Hilltop Sports Camps

Safety

Hilltop Sports Camp is under the supervision of SMU Department of Campus Recreation’s professional staff.  Staff members will be available throughout the day to campers as well as counselors, to render aid and ensure fluidity.  Trained camp counselors will be a constant presence to conduct the daily operations of camp during and between all activities.

All counselors are American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified and have completed rigorous trainings focused on dealing with issues involving child supervision and safety as well as emergency preparation.  Each staff member must submit a background check before they are offered employment. 

Pick-up and Drop-off Procedures 

Campers, accompanied by a parent/guardian or responsible party, will check in each morning at 9 a.m.  Campers will be picked up at 3 p.m. each day by the responsible party. Responsible parties must be registered with camp staff prior to pick up date. PHOTO ID REQUIRED.

What to Bring

(Please send items in a backpack) 

Please include:

• Athletic Shoes are REQUIRED
• Swimsuit (to be worn to camp each morning)
• Towel
• Refillable Water Bottle
• Extra clothing
• Lunch
• AM Snack

Please do NOT include:

• iPods/Portable Gaming Systems
•  Personal toys
• Money

Cell Phones will be allowed but must remain with campers' items and will not be permitted during camp activities. SMU, the Department of Campus Recreation, and Hilltop Sports Camp is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

What to Wear 

Hilltop campers will swim first thing every morning, so wear your swimsuit to start the day! Comfortable athletic wear appropriate for physical activity should be worn over swim clothes. Athletics shoes are absolutely required.

Before and After Care 

Hilltop Sports Camp's regular day runs from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Hilltop strives to accommodate more schedules by offering Before Care and After Care options, Monday through Friday, at an additional fee. This gives parents the opportunity to have some flexibility in dropping off and picking up their child from the Dedman Center facility.

• Before Care: Drop-Off Times: 8 - 9 a.m. ($25/session/camper)

• After Care: Pick-Up Times: 3 - 5 p.m. ($50/session/camper)

Payment must be made in advance for campers participating in Before Care or After Care. Campers dropped off before 8:50 a.m. more than one day per week may be charged the weekly fee for Before Care. Campers remaining after the 3 p.m. pick-up time more than one day per week may be charged the After Care fee until 5:00 p.m.

Campers remaining after the 5 p.m. pick-up time will be charged a $10 flat fee for the first five minutes and a $1 per minute after the first five minutes. Additional care charged must be paid by check or credit card the following morning before the camper is permitted to return to camp.

The goal of Hilltop Sports Camp is to have fun and be active.  We strive to introduce unique methods for creating and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.  Each session, campers will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities including but not limited to areas such as aquatics, intramural recreation, health, and fitness.  Activities will utilize many of the facilities listed below.

• Aerobic/Dance Rooms
• Basketball/Volleyball Courts
• Indoor Track
• Outdoor Water Recreation Area
• Indoor Recreation Pool
• Sand Volleyball Courts
• Indoor Soccer Courts

Hilltop Sports Camp Counselor Application

Welcome to the application process to become a Hilltop Sport Camp Counselor. We invite you to review the responsibilities below, and then submit the requested items to complete your application.

Work Schedule

Training: May 28 - May 30, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Camp Dates: June 2-27, 2025 , Monday through Friday, hours vary between 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pay rate: $12/hour

Job Responsibilities 

1. Model good-sportsmanship in sport-related activities through enthusiastic, non-competitive participation and support.
2. Help out other instructors and counselors to maintain guidance during each activity.
3. Model all skills in all activities through participation or working with small groups in the case a Specialty Counselor is present.
4. Lead group from one activity to another in an orderly matter inside and outside the facility.
5. Keep accurate attendance records, incident and accident reports. Report them immediately to the Hilltop Camp Director.
6. Supervise lunch as well as snacks and activities to ensure cleanliness of the area.
7. Interact and discuss camper's participation, performance, and behavior with parents in a professional manner.
8. Attend mandatory staff training on May 29 – May 31, 2024. Be available for all camp sessions from June 3 - 28, 2024
9. Attend weekly staff meetings during camp sessions.
10. Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the camp activity and storage area.
11. Keep the campers you are responsible for under constant supervision. Perform head counts.
12. Ensure safety during recreational activities and respond as trained in the case of an emergency.
13. Be aware of general expectations for participation in all SMU Campus Recreation program areas including Fitness, Outdoor Adventure, Intramurals, and Aquatics.
14. Other duties as assigned

How to Apply

1. Submit a Cover Letter that includes the following items:
   1. Why you would like to be a Hilltop Camp Counselor
   2. What qualities you possess that will make you a successful counselor
   3. Leadership experience and what you have gained from a specific leadership experience
   4. What experience you have in working with children
2. Resume to include experience in the following categories:
   1. Employment
   2. Leadership
   3. Certifications
   4. Education
3. List of 3 references and their contact information
4. Email your documents to hilltopsportscamp@smu.edu