‘Camp’ Camp is a great place to share your skills, talents, and knowledge with a community of fun & adventurous LGBTQ+ folks from all over the country. Our staff program is our version of a “sliding scale,” allowing those on a limited budget to still be able to attend and enjoy Camp. Many of our Staff return year after year, as they discover that working at Camp often feels like play and makes their week a fun and highly rewarding experience.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all Campers & Staff. Our full 2024 respiratory illness protocols are available for those needing more information.
work a few & save a lot
Staff members at ‘Camp’ Camp are paid via a “work/play” compensation system. Just over half of the people who attend Camp each summer do so as part of our Staff, taking advantage of the reduced fee schedule in exchange for working during the week. The fact that around 75% of our Staff return year after year is probably an excellent indication that you can work at Camp and still have the best time ever!
Staff positions are available in both the Program and Operations areas of Camp. The Program Staff consists primarily of our Activities Instructors, so those applicants must possess the specific skills and experience required to lead specific activities. If you don’t have the requisite skills to lead an activity, all you need to be a part of our Operations Staff is a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and the ability to work well as part of a team. Program Staff are scheduled during specified activity periods each day. (A typical day at Camp is broken into four activity periods, running either 90 minutes or 2 hours in length.) Most Operations Staff are scheduled to work specific hours throughout the week as necessitated by their particular position.
Each Staff member — from Activity Instructor to Dining Hall Team — is vital in creating a positive Camp experience for everyone at ‘Camp’ Camp, so we look for team players who can commit to making their individual position their priority the week of Camp, while simultaneously modeling Camp’s culture of community, inclusion, and encouragement. Full details regarding Staff Expectations are included as part of the Staff confirmation e-mail sent to everyone who is offered a position.
staff levels & fee schedule
Staff I (Staff member pays $1450*): Operations or Program Staff who work approximately 12 hours during the week and Activity Instructors who lead one (1) activity period per day.
Staff II (Staff member pays $1125*): Operations or Program Staff who work approximately 20 hours during the week and Activity Instructors who lead two (2) activity periods per day.
Staff III (Staff member pays $800*): Operations or Program Staff who work approximately 28 hours during the week or any Staff who works a combination of a Staff I and Staff II level position.
Staff IV (Staff member pays $475*): Operations or Program Staff who work approximately 36 hours during the week, Activity Instructors who lead three to four (3-4) activity periods per day, or any Staff member who works a combination of two (2) Staff II positions. Staff members in this category are generally given at least 2-3 activity periods off during the week to allow them to enjoy Camp activities.
Staff V (Staff member pays $0-300*, depending on position): Executive Operations or Program Staff who work 40 or more hours during the week, any staff position requiring extensive “On Call” hours, or positions which require significant hours prior to arrival at Camp.
Monthly payment plans are available for all levels of Staff fees. The earlier you apply and are accepted, the lower your monthly payments. (A $25 Payment Plan Administrative Fee applies to all payment plans.)
*All fees include a 9% Maine Use & Lodging tax.
currently available positions
In addition to the positions listed below, we are open to adding new activities to our Activities Schedule. If you are an enthusiastic, people-person with a unique, fun Arts & Crafts project, specialized skill, or outdoor activity that you would like to share with a group of fun-loving, adventurous queer adults, send an e-mail to registration@campcamp.com with your proposal.
You may also e-mail us at that e-mail address if you’d like more details on any of the positions listed below. We are also able to combine Staff positions to create a fee level that is in line with your budget (i.e., two Staff II positions can be combined to make an overall Staff IV level position with fees of only $475).
Aerobics Instructor We need an enthusiastic, experienced aerobics instructor capable of teaching fun, all-levels aerobics classes. Being a morning person helps, as we like to offer a 7:00am class each morning to help get our Campers awake and moving. Instructors with experience in specialty classes (hip hop, Zumba, step, cardio-boxing, etc.) are especially encouraged to apply. As long as it’s fun, energetic and adaptable for all skill levels, we’re open to suggestions! We prefer to combine this position with the Fitness Instructor position (see separate listing) if your skills/experience apply, but we’ll consider applications for this position as a standalone position. (Staff I or Staff II)
Archery Instructor Historically one of our most requested activities, our new (as of 2024) host camp (finally!) comes with an archery range and all the necessary equipment, so we’re seeking a certified archery instructor who can lead this summer camp mainstay. While prior teaching experience is preferred, it is not required; however, you must carry or acquire (at minimum) a Level 1 Archery Instructor certification. You also must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about the sport. (Staff II or Staff IV)
Beauty Parlor Assistant Yes, we actually have an on-site “Beauty Barn” where Campers can outfit themselves in the drag attire of their dreams for Tea Dance or costume pieces for our Talent/No Talent Show. We are in need of an experienced drag king or queen, cosmetologist, or make up artist to assist our Beauty Parlor Manager who can assist in giving our drag-inexperienced Campers pointers and instruction on everything from frocks to make-up. (Staff II)
Bowling Our current host camp comes with a new (okay, it’s two years old) bowling alley, complete with four shiny automated lanes, and we’re looking for someone who knows their way around the pins to help our Campers hit those strikes! If you have experience in league bowling or teaching, we’d love to hear from you. The ability to offer some instruction/coaching and/or review the rules, scoring, etc. is helpful, but these positions will primarily just involve just organizing and supervising those who come to bowl, as well as managing the equipment and lanes. You must be able to make all skill levels feel welcomed and excited to bowl. Prior teaching/coaching experience is not required, but you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about the joys of bowling. Several positions are available, and some late-night shifts (10:30pm to 12:30am) may be required. (Staff II, Staff IV)
