Camp Activity Counselor – Farm & Food Systems

Camp Chewonki employs Activity Counselors to coordinate and facilitate activities for all campers in the following areas: Natural History, Farm & Food Systems, Outdoor Living Skills, Community Building (low ropes programs), Woodworking, Visual Arts, Archery, Waterfront (boating) and Field Sports.

• Location: Wiscasset, Maine (On Campus, in-person)
• Schedule/2024 Dates: June 9, 2024 – August 11, 2024 (WFA training arrival is June 7)
• Reports to: Activity Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Activity Counselors are responsible for preparing and facilitating lessons and keeping activity equipment and areas safe and well-maintained. Each activity has discipline-specific skills and related requirements for the activity. While Activity Counselor’s primary responsibility is instruction in their area of expertise, camp provides a dynamic workplace environment that requires creativity, flexibility and a team player approach. When not teaching or preparing their activity area, Activity Counselors are expected to support cabin coverage and work with other staff in the planning and execution of camp-wide initiatives such as evening programs, special events, and off-campus day trips. Activity counselors will be assigned age groups to directly support outside of activity work. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Deliver an activity program that promotes developmentally appropriate learning and fun in discipline-specific skills and abilities (activity curriculum created by Chewonki staff).
• Hold responsibility for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of participants; this includes:

  • Develop healthy and appropriate relationships with participants

  • Inspect activity area and equipment regularly to ensure it is safe and appropriate for age and location;

  • Provide direct supervision of participants as assigned

• Assist Activity Coordinator planning and facilitating special events (e.g. – evening events, weekly events, once a session events, off-campus day trips).
• Support cabin coverage needs and provide bedtime coverage as assigned.
• Instill joy and enthusiasm into the daily life of camp.
• Community Responsibilities:

  • Work to honor and uphold the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and a lens of anti-racism in the best interest of participants, constituents, and staff across the organization.

  • A willingness to work as a team member among the Camp Program and the greater Chewonki community.

  • Work on the Chewonki campus and share meals with the community. 

  • Contribute to and collaborate with the Chewonki community through committees and foundation wide events.

  • Share the collective responsibility within risk management (physical, behavioral, institutional, etc.) by:

• Using sound judgment
• Operating within your skill set and Chewonki protocols
• Responding to and/ or alerting the appropriate person(s) when you see something that may compromise safety
• Fullfull other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must complete fingerprinting requirements/pass criminal background check.
• Hold a valid driver’s license approved by Chewonki’s insurance carrier, preferred.
• Experience working in specialized activity area; relevant certification, as required

  • Preferred Certifications depending on activity area could include: American Canoe Association, American Red Cross Lifeguarding, U.S. Archery Instructor, Association for Challenge Course Technology, etc.

• Experience working in educational spaces, preferred.
• Current Wilderness First Aid Certification required (Chewonki will offer course prior to camp season).
• Current Lifeguard Certification, preferred (offered by Chewonki).
• Attend required onboarding and training sessions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lb at a time.
• Must be able to work in an active, outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to participate in games, sports, and physical activities including water-based games and activities.
• Able to maintain attention and a high level of energy or excitement for extended periods of time.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Starting Salary: $3000 (salary increases with increased experience)

Incentives: travel stipend, room & board, $200 refer-a-friend bonus, academic internship credit possible, Wilderness First Aid Certification, potential Lifeguard Certification course and additional $500 bonus for lifeguarding.