Camp Head Counselor

Seeds of Peace Camp; Scarborough (ME); On-site; USD 21,025 - 29,945; Part time

Job summary

A dynamic outdoor day camp in Scarborough, Maine, is seeking a Head Camp Counselor to oversee daily operations and support counselors and campers. The ideal candidate is expected to guide and supervise counselors while ensuring a safe and engaging environment for youth. Strong leadership, communication skills, and experience in a supervisory role working with children are essential. Applicants should be flexible and committed to the camp's mission. This is a summer position with competitive pay starting at $18.50/hr.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and youth in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Valid Class C driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned counselors and ensure a positive camp experience.
• Monitor camp activities and manage behavior and group dynamics.
• Provide feedback and coaching to staff.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities

Demonstrated reliability and flexibility

Strong attention to detail

Ability to communicate confidently

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience

Job description

Camp Ketcha

Are you passionate about the natural world and making a difference in the lives of youth? Camp Ketcha is a dynamic outdoor day camp located on 107 acres of fields, woods, marsh, and wetlands in Scarborough, Maine. Each summer, we hire over 90 staff members to support campers through hands‑on activities, outdoor exploration, and meaningful community‑building experiences.

Head Camp Counselor – Age 21+ – Starting at $18.50/hr

Head Counselors play a key leadership role in the daily operation of Camp Ketcha, supporting campers, counselors, and camp leadership to ensure a safe, well‑run, and positive camp experience. Working closely with the Camp Director, Assistant Director, and other administrative staff, Head Counselors provide direct supervision and guidance to assigned counselors, assist with programming and logistics, and help address camper and staff concerns as they arise. This role requires strong judgment, clear communication, and the ability to balance relationship‑building with accountability in a fast‑paced camp environment.

Head Counselors are responsible for monitoring camp activities and flow throughout the day, supporting counselors with behavior management and group dynamics, and stepping in when additional leadership or problem‑solving is needed. They help ensure policies and procedures are followed, maintain appropriate camper supervision and staff ratios, and respond promptly to safety or behavioral concerns. Head Counselors also play an important role in staff development by providing feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations, and by modeling professionalism, inclusion, and positive engagement with campers, staff, and families. Flexibility is essential, as Head Counselors may assist with group coverage, transportation, special events, parent communication, and other operational needs to ensure camp runs smoothly. To learn more, please visit our WEBSITE.

To Apply

Please find our Summer 2026 Staff Application HERE.

Required Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with children and youth in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Valid Class C driver’s license with a driving record approved by Ketcha Outdoors’ insurance provider.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in an organized and efficient manner.
• Demonstrated reliability, flexibility, and dependability in a fast‑paced environment.
• Commitment to Ketcha Outdoors’ mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with staff at all levels.
• Strong attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain safety for yourself, campers, and staff, with a clear focus on risk management.
• High standards of personal integrity and professional conduct.
• Comfort supervising groups and communicating confidently in front of campers, staff, and families.
• Completion of Mandated Reporter Training (provided by Ketcha Outdoors during staff training).
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification prior to the start of employment.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, recreation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in a summer camp or similar youth program, including prior experience at Ketcha Outdoors or a comparable camp.
• Basic computer literacy, including email communication and simple document use.