Frequently Asked Questions

Application / Registration

Q.	How many weeks must I register for?

"At Oasis, families have the advantage to enroll their children around their summer plans. Children enroll for a minimum of two consecutive weeks, a maximum of eight weeks, or any combination you choose. This is in tune with our philosophy that we believe it takes 2 weeks for children to get comfortable in a new environment. If campers sign up for more than 2 weeks; with a break in enrollment anytime after the first 2 weeks; they will be accustomed to the routine of camp and they will be in the same group with the same campers and group leaders when they return to camp. Swimming lessons will remain consistent and children will not have to be retested when they return. "

Q.	Can I cancel a camp week or weeks?

"Yes. You may change the weeks of your child's enrollment. Oasis will provide a refund (minus the deposit after May 27th, 2011) for any unused full weeks (we do not pro-rate weeks) if you are decreasing the number of weeks your child will be attending. When space permits, campers may be able to add or change the weeks for which they are registered. To make any changes to enrollment PRIOR to the beginning of camp contact the Oasis main office at 718-596-4900. Once camp begins, all transactions are handled at the camp location. Contact information for your Oasis camp location can be found on the information page for the Oasis camp location your child is registered for and individual contact information will be provided to you in a Welcome Letter prior to the beginning if camp. "

Camp Questions

Q.	Does camp provide lunch as well as snack for my child?

"Oasis campers have a picnic lunch every day. Children bring their own lunch in a soft lunch bag. At some locations, Oasis will refrigerate lunches and at others, children are required to bring their own icepacks in their lunches. For more details, please visit the individual camp location page and check the Meals section. "

Q.	How are campers divided into groups?

"Campers are placed in groups according to age. It is possible for children to be grouped with friends, if requested and if they are of a similar age. Up to 3 friends can be listed on your child's enrollment form. Please note that we cannot guarantee any request will be met. We will work towards grouping your child with their top choice; however requests must be reciprocated and priority is given to negative grouping requests. "

Q.	Will my child learn to swim?

"Oasis follows the American Red Cross Learn to Swim model and your child's progression depends on how long they attend camp. If they are only attending for 2 weeks, they will learn some very basic skills and get to practice these skills with the guidance of our swim staff. If your camper is enrolled for the entire 8 weeks of camp, it is likely that they could move up at least one level in the program. Campers are evaluated at the beginning of their first session and placed in an appropriate swim class for their skill level with a swim instructor. Campers can move up to the next swim level at their own pace. At any time, you can check with your child's Division Leader for a progress report on your child's swim experience. "

Q.	What is a typical day like?

A.	Click here for information on a typical day at Oasis.

Q.	What if my camper is late or I need to pick up my camper early?

"As long as your camper's Division is not going on a field trip that day, if you're running a little late, just bring them to the Main office so we can check them in and have someone escort them to their group. If your child takes the bus, please call the office to let them know that your child is going to be late so we do not expect them at the bus stop. Please keep in mind that coming in late can affect your child's ability to fully participate in the Oasis Camp experience. Our morning rally at 9:00 am is a big part of our camp day, and many campers look forward to it every day. If you need to pick your camper up early, simply send a note or call the camp office or your camper's Division Leader before the day your child needs to be picked up early to inform us. A staff member will walk your child over to the camp office where you can pick them up at the designated time. "

Q.	Do children go on field trips?

"Throughout the summer, your child's group and/or division will go on a variety of trips. On those days, campers will leave on their trips after morning rally and will return for the afternoon wrap-up. Campers should bring their lunch as usual on trip days. *Oasis Downtown Short Day campers are asked to stay for a Tall Day on trip days, please see the Oasis Downtown information page for more details. "

Q.	What happens on rainy days?

"Camp remains open and our programs continue. For a simple rain shower the schedule will continue as normal with a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities. If the inclement weather continues or there is thunder and lightning, the campers would come inside where our program can continue with various activities from crafts, to adventure, to sports. Of course, during lightning and thunder the swim program (if outdoors) will be suspended and swim staff will engage campers in a variety of fun activities. A rainy day is also a wonderful occasion for an all camp activity such as a talent show. "

Q.	Is there anything my child should not bring to camp?

"Yes! Campers should NOT bring any money, valuables, Pokemon (or other collectible cards) or electronic devices such as i-pods or handheld games to camp. These items are a distraction and tend to get lost or broken easily. If your child brings these to camp, they will be kept in the main office until the end of the day. Also, for safety reasons- rollerblades, scooters, bicycles, and heely-style shoes are not permitted during camp hours. We understand that these may be methods of transportation to and from camp, but they are not allowed once your child arrives at camp, until they are dismissed at the end of the day. "

