Overnight Summer Camp Counselor, Levels 1 and 2

Job Overview:

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 level is determined by your camp director.

 

  • Position Title: Overnight  Summer Camp Counselor
  • Department: Cooperative Extension
  • Location: Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Center
  • Your Direct Supervisor:  Blueberry Cove Director, Ryan LeShane
  • Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (June to August)
  • Salary Range: $3375-$4500 for 9 weeks, commensurate with experience
  • We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Work Environment / Dynamics: 

Your position will be based at Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Tenants Harbor, Maine. Overnight 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.

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).
  • 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 3-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.

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 have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
  • 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.

Benefits:

  • Rustic and Shared Housing
  • Meals
  • Laundry
  • Internet Access

Who We Are:

The 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide environmentally focused programs for Maine youth and families.  The base of operations for our programs is the Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Center, located in Tenants Harbor, Maine. The Blueberry Cove campus is a 30-acre parcel of forested land with a quarter mile of ocean waterfront along the shores of Tenants Harbor. This property provides year-round facilities, access to extensive hiking trails, remote campsites, outdoor classrooms, small farms, and gardens. Our mission is to teach youth and adults to be effective and caring citizens of the earth through affordable environmental education and fun nature-based experiences.

To Apply:

To apply for the Overnight Summer Camp Counselor position, please submit the following to ryan.leshane@maine.edu or use our online application.

  • A resume
  • A cover letter describing why you’d be a great fit for the learning center
  • If your application moves forward you will be required to submit a name, email, and phone number for three references.
  • Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the final review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
  • These materials are reviewed on a weekly basis. The final date to apply for the summer of 2025 is 4:30 pm on June 1, 2025.
  • For questions about the search, please contact Ryan LeShane, at ryan.leshane@maine.edu
  • The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

Non-Discrimination Statement

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, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.