St. John's Episcopal Church

St. John's Episcopal Church - Carlisle, Pa.

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St. John's Summer Program for Youth (SPY)

History
In 1985, St. John's Episcopal Church began an eight week summer day camp for economically and socially disadvantaged children in the Carlisle area, who are graduates of grades 1,2, and 3. The program was modeled after the successful Dickinson College PEER (Program for Education, Enrichment & Recreation) for upper elementary students. Today St. John's Summer Program for Youth is a well established program that receives funding from the United Way of the Greater Carlisle Area, St. John's Episcopal Church and numerous private donors and community organizations.

Mission Statement
The Summer Program for Youth enriches the lives of children who are in need, both socially and economically. The program provides educational and recreational activities that develop reading and other skills, enhance community awareness, heighten self esteem and instill positive character traits.

The Program

Focus : The SPY program reaches out to children who have been identified by their school guidance counselors as pupils who need structure and educational enrichment during the summer. A staff of counselors, supported by church and community volunteers, create a warm, supportive environment for the SPY campers.

Activities : SPY campers enjoy educational activities, arts and crafts, recreational games and a well balanced meal. Field trips in and around town and afternoons at the Carlisle Pool are scheduled weekly. Please click here for pictures of SPY 2007 activities.

Staff: The SPY program is staffed by a director, a children's coordinator and counselors. Staff opportunities also exist for a college or university internship / practicum and for high school students as volunteer Counselors-in-Training. The staff members are elementary school teachers, guidance counselors and college students with experience and/or training in meeting the needs of the campers.

Interested in Being a Part of SPY?

Staff Positions / Applications / Dates & Deadlines : St. John's Summer Program for Youth will employ five Camp Counselors, one Children's Coordinator and one Director . Counselors must have completed one year of college and have experience working with elementary school children; the Children's Coordinator and Camp Director must have college degrees and have experience with elementary school children.

Dates for the 2008 Summer Program for Youth:

Staff training week: June 9 - 13, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Summer Camp: June 16 - August 8, 2008 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For additional information and applications please click on the appropriate job description and application below. You may also send questions to spy@stjohnscarlisle.org or contact St. John's Episcopal Church (717 243-4220).

Director: Job Description / Application - Deadline to apply has been extended to March 15, 2008

Counselor: Job Description / Application - Deadline to apply is March 31, 2008

Children's Coordinator: Job Description / Application - Deadline to apply is March 31, 2008

Counselor-in-Training (Volunteer Position): Job Description / Application - Deadline to apply is April 30, 2008

Internship / Practicum available. Please send inquiries to spy@stjohnscarlisle.org

Volunteer Opportunities : Both church members and community volunteers support and enrich the SPY summer program by preparing meals, shopping for groceries, sewing pool bags, baking snacks, reading books, and sharing their time and special talents with the campers. Openings exist for volunteers who have one or two hours to share once a day, once a week, or once a month! Please contact spy@stjohnscarlisle.org for this year's list of volunteer needs. There are also opportunities for high school students to volunteer as Counselors-in-Training -- please see the paragraph above for the job description and application.

Camper Applications : Children must have completed first grade to participate in the Summer Program for Youth, and Elementary School Guidance Counselors recommend children for SPY. If you know a child who would benefit from the eight week summer enrichment program, please contact the child's school counselor for an application. The SPY program is totally funded and there are no costs for individual campers.