Social Media Coordinator:

• Photograph and digitally document camp on a daily basis 

• Upload appropriate content to social media sites for viewing of parents. 

• Be responsible for organizing and taking camp photo as well as cabin photos.

Media Coordinator:

• Film, edit and screen a 10 minute video to be shown on the last night of camp.

• Following camp, prepare and upload a 15 minute video to the camp website and socials

Liturgics Coordinator:

• Plan Camp T service schedule alongside Assistant Director and Head Priest 

• Support liturgics (all church services at camp) 

• Maintain Camp T Chapel in cleanliness, functionality and order 

• Manage all liturgics inventory at camp or stored offsite with Head Priest 

• Educate and establish Church Etiquette (see staff manual) 

• Coordinate camper & staff participation in church activities (confession, chanting, altar boys, prayer offerings

Head Chanter:

• Plan Camp T chanting in coordination with the Head Priest and Liturgical Coordinator

• Lead campers’ participation in chanting during Liturgical Services according to the direction of the Head Priest 

• Coordinate camp & staff participation in chanting during Liturgical Services 

• Assist Liturgical Coordinator in their duties 

Registrar:

• Coordinate registration process for staff, volunteers and campers, including payment for the latter.

• Be available for questions and concerns of parents with Assistant Director and Director.

• Provide the first aid coordinator with a medical binder.

Kitchen Coordinator:

• Prior to camp, develop a menu for meals throughout both sessions.

• Ensure that all equipment and supplies are ordered in advance.

• Coordinate kitchen volunteers and ensure smooth food service.

• Stock and supervise ‘Gimme Shop’

• Ensure cleanliness of the kitchen.

Development Director:

• Establish veteran presence at Camp Transfiguration 

• Strategically plan for the long term future of Camp Transfiguration 

• Establish and chair committees to improve the future of Camp Transfiguration 

Treasurer: 

• Prepare a yearly budget and financial report for the Camp Transfiguration

• Advise Executive staff on financial decisions and strategic planning

• Establish presence and authority on financial matters related to Camp Transfiguration

Administrative Director:

• Order T-shirts and ensure all general camp supplies are purchased.

• Complete staff manual and organize all documents needed by camp staff.

• Oversee general camp logistics to ensure cooperation between all service providers (first aid coordinator, volunteer, kitchen, media).

• Prepare lists of campers and assemble final cabin lists.

• Organize registration Day and departure day (with Registrar and Assistant Director)

Program Director:

• Coordinate scheduling (with the aid of each specific program’s coordinator) of the Master Schedule including morning/afternoon/evening activities, arts and crafts and overnight.

• Provide feedback and guidance to program coordinators.

• Help each program coordinator to organize, prepare, budget, and purchase materials.

• Plan, prepare and lead Staff Training (in cooperation with Head Counselors & Directors).

Communication Director:

• Maintain camp email/mail correspondence and archived documents.

• Ensure the visibility of camp in parish, diocese and archdiocese events, alongside with the Assistant Director.

• Run the camp website and Facebook and Instagram page; prepare bulletin announcement for parishes 

• Follow-up on campers and staff experience after camp.

Managing & Assistant Camp Directors:

• Oversee all aspects of planning to ensure cooperation of camp directors, coordinators and head counselors in the preparation of programs and services.

• Plan, prepare and lead Staff Training (in cooperation with Head Counselors & Directors).

• Run daily staff meetings to facilitate communication between all camp staff.

• Manage camp spending within the context of the established budget.

• Facilitate the resolution of any camper, staff or volunteer issues.

• Ensure the safety of all participants in camp.

• Be available for questions and concerns of parents with Camp Director.

Camp Director:

• Oversee all aspects of planning to ensure cooperation of camp directors, coordinators and head counselors in the preparation of programs and services.

• Plan, prepare and lead Staff Training (in cooperation with Head Counselors & Directors).

• Run daily staff meetings to facilitate communication between all camp staff.

• Manage camp spending within the context of the established budget.

• Facilitate the resolution of any camper, staff or volunteer issues.

• Ensure the safety of all participants in camp.

• Be available for questions and concerns of parents with Assistant Camp Director.

• Oversee Assistant Director’s work.

Camp Head Priest:

• Train a staff member in charge of liturgical services

• Provide daily service and liturgy schedule

• Be the spiritual advisor for all campers and staff members

• Update and approve Morning Program curriculum with respective Coordinator. ​