The camp caretaker: a hidden treasure.

Almost without exception, directors of successful resident camps say the one person indispensable to their operation is the caretaker.

Caretakers have a combination of skills that are unique within the camp community. They are responsible for the management of the natural resources of tens or even thousands of acres, for the construction and maintenance of hundreds of artificial structures and facilities on the property, for the safety of hundreds of campers and staff, for the limnological integrity of lakes and streams, for the preservation of the beauty of the site, and for the environmental factors that impact camps.

And that's only for starters. What about caretakers' role in public relations as the camp's representative in the local community, their value in the security of the camp, their relationship with campers, their contact with local vendors and government agencies, and their ability to attract critical help in an emergency? They perform these functions regularly while surrounded by active campers and demanding staff.

A check of the recent American Camping Association directory reveals an overwhelming majority of camp directors with winter addresses that differ from the location of the camp site. This underscores the need to have a knowledgeable, committed, and loyal on-site year-round camp resident, which usually translates to a caretaker.

ACA conferences traditionally are top heavy with panels of camp directors talking to other camp directors, on every imaginable topic related to camp. Seldom are caretakers involved as experts in areas in which they indeed have expertise.

At last year's ACA Tri-State Conference in New Jersey, the A.M. Skier Agency released some of the knowledge that resides in the heads of these remarkable camp staff members. As part of its On The Road With Great American Camps audio tape series, the company assembled five caretakers and featured them in an animated round-table discussion about common caretaking practices. The caretakers were articulate, forthcoming and revealing, and gave sensitive and thought provoking responses to probing questions about what makes a good caretaker. These caretakers had a cumulative camp experience of close to 100 years, and came from independent and agency camps, both large and small.

All of these panelists had homes either on or directly adjacent to the camp, either individually owned or provided by the camp. Two of the five were essentially "born into the business," with fathers and other family members doing similar work at the same camp or at nearby camps. The others were local residents with experience in the trades, who started as seasonal employees during their high school years.

More and more caretakers are college educated (two of the five, in this instance) and are drawn to this work because of quality of life decisions. Rural areas appear best to raise their children, to embody philosophical and environmental commitments, and to negate the proliferation of urban problems.

The primary emphasis of the discussion was the common maintenance problems confronted by camps. A synopsis of their comments:

Snow loads

The caretakers agreed that snow loads present a problem with no easy solutions. It's primarily important to keep roofs clear. Some use small snow blowers on flat roofs; others use temporary help to shovel the snow. Admittedly, this backbreaking work makes it difficult to retain temporary help after a day or two. Panelists warned about temporary workers who are careless when shoveling roofs; they can cause permanent damage to the shingles.

Knowledge of structures is key. Any building with a roof pitch of less than 22.5 degrees needs monitoring. In heated buildings, gutters must be clean so there is no ice buildup. Additionally, there should be no heat loss to the roof, also a source of ice formation. Some caretakers use 4"x4"s or other props to support rafters in vulnerable areas.

Panelists also stressed the importance of keeping roads to the buildings accessible, either by constant plowing or creating temporary roads.

Wooden floors

Wooden floors are often found in large buildings, particularly in dining rooms and gyms. Hardwood floors are preferred to pine and other soft woods, and the drier the cleaning treatment the better. Polyurethane appears to be the coating of choice and an oil base highly desirable over a water base. One panelist spoke of having pretty good success with a self-buffing powder frequently used in bowling alleys, which buffs itself into the floor as the campers walk on it. Owners and caretakers frequently overlook the need to keep incoming dirt and grime out of these areas by providing porches with carpeting or matting outside the entrance on which campers can wipe their shoes.

Storage of lake equipment

The caretakers also discussed the storage of rafts and cribs, particularly those supported on foam. Can they be left in the water over the winter? Some felt that little harm occurs if left in; the foam is raised up on the ice as the lake freezes and then falls back into place when the ice thaws in the spring. Some felt that, in large lakes particularly, the ice breakup causes damage. Others were less concerned about ice damage than they were about storms and floods in which rafts can be torn loose to float downstream. It was generally conceded that in a sheltered pond, protected from strong winds, it probably is safe to leave rafts in water. The cost in time and labor to remove the docks must be weighed. A good knowledge of the wildlife in your area is essential because muskrats love to make their homes in the foam.

Removal of grass cuttings and leaves

The panelists agreed that if grass is cut short, it can be left where it falls, mowed over, and mulched into the ground. When grass is between 6" and 9" high, it creates problems when cutting, resulting in overworked machinery. If cut often, grass can lie where cut, generally resulting in a healthy and attractive field. Additionally, grass that is cut short does not go to seed, reducing the amount of pollen in the air.

The removal of leaves around active camp areas is a labor intensive, but necessary, chore. One caretaker admitted to relying on March winds. When the leaves are collected, they eventually turn to mulch, which can be used to fill in around tree roots. Damp, impacted leaves in a dark area become a natural breeding ground for ticks associated with Lyme disease, and therefore, for health reasons as well as for aesthetics, should be removed from areas where campers are likely to come in contact with them.

Local suppliers

All panelists agreed that local suppliers and service people should be used whenever possible. Caretakers are urged to be cost effective, but also aware of the convenience and community relations benefits of staying close to home. Local suppliers are aware of options and generally are cost competitive. Local hardware and lumber merchants generally have cooperatives or other volume buying capabilities, and usually can come very close to meeting wholesale prices. They are available quickly and can respond to emergencies.

One panelist noted that when buying lumber in bulk from "the city" he usually ordered 10 percent to 15 percent more than needed because normally there was some bad lumber in the lot. When purchased locally, damaged or inferior supplies can easily be returned or exchanged. Perhaps even more importantly, these are your neighbors who will respond willingly to your needs because they recognize that you are important contributors to the economic life of the community.

