Cabin Counselor

Are you ready to spend your summer making a meaningful impact on young lives while having unforgettable adventures? As a Cabin Counselor at Chewonki, you’ll be a mentor, guide, and role model for 8-10 campers, helping them thrive in a vibrant camp community. Live, laugh, and grow alongside campers as you navigate daily schedules, lead backcountry trips, or teach exciting activities in your specialty area. Whether it’s building lifelong skills or fostering connections in nature, this role is the perfect blend of fun, purpose, and adventure. Make this summer one to remember—join us.

• Location: Wiscasset, Maine

  • On Campus, Residential (Seasonal) 

• Schedule/2026 Dates:  June 17, 2026 - August 16, 2026

• Reports to: Age Group Coordinator

• Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Cabin Trip specializations include: Flatwater canoeing, white water canoeing, sea kayaking, and backpacking. Previous experience in these disciplines is NOT required, but comfort with and interest in the outdoors is. 

Activity Areas include: Natural History, Farm & Food Systems, Outdoor Living Skills, Community Building (low ropes programs), Woodworking, Visual Arts, Archery, Waterfront (boating) and Field Sports. Two counselors are hired per activity area. Previous experience in the activity area is preferred, in some cases required.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Hold responsibility for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of participants; this includes:

  • Develop healthy and appropriate relationships with participants.

  • Conduct daily check-ins with participants.

  • Provide direct supervision of participants as assigned.

• Live in cabins with campers and other Cabin Counselors; support campers in daily living routines and facilitate meal times. 

• Instill joy and enthusiasm into the daily life of camp.

• Residential Responsibilities: This is a residential position. On-site housing is provided as part of the role and is available only while you are actively employed. Housing ends when employment concludes.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Must pass Criminal Background Check.

• This position is eligible for a stipend for driving responsibilities if the following qualifications are met (ability to qualify for driving responsibilities preferred but not required):

  • Valid driver’s license and driving record approved by Chewonki’s Insurance Carrier, must attend Driver’s Training. 

  • At least 21 years old (to drive participants).

• As applicable, 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.

  • Basic First Aid/CPR Certification required (Chewonki will provide training); Wilderness First Aid strongly preferred.

• Experience working in a camp, educational, or recreational setting, preferred.

• Ability to empathize with and support children of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

• Ability to guide campers in adapting to camp life and learning new skills.

• Proven ability to build trust, foster community, and model positive behaviors.

• Attend required onboarding and training sessions.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs 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.

• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours.

Salary & Benefits:

• Starting Salary: $3,100

Incentives & Support: Travel stipend for all staff, plus potential bonuses for current WFA/WFR or Lifeguarding certification, $200 refer-a-friend bonus offered for referrals, driving bonus, and/or ability to play music at campfires. Housing and meals included.