Q.	What should my child wear/bring to camp each day?

"To fully participate in our program there are a number of things your child should bring. Included with your registration, your child will receive 5 Oasis T-Shirts at the start of camp. These shirts MUST be worn each day, no exceptions. Because Oasis uses public spaces, we need to know who our children are at all times. Oasis t-shirts are a quick, easy, way to immediately see who belongs with us. Children should wear shorts and comfortable sneakers. Sandals, open- toed shoes, flip flops, or Crocs are not acceptable footwear for camp. Children should also bring a towel, a swimsuit, and a plastic bag to put their wet suits in after swim. Campers can also bring comfort items such as hats and/or sunglasses. Please note Oasis is not responsible for these items. Children can bring water bottles from home that they can refill, or they can use the cups we provide. "

Human Resources

Q.	What is the staff to camper ratio, and who are the staff?

"At Oasis, our adult to child ratio is always 1:7, 1:5 for our younger campers. Typically, each group of 15-18 children has 2-3 group leaders, depending on age. An additional staff person, a specialist, runs each specific activity in which the children participate. A team of Division Leaders act as supervisors and every site has a nurse or EMT as well as a team of Red Cross certified lifeguards and swim instructors. Oasis staff is made up of various dedicated youth workers- from teachers to coaches, guidance counselors, social workers, and college-aged students pursuing a career in working with children. Our staff are thoroughly screened by our Human Resources team. They have to submit to reference checks as well as background and sex offender checks in order to be employed with us for the summer."

Q.	What are Oasis Fee-Based Day Camps?

Oasis Children's Services, LLC operates summer day camps at locations throughout the Tri-State area. Any parent or family may register and pay to send their child to one of our summer day camps as long as the child meets the age requirements of the program.

If you are interested in working at a Funded Program instead of a Fee-Based Day Camp, please visit this website:

Q.	Where are Oasis Fee-Based Day Camps located?

The Oasis Fee-Based day camp locations currently include:

NEW YORK CITY LOCATIONS
Manhattan
Oasis at Central Park at the Alexander Robertson School (3 West 95th Street and Central Park West)
Oasis Downtown at Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary School (Lower East Side)
Brooklyn
Oasis in Brooklyn at P.S. 346 (Starrett City)

GREATER METROPOLITAN LOCATIONS
Westchester
Oasis in Dobbs Ferry at Mercy College (Westchester County)
Nassau County
Oasis on the North Shore at Michael J. Tully Park (New Hyde Park)
Oasis in Point Lookout at the Bishop Molloy Recreational Center (Point Lookout)

NEW JERSEY LOCATIONS
New Jersey
Oasis in Madison at Drew University (Morris County)

Q.	What positions are offered at Oasis summer camps?

The positions available suit any level of experience or area of expertise. These positions include: Group Leader, Administrative Staff, Art Instructor, Sports Instructor, Swim Instructor and a wide range of Leadership/Management positions such as Division Leader, Operations Director, Health Director etc... For a detailed description of each available position, please see the Current Job Openings Page.

Q.	What hours and days will I be required to work?

Oasis summer camp programs are DAY programs that operate Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 5:30 PM. Each program runs for 8 consecutive weeks throughout the summer from late June/early July through mid/late August depending on the specific location of the program. Any Oasis employee filling a Leadership role will need to arrive at camp at 7:30 AM for morning meetings with the leadership team.

Q.	How many weeks will I be required to work?

Staff members will be given a contract of 6, 7, or 8 weeks, which they are responsible for completing during the summer. All staff contracts begin at the start of camp but have different end dates based on the availability of each staff member, as well as the enrollment at the camp site during the last weeks of the program. All staff members will be informed of the length of their contract with their job offer.

Q.	Is there pre-camp training/orientation that Oasis employees attend?

Yes, there are 4 days of mandatory orientation that all Oasis employees are required to attend. The first of these trainings is held at a central location for multiple Oasis sites. The other 3 days will be held at the specific site where you will be working over the summer. If you are hired to fill a Leadership or Program Instructor position you will have additional training sessions prior to the start of camp.