Vandalism and trespassing

The panelists agreed that neighbors should be permitted, selectively, to use camp property for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor uses during the off season. Because bottles, fishing hooks, cans, and other debris are potential hazards for campers, measures should be taken to minimize risks.

Good neighbors can help. Selective approvals to volunteer firemen, immediate neighbors, and other community residents who have strong relationships with the owner or caretaker can help patrol the farther reaches of the property and keep others off. This involvement also provides an opportunity to get to know camp neighbors and to foster good will. Grant written permission so users are reminded that they must assume their own liability.

Swimming pools

Caretakers should educate themselves about the care of pools through courses offered by the pool manufacturer, ACA, or other professional groups. The Certified Pool Operators course usually provides caretakers with a starting point and directs them to avenues to investigate other problems.

Involve the caretaker in the planning, location, and construction of a new pool. Use a builder with a proven track record in pool construction that knows the codes, the pitfalls, and the state-of-the-art materials. Since local boards of health have the responsibility for interpreting and approving statewide codes relevant to the planning and construction of pools, allow plenty of time to complete the project. Delays, modifications, and changed orders will undoubtedly be part of the construction process.

For established pools, inspect seams, valves, and piping regularly, especially during the off season.

Assigning work

It is a common practice for camps to employ temporary help during the season; usually this help comes from students with relatively little work experience. It is essential to assign chores to people based on their strengths and interests. Some workers, for example, are not suited for "grunt" work and consequently, will not do it well or in a timely fashion. Try to plan work that maximizes the skills of each employee. Undoubtedly, people who are happy in their work will prove to be better workers.

Limitations

In an effort to be productive and valuable at camp, it is not uncommon for caretakers to take on more projects than they can handle by themselves. This is dangerous, particularly during the season when repairs have to be done quickly and correctly. Don't be afraid to turn to an outside contractor.

Replace or repair?

Panelists generally conceded that during the season you repair and at other times you start over. "Do it once, and do it right" was a repeated credo. Don't apply band-aids!

Some caretakers felt comfortable borrowing and lending tools, while others preferred to lease or rent. Leasing arrangements should have a clause that recognizes that rented equipment can sit unused for lengthy periods due to weather or other factors. No matter how solid your rapport and friendship with your suppliers, get bids from others!

In working with tools, machinery, equipment or material, if you are not comfortable with it get rid of it! Otherwise, it will just sit unused.

Continuity of employment

What does it take to retain a good caretaker? Is it salary, housing, benefits? All of these were important to the caretakers, but the word that kept surfacing was "pride."

The caretakers took great pride in seeing the results of their efforts in beautiful grounds and attractive buildings, enjoyed and appreciated by the camp family. They were sensitive to being recognized as important colleagues by the owners and included as key participants in planning and other related aspects of camp management. Their standing in the local community as representatives of reputable and successful camps was something they enjoyed.

A good work environment in the form of appropriate housing, workshops, tools, equipment, and additional help is essential. The attention and care given their families is also important. The striking inference here is that quality camps with enlightened personnel practices will attract and retain quality caretakers.

While many camp directors cannot imagine running camp without a caretaker, most do not tap into this reservoir of talent and information often enough. A caretaker is one of camp's hidden treasures, providing the foundation of a successful camp operation.

RELATED ARTICLE: The GRAFFITI of Amateur Painters

By Russell Hogrefe, executive director of the American Camping Association Illinois Section.

The comment "everybody can paint" is simply not true. Many people cannot paint without damaging the appearance and future life of whatever they are painting.

If camps want to avoid problems, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the amateur status of painters. Camps train and supervise staff and volunteers in all phases of camp programs. The same should apply to painting.

Assign an experienced painter the task of instructing and supervising a painting operation. This person should train would-be painters, supervise, and inspect the work while it is in progress. Corrections of painting problems are best made while the paint is still wet.

To ensure a good paint job, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the surface, removing old loose paint and sanding if necessary.

2. Place drop cloths where paints drips may fall and move them as the job progresses.

3. Stir the paint. It should have been mixed by shaking at the paint store. On the job, it should always be stirred thoroughly and frequently to maintain a mix of thinners and a consistency of color.

4. Practice dipping and wiping brushes and rollers of excess paint.

5. Brush and roll enough times with each brush or roller filling to secure a thin even coat to ensure the paint adheres to the surface.

6. Select the starting points, usually top down and corners out. When painting floors, always back toward the door to avoid being painted into a corner.

7. Door and windows hardware ordinarily should not be painted. Door throw bolts and strikes are a particular concern.

8. Windows and doors should be left open a little bit to allow the paint in closed window and door spaces to dry.

9. Put up wet paint signs and obstacles to remind the absentminded to avoid freshly painted areas. A scrap piece of freshly painted wood can be made available for those with the irresistible urge to touch to see if it is dry.

10. Stand back and admire your work and encourage others to do likewise.

Camps are frequently the recipients of contributed paint. If the paint is old beyond its shelf life or the source of many complaints from painters who have purchased it, it may make good business sense for the paint store to give it away for a tax break. It may not make good sense for the camp to use such a product. Some questioning and testing may be in order to determine the paint's usefulness for the camp.

Different paints work better in different locations and surfaces. Oil based paints tend to be used outdoors and water based paints inside. Ask paint store staff or a professional painter for help.

A painted surface is only as good as the product covering it and the competence of the person(s) who applied it. The appearance and useful life of the painted surfaces, on your property, calls for avoiding the graffiti of amateur painters.

Dr. Ezersky was the owner/director of Indian Head Camp in Pennsylvania for 33 years and the director of New York City programs for Cornell University Cooperative Extension for 10 years. He currently serves as a consultant to the A.M. Skier Agency.