Being An Assistant Leader
Becoming an Assistant Leader at Dudley is the final step a young man takes toward eventually running his own cabin. An AL is a paid member of the Camp staff whose chief duty is to assist the Cabin Leadership Team in assuring the campers in his cabin have a safe and fulfilling summer.
Not everyone gets to be an Assistant Leader. The number of positions available does not allow us to take all who apply. We will consider all applications and we will accept some boys for half-season.
Each boy must read and understand the Assistant Leader job description and be willing to commit to all that is being asked of him. In addition, we ask that you adhere to the following time schedule and recommended means of communication.
- Beginning October 1, submit a personal, old-fashioned letter to Matt, expressing your desire to become a AL. They will then receive a formal application in the mail from Camp.
- By February 1, all AL applications should be on file at Dudley
- February 23, all applicants will be advised of their status
All communication by you to Dudley will be followed by an acknowledgment by Camp that we have received your message. If you send us something, we will let you know that we have received it. If you do not hear from us, you can assume that we have not gotten it and you should either resubmit the item or call us in a timely fashion.
Please read the accompanying outline of duties and make sure that you and your parents understand what your responsibilities will be, should you decide to pursue this challenging and most fulfilling task.
Qualifications
To be eligible for the Assistant Leader position, a young man must have successfully completed his JL year at Camp Dudley, had a favorable review from the Leadership Development Team, be 17 years of age and a rising high school senior or, in the event that the boy is new to Dudley, he must have a personal interview with the Camp Director.
General Responsibilities
The AL assists his Leader and Camp in general in all aspects of daily Camp life. He will set an appropriate example in the cabin, at meals and at group activities. AL’s are expected to assist with and be present for pre-season orientation. The AL must understand and uphold all of the rules and values of Camp Dudley.
Specific Duties
The AL will be assigned to a team and will serve that team as an assistant or head coach both during team competition and during all of the majors programs or he will be assigned to officiate at a sporting event. He will be responsible for writing at least three camper reports per half, under direct supervision of his Leader. The AL will also serve as the assistant on at least one hike or canoe trip each half.
Supervision
The AL is directly responsible to his Cabin Leader. As a member of Dudley’s leadership hierarchy, he will also interact with and be accountable to his Head Coach, his Division Head, Senior Staff members, the Leadership Development Team, and, ultimately, to the Camp Director.
Privileges
Four nights out each week. From the conclusion of vespers until 11:30 PM, AL’s are allowed to be out of their cabins and have use of the Camp facilities for 4 evenings each week. These nights out will be determined at the start of each summer. They may use the gym, weight room, lounge and all other supervised areas. They may not be in any unsupervised area at these times. They may order pizza and other food from town and will occasionally be taken, as a group, off campus for special events.
Two Days Off Per Half
AL’s are allowed 2 supervised days off each half as a group. The day off begins after breakfast and ends at 12 midnight of the same day
AL Council
The AL’s will elect a president and a representative from each of the four divisions to serve as their council. The council will plan days off and special events with the help of the Leadership Development Team.
Final Note
The Assistant Leader position is historically assigned to a cabin whose Leader has many duties outside the cabin. The AL must, therefore, be willing to place the needs of his campers and Dudley in general, above his own. One step away from the responsibilities of a Leader, he must always embody the Dudley spirit and the sensibility of, “The Other Fellow First.”
Any and all of the above information may be modified at the Director’s discretion.
