Trips and Leadership Educator (Level 3)

Job Overview:

As a Level Three Overnight Summer Camp Counselor (Trip Leader), you will play an integral role in leading outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, guiding them through 3-6 day trips that include camping, hiking, and canoeing adventures. You will participate in a comprehensive two-week training to hone your practical skills, after which you’ll co-lead multiple-week sessions focused on essential leadership skills such as communication, team-building, and outdoor safety. Your responsibilities will include planning and implementing engaging lessons, supervising campers for their safety and well-being, preparing meals for trips, and driving 12-passenger vans to various program sites, all while modeling positive behavior and environmental stewardship.

  • Position Title: Overnight Summer Camp Counselor- Level Three (Trip Leader)
  • 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)
  • Level: Three
  • Salary Range: $4500 for 9 weeks
  • We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Your Work Schedule:

You’ll work a full summer schedule from June 13 to August 15, 2025. Overnight Camp Counselors reside on-site with campers throughout the season, with structured time off each week.

Responsibilities:

  • You will attend and actively participate in a two-week-long paid staff training, where you will practice, review, and test your practical skills to feel comfortable leading and teaching campers.
  • You will co-lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1 or 2 weeks, which include exciting 3-6 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).
  • You will plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.
  • You will prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, including food and equipment deliveries and emergency assistance.
  • You will supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times, facilitating the resolution of group conflicts while encouraging problem-solving and decision-making, and you will live in and supervise a cabin of up to 6 program participants.
  • You will model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship of the environment.
  • You will actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes to foster a supportive community.
  • You will drive 12-passenger vans, sometimes towing a canoe trailer, to program sites alongside participants and other staff members.
  • You will regularly evaluate the program with the Program Leader and Director to enhance the overall camp experience.

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Level Three Required: 

  • You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
  • You need a minimum of 3 years related experience working with teenagers 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
  • You have experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips

Preferred: 

  • You are 21 years of age or older
  • You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like:
    • Wilderness Responder Certification
    • Small Craft Water Safety Certification
  • With or without accommodation, you have the ability to lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
  • You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming.
  • 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

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. 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 Trip Leader (Level 3 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 p.m. 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.