Dining Hall Team We need enthusiastic team players to help make sure that three daily feedings of 200+ hungry Campers go off without a hitch! Duties include bussing tables with a smile, serving (non-alcoholic) beverages, and assisting with cleaning the dining hall before and after each meal. (Staff II, Staff IV)
Driver Be the all-important first-impression of ‘Camp’ Camp! You’ll pick-up Campers at the airport, bus & train stations, greet them with a smile, and help them with their luggage. During the week, drivers also run errands, drive Campers to off-site activities throughout the week (if/as needed), and driving golf cart shuttles around the grounds between activity periods. On the last day of Camp, you’ll then return Campers to Portland transportation hubs. Proof of current/valid Driver’s License and a copy of your driving record obtained from your state DMV are required. You must be good with directions and comfortable driving a 12-passenger van on the curvy back roads of rural Maine and in city traffic alike. (Staff II; Staff I, as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)
Golf Instructor Our new (as of 2024) host camp features a chipping range, so we’re seeking an experienced golfer to help give those who might be new to the game a taste of swinging a club, as well as help experienced golfers to improve their swing. You don’t need to be a professional, but you must have a strong golf game and know the details that go into a good swing. Prior teaching experience is preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about the game. (Staff II)
LGBTQ History Instructor Many of our Campers are eager learn more about Queer History, so we are seeking an instructor who can put together a class (or series of classes, preferably stand-alone sessions) where Campers can explore and discuss important LGBTQ figures, activists, and events. An experienced Queer Studies or History teacher is ideal, but we are open to proposals from anyone who has a solid knowledge of and passion for our collective LGBTQ history – or even on a specific topic within the queer community’s rich history. (Past classes in this “special topics” category have included “Today’s Trans Youth,” “Leather History,” and “Spotlight on ’70’s Sisterhood.”) (Staff I or Staff II; “special topics” option available as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)
Lawn Sports Instructor Croquet and badminton are often synonymous with summer, so we like offer them as an option to our Campers. But that means we need someone who knows all the official rules and is handy with mallets, balls, racquets and birdies (as well as other lawn games) to show Campers new to the games the way to play – and maybe even organize some end-of-the-week tournaments. (Staff II)
Logistics Staff Our logistics staff assists with the set-up and break-down of Evening Social Events and other events throughout the week. You’ll also help with distributing of supplies/equipment from storage at the beginning of the week, as well as organizing and packing storage units at the end of the week. You must be able to handle heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs. solo lift; over that is generally a two-person lift). (Staff I; Staff II for those available to arrive the Tuesday before Staff Training and then stay late on the final Thursday)
Performing Arts Instructor Camp’s culture of encouragement and supportive spaces provides an opportunity for Campers to try things they might not have the courage to try at home – and being able to get up on stage is one of those opportunities that our Campers appreciate. If you have a background in the performing arts – especially as a teacher – we’d love to hear from you! We’ve traditionally offered a series of stand-alone classes suitable for all experience levels in improv, scene work, and more. (Past offerings have included “Acting: Scream Queens,” “Shakespeare’s Naughty Bits,” “Improv/Theatre Games,” and “Spoken Wordshop.”) Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill/experience levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your art. (Staff I; Staff II level available for those interested in also assisting our Talent/No Talent Show producer with Friday night’s show)
Photographer We are seeking several experienced photographers to who can capture great, colorful shots that document the essence of the wonderful people who attend Camp and the activities they enjoy. The opportunity to lead some Photography classes is also available. We must see a portfolio to hire and require that you use a digital camera. (Staff II, Staff IV)
Pickleball Instructor This paddle sport — a sort of combo of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong — has grown in popularity in recent years, including with our Campers. Which of course means we need an experienced pickleball player/instructor to show Campers new to the game how to play, while also helping more experienced players with their game and organizing games and maybe even an end-of-the-week tournament. Our Campers possess a range of skill levels, so you must be comfortable teaching the very basics, as well as helping the more seasoned player improve their game. Prior teaching/coaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about the sport. (Staff II or Staff IV; Staff I, as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position )
Waterfront Staff Our new central Maine location has over a mile-and-a-half of waterfront with three separate beaches/activity areas. (Did we also mention there’s three 200′ waterslides that empty into a 4.5′ pool?!) Needless to say, the waterfront is one of the most beautiful, relaxing, and popular places at Camp, so we’re always in need of Red Cross-certified lifeguards or WSIs to keep our lakefront safe for swimmers and to teach sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking. Current lifeguard and CPR/First Aid certifications are required. We are especially interested in finding a certified lifeguard who can also be our lead canoeing/kayaking instructor. (Staff II or Staff IV)
apply
To apply for our Staff, simply complete the Online Staff Application Form by clicking on the link below. The form is easiest to complete from a laptop or desktop computer.
Be sure to complete the application form in its entirety, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Please allow at least 2-4 weeks for processing and review of your application.
All Staff must be available for Staff Training beginning at noon on Wednesday, August 13. Please do not apply if you cannot be in Maine in time for Staff Training.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all Campers & Staff.