Q.	How much do I get paid?

Oasis employees receive a summer stipend on a bi-weekly basis throughout the summer. Each stipend is based on a pre-determined pay scale that takes into account several variables including position, length of summer contract, level of education and experience. We are very careful to apply these standards fairly.

Q.	How can I earn College Credits while working for Oasis?

Oasis offers hired staff the opportunity to earn 4 undergraduate college credits, tuition free, by taking a class called Group Leadership in Youth Programming (GLYP). The class consists of attending one 8-hour Saturday course coupled with written reflection on your daily experiences. (The college credit information will be given to you upon hiring and must be verified with your college registrar to ensure your college accepts these credits.) For more information on the GLYP course and the 4 college credits, please see the Earn College Credits with Oasis page.

Q.	Are there other ways to earn additional money during the summer?

Yes, Oasis offers additional ways for summer staff to earn money for those interested in extra jobs/responsibilities. These jobs include: bus counselors, bus driver, early morning set-up, afternoon clean-up, early arrival counselor, and late afternoon dismissal counselor. These jobs are assigned by each Site Director prior to the start of camp. For more information, please see the Staff Bonus Program page. Also, each staff member has the opportunity to earn tips from their camper's family- these are never guaranteed, but indicate a job well done!

Q.	How do I apply for a job with Oasis?

You can fill out an online application by clicking the NEW APPLICANT or RETURNING APPLICANT link on the left sidebar. Oasis only accepts applications online. Before filling out your application please obtain valid email addresses for all three of your references. If you do not provide this information you will not be able to submit the application.

Q.	How old do I have to be to work at Oasis?

A.	In order to work at any Oasis Program you need to be 17 years of age or older.

Q.	What is a typical day at Oasis like?

19. 5:30 PM

1. 8:15 AM		2. Staff Arrive dressed in Oasis T-Shirt and ready for the day!
3. 8:30 - 9:00 AM		4. Morning arrival for campers
5. 9:00 AM		6. Morning Rally
7. 9:30 - 11:00 AM		8. First Activity: Examples - Sports/Recreation, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Swim, Outdoor Adventure
9. 11:00 - 12:30 PM		10. Second Activity
11. 12:30 - 1:30 PM		12. LUNCH
13. 1:30 - 3:00 PM		14. Third Activity
15. 3:00 - 4:30 PM		16. Fourth Activity
17. 4:30 - 5:30 PM		18. Camper Departure
	20. Staff Departure

Q.	Is lunch provided for Oasis staff?

Lunch is NOT provided for staff members. Each staff member is required to bring their own lunch to camp every day. We provide coolers to store your lunch in, but you will be expected to eat with the campers every day - picnic style. There is no opportunity during the day to purchase a lunch, so it is important for staff to bring their own lunch every day.

Q.	What do I wear to camp?

Oasis provides each staff member with 5 Oasis shirts that must be worn to camp every day. Staff members are expected to participate in every activity and are asked to dress in clothes suitable for participation (socks, sneakers, shorts, bathing suit). We urge you not to bring valuable possessions to camp. It is required that staff members get in the pool when their campers are swimming, so wearing swimsuits is required every day for every staff member.

Q.	Do Oasis employees get any sick days/vacation days?

The summer is very short. Oasis summer camp programs are only 6 to 8 weeks long. Oasis and the children need staff members to be present every day to maintain staff ratios and the safety of the children. If there is a real emergency that necessitates taking a day off from work, you must discuss the situation with your Site Director and immediate supervisor ASAP to be given permission to miss work.

Q.	How big are Oasis summer camp programs?

Oasis summer camps vary in size depending on location. Some of our smaller camps enroll around 100 children, while some of our larger camps enroll up to 400 children. Regardless of the size of camp, the campers are divided into divisions and groups based on age and gender. We will do our best when placing staff to accommodate you as best as possible.

Q.	How many campers are in each group?

Each group is made up of 15 to 20 children depending on their age. Children are grouped by both age and gender. The younger groups (5-8) are co-ed, the middle groups (9-11) are separated by gender, and the older groups (12-14) are co-ed. Each group will have 2 or more group leaders working with the children throughout the duration of the summer.

Q.	Is there a time for staff to socialize?

During the Oasis day there isn't much time for staff to socialize with one another. The main focus of the day is the safety and care of children. At your camp, there will be organized staff outings that you can use as a time to build friendships with your co-workers. There is also an Oasis-sponsored event that takes place midway through the summer for staff to hang out, unwind and spend time getting to know other Oasis employees. It is a fun time for all Oasis staff members!