The staff range in age from 18-30, many of whom have never had experience working with someone with a disability. Most of them come with drastically different cultural, educational, religious, and family backgrounds. Despite these differences, they do have one thing in common, and that is the need to want to help make a difference in the life of someone other than themselves. Shady Oaks is run by a Director, Assistant Director, and a cast of support staff. Each support staff member has a specific position at camp and assists the Director in the supervision of the counselors.
Counselors work directly with the campers in each dorm.
Each counselor is responsible for one camper a day, which ensures that the campers will receive individualized attention. A training period is provided before the campers arrive to help prepare new staff for life at Shady Oaks. Because of this orientation, experience with working with someone with a disability is a plus, but not a requirement. More importantly an ideal S.O.C. staff member is someone who is caring, a good listener, and willing to learn. The ability to be oneself and a good sense of humor are also very important.