Change Lives. Leave a Legacy. Have Fun. Make Friends

 

​​SPARK: Counselor in Training Program
Building leaders one spark at a time at Boxwell Reservation

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Be the Spark of Camp! SPARK (Scouts Preparing for Adventure, Responsibility & Knowledge) is Boxwell Reservation's Counselor in Training program. It gives Scouts a real behind-the-scenes look at running summer camp and a clear path onto the Boxwell staff.

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SPARK participants must be at least 14 years of age. Scouts who are 15 or older are eligible to work as paid staff members. Participants who wish to serve more than one week are evaluated at the end of each week to decide whether they continue into additional weeks.

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SPARK comes in two weeklong parts.

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Part 1: Kindle Week. Participants rotate through each program area and get a taste of what that area entails as a full member of the staff. Each Area Director evaluates the participant, and the evaluations are summarized on Thursday evening. On Friday morning, participants return to the yard of their choice. Friday afternoon is theirs to enjoy the Reservation: fishing, hiking, a visit to the Trading Post, and more.

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Part 2: Ignite Week. Working with the Key Three and the Area Directors, each participant chooses one area to work in for the full week of camp. Under the watchful eye of their Area Director, they complete a set of tasks and milestones that build real skills in teaching, leadership, and responsibility.

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Earning Your Place on Staff. Participants who complete Kindle Week receive a personalized staff lanyard when they arrive for Ignite Week. Those who complete both parts, with approval from the camp's Key Three, earn an official staff hat and camp shirt, along with an application for next summer's staff.

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2027 APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications can still be submitted after the below deadlines, but those applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with separate interview dates that will be communicated individually.

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• October 31, 2026 - All return staff members application due.

• December 4, 2026 – Staff Application Dues

• December 5, 2026 – New Incoming Staff Interview @ Boxwell Reservation 9 am – 2 pm High Adventure Building. Click HERE to RSVP

• January 30, 2027 – New Incoming Staff Interview @ Council Office 10 am – 1 pm (second opportunity). Click HERE to RSVP

• Mid February 2027 – First Round of Employment Paperwork Mailed.

• March – All Employment Paperwork Mailed.

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New Incoming Staff or Camp Staff wanting to move positions

What to bring the day of the interview:

• Class A Uniform

• Positive Attitude

• If possible, a printed copy of your application.
   

Once you have interviewed:

If hired, you will receive a contract and other required forms in the mail. This will be mailed to the address provided on your online application.

• In April, you will be contract by one of the directors from your camp to confirm your employment and to review important dates.

• April 24, 2027 All Staff Paperwork is due to the Council Office.

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Staff Paperwork - To Get Paid

​Please return the the following payroll documents. You must be a current member of Scouting America with current Safeguarding Youth Training.

• Letter of Agreement (Contract) - mailed to the address provided on your application

• W-4 Form

• I-9 Form

• I-9 Form List of Acceptable Documents  Supporting Document from List A or Supporting Document from List  B and C

• Direct Deposit Form

• Health Form

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• Youth Application -Required to be registered as Council Camp Staff

• Adult Application  -Required to be registered as Council Camp Staff

• Miller Scholarship Application -due by May 1st

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Trainings - Required

• ALL TRAININGS MUST BE TAKEN ANNUALLY. ALL TRAININGS MUST BE TAKEN INDIVIDUALLY.

• THIS IS REQUIRED FOR CAMP STAFF (SQ-402).

• All TRAINING MUST be complete prior to the start of camp. Please send a copy of your COMPELTED CERTIFICATE (INCLUDING YOUR NAME) with your Complete Staff Paperwork.

  • Required for each Training Staff Member – Click Here for the help guide

  • Seasonal Camp Staff COMPLIANCE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS - CLICK HERE

    1. My.Scouting.org Training:

       • Safeguarding Youth (Youth Protection)

       • Understanding and Preventing Peer on Peer Abuse ​

       • Hazardous Weather Training 

       • Merit Badge Counselor Training - for instructors

       • Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat- for aquatics (pool and waterfront)

       • Climb on Safely - for COPE/Climbing

    2. Training Academy

       • ​Workplace Harassment Prevention for Employees
          

• Additional REQUIRED Training for specific Program Areas

  • American Red Cross – We are required to have at least 50% of summer camp staff Trained in CPR. IF you have CPR Training please send a copy of your current certification along with your staff paperwork Click Here

  • Medical Staff Click Here 

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​​Come to camp on Sunday June 1, 2027 at 1:00 pm Harwell Leadership Center (Stahlman Dining Hall.)