Overnight Summer Camp Counselor

Overnight Camp Counselors are responsible for fostering a supportive, inclusive, and respectful living environment for campers, prioritizing their safety, enjoyment, and personal growth. This role requires counselors to model positive community living and guide campers in learning to live responsibly and sustainably. Through active engagement and leadership, Overnight Camp Counselors help campers develop a sense of connection to both the community and the natural world around them. We have three levels of Overnight Camp Counselors with different requirements and responsibilities for each level. Your camp director determines your level.

• Position Title: Overnight Summer Camp Counselor
• Department: Cooperative Extension
• Location: Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center
• Your Direct Supervisor: Tanglewood Director, Jessica Decke
• Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (13th to August 15th or 29th)
• Salary Range: $3150-$5400 for 9-11 weeks, commensurate with experience
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Work Environment / Dynamics: 

Camp Counselors are vital to creating a positive and engaging camp experience by actively interacting with campers throughout daily activities, lessons, and meals. Overnight Camp Counselors live with campers and, alongside a co-counselor, facilitate both structured and recreational activities.

Your Work Schedule:

Camp Counselors work a full summer schedule from the 13th of June to August 15th or 29th. Counselors with overnight responsibilities reside on-site with campers throughout the season, with structured time off each week.

Responsibilities:

• You’ll live in a cabin with campers, working alongside a co-counselor to create a supportive, fun, and positive environment (with a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4-8). This may include going out on overnight camping trips.
• You’ll actively engage with campers throughout the day—including during lessons, recreation, evening programs, and meals—to build meaningful connections and provide guidance.
• You’ll assist in teaching a 2-hour morning program focus and plan, lead, and teach four one-hour afternoon elective activities each week.
• You’ll participate fully in staff training and meetings, bringing ideas to help improve the camp experience for everyone.
• You’ll model healthy living, positive energy, open communication, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
• You’ll supervise campers at all times, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• You’ll help plan and carry out a variety of camp events, including evening programs, special days, and opening and closing ceremonies.
• You’ll contribute to community living by taking part in chores, meal service, and any necessary maintenance duties.
• You’ll follow all health protocols, maintaining a safe and healthy environment for campers and staff alike.

Special Benefits

Benefits:

• Rustic and Shared Housing
• Meals
• Internet Access
• Option for training in lifeguarding and/or wilderness first aid

Requirements

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Level One Required: 

• You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• You don’t need to have any previous experience to apply for this job.

Level Two Required: 

• You have a minimum of two years of previous camp or related experience working with youth.

AND/OR

• You hold an additional certification that is value-added to keep our campers safe like:
  • Lifeguard certification
  • Wilderness First Aid certification

Preferred: 

• You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers during outdoor programming.
• You hold a First Aid and Basic Life Support certification or are eager to obtain one before the start date to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
• You have the ability to lead groups in various outdoor environments, comfortably carrying a small backpack filled with teaching supplies and a first aid kit to support your activities.

Why work here

Join the team at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove, where the beauty of coastal Maine meets supportive camp communities. We seek talented and curious individuals to join our team. Whether you’re an educator leading a group of students on a forest exploration or a camp counselor facilitating friend-making with a new team-building activity, you’ll play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences. Here, you grow personally and professionally while contributing to and being part of something meaningful and life-changing. Share your skills, passions, and ideas with us, and let’s make the incredible happen!