Summer Camp Coordinator

Staff training circle activity

Job Overview:

As a Summer Camp Coordinator at Tanglewood, 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. The Summer Camp 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.

  • Position Title: Summer Camp Coordinator
  • Department: Cooperative Extension 
  • Location: Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center
  • Your Direct Supervisor: Tanglewood Director, Jessica Decke
  • Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (April 15 to Late October) 
  • Salary Range: $700 a week (minimum) for 29 weeks
  • We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Work Environment / Dynamics: 

This position will be based at Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center in Lincolnville, Maine. You’ll work a full schedule from April 14 to late October. You will reside on-site throughout the seasons, with structured time off each week. You will serve as the Director on Duty during times when the Director is off grounds; sharing overnight responsibilities with the leadership team.

Responsibilities:

  1. You’ll support the Director by providing coordination, in a team setting, to plan, promote, conduct, and evaluate the Summer Programs at Tanglewood. This includes Overnight Camp, Day Camp, and Leadership Programs.
  2. You’ll work with the leadership team to plan and co-facilitate a week-long, comprehensive staff training 
  3. You’ll assist with hiring and staff onboarding before the start of camp
  4. You’ll assist in the training, supervision, and evaluation of the summer staff. Facilitate meetings for program planning, debriefing, and community building
  5. You’ll serve as a role model to inspire the staff to lead youth constructively and creatively, offer support and guidance to counselors
  6. You’ll organize daily/weekly schedules for 25+ staff, including morning focus, recreation duties, afternoon electives and evening programs.
  7. You’ll serve as Director on duty when the Director is off-site, including scheduled overnight responsibility each week
  8. You’ll 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. You’ll assist with the development of marketing materials, newsletters, social media, websites, etc.
  10. You’ll assist the Director in additional administrative duties as required.
  11. You’ll lead weekly meetings on Sunday to establish camp rules and expectations for health, safety, and behavior.
  12. You’ll meet with the camp leadership team regularly (weekly) to discuss areas of camp needing support 
  13. You’ll evaluate programming on an ongoing basis and assist with one-on-one staff check-ins twice during the summer.
  14. You’ll aid and/or support in other areas of camp as needed. 
  15. You’ll 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.

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Required: 

  • You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
  • You are 25 years of age or older
  • You need a minimum of 3 years related experience working with youth and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent

AND/OR

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

Preferred: 

  • You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like: 
    • Wilderness Responder Certification
  • 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.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, live in camp during the summer season and work some additional evenings and weekends
  • You have experience leading staff training or in-services 
  • You have experience supervising staff and providing positive mentorship
  • You have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive camp vehicles

Benefits:

  • Rustic and Shared Housing
  • Meals 
  • Internet Access

Who We Are:

The 4-H Camp and Learning Centers provide environmentally focused programs for Maine youth and families in Lincolnville. 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. Tucked into a parcel of Camden Hills State Park, campers and counselors join together to form a creative community fostering a supportive and fun environment for all — and drawing people back year after year! While having fun and experiencing the joys of being a part of the natural world, we emphasize community living, respect for all, and healthy relationships. Summer at Tanglewood is filled with the wonderful energy of young people living and playing together outdoors. Our camps encourage everyone to be themselves, learn from those around them, and make good decisions. Tanglewood’s summer offerings include overnight camps for 8 to 14-year-olds, day camps for 5 to 11-year-olds, hunter safety camps in conjunction with Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, discovery trips featuring canoeing and backpacking, and multi-week leadership programs for teens 14-17. Behind our programs is a dedicated team of program leaders and support staff who are trained in working with young people in the outdoors.

To Apply:

To apply for the Day Summer Camp Counselor position, please submit the following to jessica.decke@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 June 1, 2025, at 4:30 PM
  • For questions about the search, please contact Jessica Decke, at jessica.decke@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

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