Seasonal - Summer Camp Counselor

University of Maine; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

• Business Unit: University of Maine
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Regular or Temporary: Temporary
• Department: UM Cooperative Extension

Job Description

As a Camp Counselor, you will work with a co-counselor, leading a group of up to 12 campers through their daily activities. You will teach most camper lessons during the week. In addition to teaching, you are responsible for attending to the needs of the campers, ensuring that all campers are healthy, happy, and well taken care of. You will participate in a comprehensive week-long training to hone your practical skills. Depending on your interests and the camp's needs, you may be asked to attend an additional week for training in a specific area (i.e., lifeguard, trip leader, etc.). Your responsibilities will include supervising campers and implementing engaging activities while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and respectful living environment and modeling positive behavior and environmental stewardship. Camp Counselors work a full summer schedule from early to mid June through early to mid August. Counselors reside on-site in cabins with campers throughout the season. Counselors generally work Sunday through Friday with occasional Saturday work. Counselors receive daily time off Monday through Thursday and weekends off from Friday late afternoon through Sunday morning. Compensation ranges from $2,700 to $5,500 for the season (6 to 10 weeks), commensurate with experience.

Your position will be based at Greenland Point 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Princeton, Maine. As a Camp Counselor, you will maintain a high level of health and safety for the group while mentoring and coaching youth through a variety of outdoor activities, including canoeing, outdoor cooking, nature exploration, conservation education, fishing, and wilderness survival skills. To thrive in this position, you must genuinely invest in your growth as a positive role model, teaching essential hard skills that empower campers to succeed both in the wilderness and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all camper lessons and activities for your group, implementing a curriculum that covers various skills such as listening, communication, team-building, boating skills and safety, outdoor cooking, conservation education, wilderness survival, map and compass navigation, and general ecology.
• Live in a cabin with up to 9 campers, creating a supportive, fun, and positive living environment.
• Attend and actively participate in a one-week-long paid staff training, where you will learn, practice, and review your practical skills to feel comfortable leading and teaching campers.
• Co-lead a variety of one to two-week-long programs for various age groups.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times, facilitating the resolution of group conflicts while encouraging problem-solving and decision-making.
• Contribute to community living by participating in chores (helping hands), meal service, and any necessary maintenance duties.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings as scheduled.
• Actively engage with campers throughout the day—including during lessons, recreation, evening programs, and meals—to build meaningful connections and provide guidance.
• Model healthy living, positive energy, open communication, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Follow all health protocols, maintaining a safe and healthy environment for campers and staff alike.
• Regularly evaluate the program with the Director to enhance the overall camp experience.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High School diploma, G.E.D or equivalent.

Preferred:

• Genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting.
• Responsible and safe decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead groups in various outdoor environments, comfortably carrying a small backpack filled with teaching supplies and a first aid kit.
• Ability to lead groups outdoors over various terrain with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others.

To be considered for this position you will need to apply and upload the following documentation:

1. A cover letter describing your experience, interests, and suitability for the position.
2. A resume/curriculum vitae.

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. The final date to apply for the summer of 2025 is 4:30 p.m. on June 1, 2025.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.