Internships at Mindcamp

Mindcamp interns (known as “Bananas”) work in teams, and their responsibilities can include:

  • help presenters with their sessions: bring supplies, help set up and greet participants, assist during sessions as needed, help clean up after
  • make Mindcampers (especially first-timers) feel welcome and comfortable
  • general ingenuity and problem-solving when things go wrong

Prerequisites

You must be…

  • at least 18 years old (exception: Youth Program assistants can be younger)
  • able to start one day before Mindcamp begins, and stay until the afternoon of the last day
  • responsible for your own travel and accommodation before Tuesday afternoon and after Sunday afternoon (we will help but we will not do it for you)
  • a willing team member, showing a supportive attitude toward other bananas, presenters, and participants — basically everyone!
  • able to manage time effectively (e.g. show up early for meetings, get up in the morning in time to be showered and ready for action by breakfast, etc.)
  • willing to be guided by the Banana Code of Conduct (see below)
  • able to laugh, especially at yourself!

As a Banana, you must agree to our Code of Conduct. It’s here to help you make good choices in relation to your responsibilities. Please read carefully!

Banana Code of Conduct

 

  1. Show up—on time—and ready to make a positive difference.

    2. Show up to your sessions, to banana meetings… even if you have nothing to do, show up to Banana HQ and figure out how to be useful.

  2. You’re here to help…. be helpful!

    3. Be helpful—to the organizers, to other bananas, to presenters, to participants.

  3. Don’t forget this is your chance to learn some cool new stuff.

    4. In many cases you’ll be able to pick the sessions you would want to attend anyway. But even in cases where you’ve been given a session, take it as an opportunity to learn something unexpected.

  4. Communicate!

    5. Before Mindcamp, check your email regularly and respond promptly to Mindcamp emails, especially questions from the organizers or the Top Banana. During Mindcamp, get to know your presenters and their needs as early as possible. And love your walkie! Never turn it off (although you can turn it down if the sound is interfering with the session). In general, speak up if you see something going wrong.

  5. Honour your commitments.

    6. Commit to being a banana by June. Meet your presenter as early as you can. If you agree to do something, do it.

  6. Turn up early for your sessions, stay and play, and help clean up.

    7. Can’t think how to make this clearer. You may have a reason to leave the session (e.g., to get some extra supplies) but in general, when you’re banana-ing a session, you’re also a participant.

  7. Don’t do anything that will impair your ability to do your job.

    8. We know it’s great to see your friends and it’s tempting to stay up late to hang out with them. But make sure you get enough sleep to be perky in the morning. No excessive drinking, please, and definitely no drugs.

  8. Be part of the team.

    9. Hang around in bunches. Have the back of your other bananas. If you can’t solve a problem, ask for help… it goes both ways! It’s your job to be very involved.

  9. Be a good influence on the other bananas, especially if they are younger or newer than you.

    10. You might be surprised how strong an influence one banana can have. And even if you’re young and brand new to Mindcamp, your attitude will definitely affect the bunch. Make it a good one!

  10. Be visible!

    11. Always wear your shirt while at Mindcamp. Don’t leave the active areas (Banana HQ, the Hub, program rooms) or hang out in your room (or anyone else’s). If you need a break, check first with the Top Banana and agree on a time.