Okay, these are the emails in question about the job offer from CSMA. I post them only because I got so many comments from the staff there about how well-written they are. Sheesh. Enough to make a guy... well, post it proudly on his website for all to see! :-p
For starters, here's the message I got on the listserv about the opening:
Subject: Head Counselor Needed, Pronto!
Date: 6/2/2005 1:43:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: [address removed to protect the innocent from spam]
To: [address removed to protect the listserv from spam]
Organization: Community School of Music & Arts
CSMA, Community School of Music & Arts, needs a Head Counselor to work with our 8-week summer program, Arts All Around You, 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday, June 27 - August 19. The program is based in our building at 330 East State Street, Ithaca.
Each week new and different kids, ages 6 - 10 (never more than 24 children in any one week), engage in a variety of arts-related activities on a different theme. There are field trips, outings to Buttermilk and Tremain State Parks, and lots of fun. No sports, but some active play every day.
The Head Counselor will supervise 2 other part-time counselors, and everyone works together closely with a Coordinator and different faculty who present demonstrations and programs.
The Head Counselor will be someone with at least one year of college completed, prior experience working with groups of children (preferably as a counselor or activity leader), an energetic and assertive communication style, and an interest in the arts (though not necessarily experience). References required.
Salary: $2800 for the full 8 weeks!
Interested? Contact [all contact info removed to protect the innocent from spam!]
I recently got the email on the HSC listserv about CSMA's need for a head counselor over the summer, and I was hoping to get some more information on the position, if it hasn't already been filled.
I am interested in the position, and I believe I have the requisite experience: a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance and Education from IC; three years' experience working at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, one as a counselor and two as a Unit Director (essentially a head counselor); and I am currently a youth minister at First Presbyterian Church. The latter causes a bit of a problem, however, as I will be away with one of our youth groups on a work trip to Tennessee until July 2 (we return late on that day).
I realize that the best I can hope for, because of that conflict, would be consideration as a backup candidate, but I felt I should at least make my presence known. I hope I can be of some help to you. I would appreciate any consideration, and look forward to hearing from you.
-------------------
Eric Swanger
[physical contact info removed to prevent stalkers]
Thanks for your beautifully written note of interest in the head counselor position at CSMA. I have to tell you that, on the brink of settling on another candidate, your letter gave me pause. As program director, I've received surprisingly few good cover letters in recent years and yours was a treat. Perhaps I'm just a sucker for good writing, but it does reveal something of the writer's mind.
That said, you are right that your youth group trip presents a real problem since our camp begins on June 27. I would like to suspend that difficulty for a moment and ask whether you are still in Ithaca, or already in Tennessee. If you are around, I'd like to meet with you as soon as possible (and so would our executive director who saw your note).
About the position: it is primarily about being directly engaged with the children from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. In the mornings, they have classes in music, art, dance and theatre (not all 4 each day) which are related to the weekly theme. Two afternoons a week, they go swimming at Buttermilk Falls and will also go on at least one field trip to a museum, park or the Hangar Theatre. The head counselor serves as a support person to the instructors and coordinator, and a companion and role model for the kids. Of course, some "herding" and conflict resolution will come into play. The head counselor also coaches and supervises one or two younger (high school aged) counselors per week.
If you are already out of town, I'll keep your contact info. and pass it along to the "Arts All Around You" coordinator, [name removed to protect privacy]. She will be looking for people to serve as "after-care" activity leaders from 3:00-5:00 each weekday. Perhaps you'd be interested in some of that work.
In the meantime, could you send me an informal resume of your experience working with kids?
Looking forward to hearing from you again, whether or not a position in this year's summer program works out.
Best Wishes,
[physical contact info removed. If you want to find CSMA, check the phone book!]
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