Putnam Camp is a small, not-for-profit, rustic family camp in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks. Its capacity is 40 guests. Since 1877, families and individuals have vacationed at the Camp, their chief activity being hiking, though guests also enjoy a variety of other outdoor activities. The Camp provides rooms or small cabins and three meals a day for guests. Our staff totals ten, including the managers.  All staff members have one full day off per week. All positions offer salary, room, board, the use of laundry equipment, and a unique summer experience. The Camp has a friendly, close-knit atmosphere, and staff members are encouraged to participate in its social life. The work schedule allows ample free time during the day for hiking, exploring, and enjoying the area. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Putnam Camp property. 

All staff should be able to maintain a positive and flexible attitude and should be willing to live simply, but comfortably, surrounded by woods and mountains. The primary responsibility of all staff is to ensure that our guests have a relaxing, carefree, and enjoyable camp experience. Staff frequently consists of a mix of students that have grown up coming to Camp and have seen this as the ultimate summer job – a chance to romp around the mountains, eat great food, hang out with their peers, and get in great shape while getting paid. We have also had a number of college athletes because of the great training opportunities. From Nordic skiers to rowers, you can’t beat the opportunity to combine work, play and training. Applicants should complete the application materials below. Please send a completed application, resumé, and the names and telephone numbers of two work-related references. We will give first consideration to applicants who are available the entire season.

CHOREPERSON ("CHOREP")

Tasks are rotated among four people and include serving dinner, preparing cabins for guests (cleaning cabins and bathrooms, making beds), assisting in breakfast, cleaning up after meals, and cleaning public areas (the Stoop, porches and bathrooms). The Chorepeople (in rotation) will be asked to spend an hour each day helping in the kitchen -- chopping, stirring, washing vegetables, and assisting the Cooks. Choreps will also assist in the Laundry Room on a rotating basis. During slow times, everyone helps with such tasks as doing errands, weeding the gardens, and light maintenance, and the entire staff works as a team to get the work done during the busiest times. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.  

MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT

The Maintenance Assistant works on various projects throughout the summer in the upkeep of the historic property of Putnam Camp. The Maintenance Assistant’s duties include routine tasks -- carpentry, gardening, lawn mowing, cutting/chopping firewood, and painting or staining. Applicants must have a driver’s license, as the maintenance helper frequently drives the Camp pick-up truck. It is desirable for applicants to have some skills with hand tools and previous experience working with others to complete a common goal. The job has a fairly predictable schedule -- 8:30 to 4:30 -- with occasional evening responsibilities. The Maintenance Assistant works closely with one of the Managers to plan and complete projects at camp. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

BREAKFAST COOK

Responsibilities include preparing baked goods, oatmeal, granola, fresh fruit, and eggs to order for daily breakfast. The breakfast cook also provides fresh baked cookies and supplies for trail lunches. The breakfast cook prepares side dishes and dessert, and supervises the weekly cookout dinner. The breakfast cook collaborates with the dinner cook in organizing the walk-in refigerator and tracking supplies. They assist with putting away laundry deliveries and organizing the linen closet. Salary $350 a week plus room and board. Six days a week.

DINNER COOK

Responsibilities include collaboration with the manager and preparation of three course dinners six nights a week for 20-50 guests and staff. The cook will be expected to use fresh ingredients and t o prepare both meat and vegetarian meals. The cook will also assist with tracking supplies and keeping the walk-in refrigerator organized. Experience is not required, though it helps. Training provided for a person with some knowledge and the right instincts! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Pay $600-700 per week, depending on experience, plus gratuities. Room and board provided. Summer season: late June to September 1.

PUTNAM CAMP
Application for Employment 2024

Name: 

Permanent address:

Telephone:

Email address:

Present address:

Telephone:

Email address:


Position for which you are applying:

1.  Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

2.  Will you be available the entire season? ________ 

      If not, specify the dates you are available. _____________________

3.  Please list any jobs you have held -- full or part-time, paid or volunteer.  Use another sheet if necessary.

      Name & address of employer

      Position held

      Responsibilities

      Dates

      Name & address of employer

      Position held

      Responsibilities

      Dates

4.  Why are you interested in working at Putnam Camp for the summer?

5.  Describe an experience in which you worked independently with a minimum of supervision.

6.  Describe an experience in which you worked exceptionally well as a member of a team.

7.  What jobs do you enjoy most and why?

8.  What jobs have been the most challenging for you and why?

9.  What skills, interests and experiences do you feel qualify you for this position?  

10.  Have you had experience working with the public?  If so, describe the nature of your experience and what you most enjoyed about this experience.

11.  What else about you would it be helpful for us to know?

• Please attach your resumé and email it to Tom Dodd and Kim Weems at manager@putnamcamp.org,
or mail it to them at 86 Catherine St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983.