Camp Counselor

Camp Counselor (Seasonal Summer 2026) 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Agassiz Village Camp Counselor is responsible for ensuring overall camper well-being, keeping a cabin group of 12 campers (ages vary from 8-17) on schedule with activities, and leading camp activities.  A counselor’s work includes assisting with camper management during activities, in cabins, on sports fields, at the waterfront and in the dining hall. Counselors may lead daily activities, like crafts, outdoor games, musical performances, and may perform other responsibilities.  Counselors supervise and manage campers at all times, except during scheduled breaks.  Counselors participate in whole camp activities and special events such as talent shows, and camp competitions. Counselors also accompany youth on overnight trips to one of our islands. The Camp Counselor is responsible for helping to implement Agassiz Village Social & Emotional Learning curriculum by setting a positive example for kids. Counselors set the tone of the cabin, create the cabin rules with youth, correct inappropriate behavior, and ensure personal grooming, cabin clean up, bedtime routines are happening. Counselors are the ambassadors of fun, while following all safety rules and regulations.    

Responsibilities and Key Functions: 

Act as a role model in all aspects of camp and be fully and actively engaged with campers at all times while on duty (including meals, program areas, special events, etc.). 

Wake campers on time each morning. Greet them positively and by name each day. Communicate proper attire for the day and activities. Follow shower schedule and put kids to bed on time. 

Model positive and appropriate behavior including: 

a friendly, upbeat, and encouraging attitude 

a welcoming and inclusive manner towards others 

sportsmanship during competition 

helping campers negotiate peaceful and beneficial resolutions to conflict 

Build strong positive relationships with your campers by participating in meals, evening programs, etc. 

Take every opportunity to teach campers social and emotional skills such as relationship building, perseverance, self-reflection, goal setting and more as you encourage each camper to recognize what they are capable of through mentorship and daily conversations with youth. 

Implement daily Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum components: conduct self 

reflection session with campers, assist campers with completing self-assessment forms as scheduled, ensure SEL self-assessment forms are turned in on time, and complete daily camper’s behavior logs. 

Plan and execute specific cabin group activities each day as scheduled and carry out daily cabin and village clean up. 

Promote and encourage program participation and positive behavior. 

Encourage good manners during meals and report any health issues to the Health Center or Village Leader. 

Model and enforce good daily personal hygiene, especially regarding washing hands before every meal, daily brushing of teeth and regular showers. 

Be sensitive to the camper’s individual needs, manage the behavior of their campers, especially regarding physical, emotional, or verbal abuse of others. 

Provide feedback to the Village Leader and fill out camper logs daily and submit them to the Village Leader. 

Ensure that all health regulations are followed. 

Help the campers with daily self-maintenance tasks (i.e., helping campers prepare for swimming, etc.). 

Report maintenance needs to the Village Leader. 

Be responsible for session ending cabin clean-up as well as ensuring all camper personal belongings get home at the end of the session. 

Accept direction, feedback from supervisors, and follow through appropriately. 

Act as a responsible member of the camp community both in and outside of the camp environment during periods of employment. 

Participate in staff and other meetings, such as in-service training and staff development and orientation activities. 

Perform all other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:   

18 years of age or older; 

In good physical condition; 

Experience in work and/or play interaction with children; 

Excellent verbal communications skills; 

Commit to the entire summer season; 

Strong interest in motivating campers to effective action; 

Able to work as a team member; 

Demonstrate integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values, and mission of Agassiz Village. 

Possess the following qualities: patience, compassion, fairness, listening skills, and the ability to relate to children.  

This position requires a consistently high energy level, an extremely elevated level of visual awareness, humor, creativity, the ability to recognize unhappiness and nurture children accordingly, and the desire to be a positive influence on the lives of children 

Who We’re Looking For: 

We are looking to recruit a team of people whose strengths, skills, and backgrounds are as diverse as those of our campers. We are keen to have people join our team who are:  

Committed to consistent learning and growth.  

Team players, willing to help in all areas 

Organized 

Strong communicators  

Competent and creative problem solvers.  

Passionate  

Energetic and silly  

Kind and compassionate  

Flexible and able to adapt quickly  

Able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.  

Able to work long and challenging days  

Contract Dates: June 20, 2026 – August 7, 2026. This position is required to live on site at 71 Agassiz Village Ln. Poland, ME 04274 (June 14 if training and certification are needed) 

Salary: $2,800 for the full length of the contract.  Included with your salary: 

Accommodation is provided for the full contract.  

Food is provided for the full contract.  

Designated Supervisor: Village Leader 

About Agassiz Village:  

Agassiz Village is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to “prepare youth for life’s journey.” Through our exceptional summer camp experience and year-long programming, youth develop and practice critical leadership and life-shaping skills that positively impact their futures. For 90+ years, children from under-resourced communities have come to our camp to experience unique learning opportunities, discover interests, uncover new skills, make lifetime friendships, and connect with inspiring mentors.  

Our Staff Culture: We work hard to establish a collaborative and positive community where we treat one another with kindness, understanding, and assume positive intent. We celebrate new ideas, encourage making mistakes and trying again, and emphasize effort rather than perfection. At Agassiz Village, performing well at your job means also contributing positively to our team and environment. We teach our campers how to be compassionate, how to build connections, help them to build their confidence, and help them to bounce back when things don’t go their way. That means that we need to model these qualities as well. Most of all, we emphasize constant growth and improvement and are always striving to find a better way to do what we do.