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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Camp Chihopi Staff Positions

In keeping with the goals of Camp Chihopi, preference for staff positions is given to transplant recipients, ages 16 and older, although hospital staff, students, and community volunteers are accepted depending on staffing needs. Parents/caregivers of campers are not eligible for staff positions.

There are four staff roles at Camp Chihopi.

Counselor Qualifications

  • High school graduate or equivalent, 18 years of age or older.
  • Must have energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and the ability and desire to work with children.
  • Ability to accept supervision and guidance and to function both independently and as part of a team.
  • Must pass the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Clearance.
  • Required to be physically mobile on 200-acres of camp ground that includes rough terrain, hills and uneven pavement.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Accountable for the safety, hygiene and whereabouts of every camper in your cabin group, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the cabin, and properly handling and maintaining all camp equipment used by your group.
  • Participates in all activities and provides positive encouragement towards their campers’ participation.
  • Acts as a positive role model and a teacher of life skills; displays respect towards peers, staff members, and to themselves; works within a team to accomplish cabin, unit, and camp goals; and offers guidance and support to all campers.
  • Manages a cabin group and helps campers deal with issues, challenges and problems as they arise.
  • Supervises and participates in all aspects of the camper’s day.
  • Actively participates in Camp Chihopi Orientation on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 and in other meetings as scheduled during camp.
  • Communicates effectively and is able to accept supervision from the Camp Director.
  • Communicates well and works effectively with the assigned Assistant Counselors.
  • Sets a positive example of responsibility, sensitivity, and motivation towards the Counselors-in-Training (CITs) in the cabin.
  • Follows all rules and regulations of the Emma Kaufmann Camp.

CIT Qualifications

  • High school students who are 16-17 years of age.
  • Teens may be a CIT for one to three years, depending on their age and ability. Some teens find it helpful to be a CIT for a second or third year before applying for Counselor or until they meet the age requirement of 18 years.
  • CITs must stay for the entire camp session. Must have energy, enthusiasm and the ability and desire to work with children.
  • Has a sincere interest in becoming a future camp counselor.
  • Is willing to accept supervision and guidance from the CIT Supervisor.
  • Can function both independently and as part of a team.
  • Previous camping experience, particularly at Camp Chihopi, is preferred but not necessary. Previous supervisory experience with children is helpful.
  • Required to be physically mobile on 200-acres of camp ground that includes rough terrain, hills and uneven pavement.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Helps Counselors and Assistant Counselors as directed to provide for the safety, hygiene and whereabouts of every camper in a cabin group, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the cabin and properly handling and maintaining all camp equipment used by your group.
  • Must participate in all camp activities and provide positive encouragement towards the campers.
  • Acts as a positive role model in sharing their skills and knowledge with the younger campers.
  • Works as a team to accomplish cabin, unit, and camp goals.
  • Assists in planning for the Camp Party and the CIT activity on Sunday.
  • Communicates fully and effectively with the CIT Supervisor in planning and implementing CIT activities. Accepts mentoring from the CIT Supervisor to successfully implement the role of CIT.
  • Follows all rules and regulations of the Emma Kaufmann Camp.
  • If 18 years of age or older, must pass the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Clearance.
  • Actively participates in the Camp Chihopi Orientation on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 and in daily CIT meetings as scheduled during camp.

CIT Application Process

CIT applicants must complete the registration process through CampDocs.com. (link to be available April 2025) In addition to this completed application, CITs are asked to submit two references. This reference form is also on the CampDocs website. Give the form to an adult who knows you well and your ability to be a CIT. Your two references may include, for example, a teacher, coach, minister, employer, or Scout leader. Relatives or family members cannot be used as references. References should be sent by the person completing the reference, so the information is confidential. The form can be faxed to Bev Kosmach at 412-692-6116 or scan/email to Beverly.Kosmach@chp.edu.

CIT applicants will also participate in a brief virtual interview by mid-July. You will be contacted to schedule this interview.

CITs are usually under the age of 18 years, and although they are encouraged to complete the application process on their own, parents must virtually sign all the consent forms. If the CIT applicant is 18 years of age, they can sign the consent forms.

Specialty Staff Qualifications

  • High school graduate or equivalent, 18 years of age or older.
  • Must have energy, enthusiasm and the ability and desire to work with children.
  • Ability to accept supervision and guidance and function both independently and as part of a team.
  • Previous camping experience or other supervisory experiences with children is helpful.
  • Must pass the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Clearance.
  • Required to be physically mobile on 200-acres of campground that includes rough terrain, hills and uneven pavement.
  • May attend for the full camp session or part-time.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Help supervise camp activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor sports and water sports with the counselors and assistant counselors as needed.
  • May be assigned a specialty role based on need.
  • Specialty Staff will rotate assignments to help cover other staff during their breaks and provide additional help during all-camp activities; others may have a specific role during camp.
  • Actively participates in the Camp Chihopi Orientation on Wednesday August 7, 2025 and in other meetings as scheduled during camp. 

Camp Nurse Qualifications

  • Must be a licensed Registered Nurse with a current active nursing license in PA or WV
  • Pediatric experience is preferred; previous camp nursing experience is helpful.
  • Must be capable of providing routine and emergency care for transplant recipients in a camp setting.
  • Must pass the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Clearance.
  • Required to be physically mobile on 200-acres of camp ground that includes rough terrain, hills and uneven pavement.
  • May attend for the full camp session or part-time.

Responsibilities

  • Review your assigned campers’ medications and treatments with a caregiver during Registration on August 7, 2025. Be sure that the camper has an adequate med supply and needed equipment/supplies.
  • Administer medications and treatments for each camper as prescribed from 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
  • Complete medication administration records for each medication and treatment.
  • Provide basic First Aid as needed.
  • Provide any additional medical needs required by transplant recipients such as IV hydration, enteral feedings, TPN administration, ostomy care, biliary drain care, and glucose monitoring and insulin administration.
  • Provide emergency care as needed.
  • Work individually and as a team to provide for the campers’ health care needs.
  • Work as a team with the other camp nurses, camp physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to provide a safe and healthy environment for the campers and staff.
  • Provide care as scheduled during 2-hour rotations for “on duty” periods during the day and if on call during the night.
  • Complete an incident report for any acute issue requiring emergency care.
  • Return equipment and any unused medications and supplies to the child and/or caregiver on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
  • Maintain good communication with the Camp Director in regard to any problems or concerns about the campers’ care and Health Center issues.