Summer Camp Coordinator

Summer Camp Coordinator Position

Staff training circle activity

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove provide environmentally focused summer camps for Maine youth in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor. Programs emphasize community living, respect for others, fun, safety, responsibility, and the joy of being a part of the natural world.  

As a Summer Program Coordinator (SPC) at Tanglewood/Blueberry Cove, your role is pivotal in ensuring the success of diverse Summer Programs. Collaborating closely with the Director and program leadership team, you’ll be responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating our overnight camp, leadership, and trips programs. You will serve as a mentor for staff, providing supervision, support, and feedback. You will also be a key support for campers, leading check-in sessions and being a point person for challenging conflicts. The Summer Program Coordinator supports the intangible magic of camp, melding education, engagement, and fun creatively. You have a deep appreciation for summer camp and are committed to creating positive, life-changing experiences for campers and staff.

 Responsibilities  

  1. Support the Camp Director by providing coordination, in a team setting, to plan, promote, conduct, and evaluate the Summer Programs at Tanglewood/Blueberry Cove. This includes Overnight Camp, Day Camp, and Leadership Programs.
  2. Plan and co-facilitate a week-long, comprehensive staff training
  3. Assist with hiring and staff onboarding before the start of camp
  4. Assist in the training, supervision, and evaluation of the summer staff. Facilitate meetings for program planning, debriefing, and community building
  5. Serve as a role model to inspire the staff to lead youth constructively and creatively, offer support and guidance to counselors
  6. Organize daily/weekly schedules for 25+ staff, including morning focus, afternoon electives, and evening programs.
  7. Serve as Director on duty when Camp Director is off-site, including scheduled overnight responsibility each week
  8. Work with the camp program team to develop, acquire, maintain, and improve the teaching materials, resources, and equipment that are needed to carry out the summer program.
  9. Assist with the development of marketing materials, including catalog copy, press releases, camper recruitment, website, etc.
  10. Assist with maintaining records of programs and submit periodic reports.
  11. Be available to assist the camp director in additional administrative duties as required.
  12. Lead weekly meetings on Sunday to establish camp rules and expectations for health, safety, and behavior.
  13. Meet with camp administration regularly (weekly) to discuss areas of camp needing support
  14. Evaluate programming with camp administration on an ongoing basis. Assist camp administration in one-on-one staff check-ins twice during the summer.
  15. Aid and/or support in other areas of camp as needed. Role model good stewardship for the environment, and support our efforts by participating in the garden, composting, and sustainable practices throughout all aspects of your role.

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a related field or related experience
  • At least 3 years related experience working in a camp setting, 25+ age required
  • Experience developing environmental curricula and programming
  • Experience leading staff training or in-services
  • Experience supervising staff and providing positive mentorship
  • Experience maintaining websites and working with camp management systems
  • Role model healthy living, positive energy, and clear communication
  • Must demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming
  • Commitment to working with children in a high-energy overnight setting
  • Ability to lead groups outdoors over various terrain (facility and camp trails) while carrying a small backpack with teaching materials and first aid kit
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, live in camp during the summer season, and work some additional evenings and weekends
  • First Aid and Basic Life Support certification
  • Hold a valid driver’s license with the ability to drive camp vehicles, tow canoe trailers at times

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Previous experience working at either Tanglewood or Blueberry Cove
  • Wilderness First Aid or First Responder
  • lifeguard certification 

Dates and Compensation:

  • May 19 – October 18, 2024
  • $750-$850/week (pre-tax) with increases dependent on experience, certifications, and responsibilities
  • Rustic housing is provided and meals when programs are in session; staff are responsible for assisting with some meal preparation and clean up; laundry facilities and internet are available

Apply online at umaine.edu/tanglewood/employment/online-application-form. For more information please contact extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).