Cabin Counselor

Camp Chewonki is one of Maine's most prestigious nature-based overnight camp and expedition-based youth leadership program for boys, girls, and non-binary children based on a 400-acre peninsula in mid-coast Maine. Since 1915, Chewonki has been changing the lives of children and staff. Overnight campers are aged 8-15 and spend 10 days or 3 weeks at camp. The overnight camp program focuses on building cabin community, building social emotional skills and knowledge in a core curriculum (including natural history, farm sciences, watercraft, the arts, and more!) and learning about backcountry travel on multi-day remote cabin trips.

• Location: Wiscasset, Maine (On Campus, in-person)

• Schedule/ 2024 Dates: June 16, 2025 - August 17, 2025

• Reports to: Age Group Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Cabin counselors live in cabins with 8 campers and 1 other counselor. They help campers adjust to camp life, develop community with their cabinmates, navigate the daily schedule, and develop the skills to be successful anywhere. In addition to supporting campers daily routines, Cabin Counselors elect to specialize in either cabin trips or one of our core activity areas. Counselors specializing in trips go on their cabins designated multi-day backpacking, kayak, or canoe trip. Counselors specializing in an activity area are trained in and teach one of our 9 core activities: visual arts, farm & food systems, sports, watercraft, natural history, community building, outdoor loving skills, woodworking, or archery. Ideal candidates will have a passion for working with children, spending time in the outdoors, and a dedication to lifelong learning.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hold responsibility for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of participants; this includes:

  • Develop healthy and appropriate relationships with participants

  • Conduct daily check-ins with participants

  • Provide direct supervision of participants as assigned

• Live in cabins with campers and other cabin counselors; support campers in daily living routines and facilitate meal times. 

• Assist with the facilitation at activity areas and of cabin’s remote trips.

• Plan and execute free time activities, evening activities and special events.

• Instill joy and enthusiasm into the daily life of camp.

• Community Responsibilities

  • Work to honor and uphold the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and a lens of anti-racism in the best interest of participants, constituents, and staff across the organization.

  • A willingness to work as a team member among the Camp Program and the greater Chewonki community.

  • Work on the Chewonki campus and share meals with the community. 

  • Contribute to and collaborate with the Chewonki community through committees and foundation wide events.

  • Share the collective responsibility within risk management (physical, behavioral, institutional, etc.) by:

• Using sound judgment

• Operating within your skill set and Chewonki protocols

• Responding to and/ or alerting the appropriate person(s) when you see something that may compromise safety

• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must complete fingerprinting requirements/pass criminal background check.

• Hold a valid driver’s license approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier, preferred.

• Some Experience working with youth, preferred.

• Ability to empathize with and support children of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

• Ability to guide campers in adapting to camp life and learning new skills.

• Proven ability to build trust, foster community, and model positive behaviors.

• Attend required onboarding and training sessions.

• As applicable, experience working in specialized activity area; relevant certification, as required:

  • Preferred Certifications depending on activity area could include: American Canoe Association, American Red Cross Lifeguarding, U.S. Archery Instructor, Association for Challenge Course Technology, etc.

  • Basic First Aid/CPR Certification required (Chewonki will provide training); Wilderness First Aid strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs at a time.

• Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions.

• Able to participate in games, sports, and physical activities including water-based games and activities.

• Able to maintain attention and a high level of energy or excitement for extended periods of time.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Starting Salary: $3,100, increases based on prior leadership experience

• Incentives: travel stipend, room & board, $200 Referral bonus, academic internship credit possible.

• You can earn academic internship credit for this position! Our camp fosters an excellent work experience and fulfills most school's internship requirements. We will build out a set of individualized learning objectives and specific goals for you to achieve throughout the summer. Our Associate Directors will be happy to tailor these objectives individually to your course or major of study!