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The review before me is completely baseless, biased, and untrue. In fact, that individual had to be fired due to extremely poor performance. His consistent bad attitude and unwillingness to participate in the activities and fulfill his duties was truly deplorable. (He once told the mother of one of our campers that we didn't pay enough to have to "deal with" her son, who was a most pleasant young man as I recall.) And though he was hired as a "professional photographer," his photographs were consistently awful, in case you were wondering, Preston.
There is nothing wrong with our camp vehicles. Though they are old, they are functional and safe. We advertise to be a rustic camp environment, and we do live up to it! However, our cabins are air-conditioned, and we offer many amenities and creature comforts that some camps in the area (that are even more expensive than we are) do not.
Camp Coyote has never been sued for wrongful termination, or for firing counselors for dating. It is only when a relationship interferes with the protection and safety of our campers do we address it, and if the situation does not improve, terminations may then ensue. We continually keep the needs and wants of our campers and customers first. If our staff continually refuses to operate within the bounds of our requirements and expectations, of course they will be let go. What business wouldn't?
Regarding our Challenge Course: Once a rope has been used for so many years, or if a caribiner has been dropped or is old, some equipment and items can be retired and will then need replacing. But never has our entire ropes course had need of being "retired," as the previous review mentions. Our liability insurance policy requires, among other things, that we have an annual inspection from a professional third-party inspection company. We are informed every spring of what elements need maintenance, and what equipment needs retiring and replacing. This young man did not know what he was talking about. Clearly, as he stated himself, he was hired as a photographer, not a ropes course professional.
The previous reviewer was a tiny cog in the well-oiled machine that is Camp Coyote. He chose to only see his little sad picture of his supposed unfair treatment and was never entrusted with any duties that would require or permit him to see the "big picture" of what it is we try to accomplish, and what it is to be a part of the lives of young people. It's too bad that libel such as this is allowed to persist. It's only too bad that there isn't a website where companies are permitted to smear the names of our former employees who so readily blame us for a bad experience stemming from their poor work ethic and attitude.
Competitive salary, time off, bonuses, reimbursements (though rarely applicable), and other perks are readily available.
There are holes in the walls, the pool is constantly green, there are no fishing poles at the fishing hole, the staff is underpaid and overworked(I know, I used to work here), some of the staff members encourage other staff members to hit the kids, and the camp "buses" are vans from the 1970's that are commonly missing windows... and seat belts... and sometimes seats... and sometimes brakes.
I worked here, and was promised $200 cash in hand a week by the Camp Director at the time (not sure if he still works there, but I hope he doesn't) for photography services. I was never handed a paycheck until I left the organization 6 weeks into working there. Little did the Camp Director mention that I would also be a camp counselor to kids, that I would have to walk 6 miles daily through a working ranch the camp is located on in 120 degree weather, and that I would also be a lifeguard during aquatic activities.
Several employees were fired from this employer for "dating each other" when it neither of them were actually dating... And I think this place got sued after that happened.
This place is really overpriced for what you get, and the fact that it's American Camp Association Accredited scares me. Sure it has a Ropes Course, but I clearly remember the ropes course instructors recommending that it be "retired" when I worked here. I can't figure out why soo many kids love this place. Maybe it's because they haven't experienced anything better... I don't really know.
The address listed on this Yelp Page is not for there actual address, but is rather for the nearest related one listed on their website. They do a good job of keeping the creepers away, that's for sure.
This Camp is located on a working Ranch near Huntsville Texas, and after looking at their stables, I am pretty sure it is a good cattle ranch. Too bad it's a terrible summer camp.
Starting Salary = 200/week (I did not ever get paid in full though)
No vacation time
No bonuses
No reimbursements