‘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)
Art Instructor We are in need of someone to help our Campers tap into their inner O’Keefes by developing a series of fun, creative art classes across a variety of topics and mediums. Whether it’s painting & drawing (watercolor, charcoal, oils – the medium is pretty much up to you), collage, sculpture, or another intriguing creative pursuit, we are open to any number of ideas. Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your art. (Staff II, Staff IV)
Beauty Parlor Manager 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 serve as Beauty Parlor Manager who can give our drag-inexperienced Campers pointers and instruction on everything from frocks to make-up. (Staff IV; Staff II Assistant position also available)
Beverage Team We need team players able to assist our Beverage Manager in all aspects of our beverage service, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Duties include: assisting with maintaining inventory of soda, beer & wine; bar set-up/breakdown and service at evening social events as well as our late-night Best Time Wine Bar; assisting the dining hall team with stocking/serving canned sodas and other beverages during lunch & dinner; and assisting in maintaining a beverage station throughout the day so our Campers can stay hydrated. Some heavy lifting (~50-75 lbs., usually a two-person lift, e.g., 5-10 gallon thermoses, beer kegs, etc.) is required. (Staff II; Staff I, as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)
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)
Camp Store Assistant Our on-site Camp Store sells t-shirts, mugs, and other ‘Camp’ Camp souvenirs and other fun (queer) stuff, and we’re looking for folx to join our friendly and efficient Camp Store team. Retail experience is preferred, but not required; however, you must be technologically savvy enough to quickly learn our point-of-sale (register) iPad app to accurately ring up Camper purchases. Excellent people and organizational skills are a must, and you must be able to handle heavy lifting (25-50 lbs). (Staff II, Staff IV)
Cooking Instructor We are seeking a professionally-trained chef or experienced, expert “home chef” who is interested in sharing their culinary skills and knowledge with our Campers. Past class offerings have included Vegetarian Cooking, The Humble Tomato, Healthy Alternatives, Cake Decorating, Middle-Eastern Cuisine, From Bubbe’s Kitchen (Eastern European Jewish Cooking), as well as dessert and cheese- and pasta-making classes. Prior teaching experience not required, but you should be comfortable working with all skill levels and enthusiastic about food. (Staff I, Staff II)
Dance Instructor Samba, two-step, modern, jazz, swing, or the Hustle: our Campers are always eager to learn new moves! So, if you’re an enthusiastic dance instructor or experienced ballroom dancer capable of teaching classes on a variety of dances, we’d love to hear from you. 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 joys of social dancing. (Staff I)
Broadway Dance Instructor Do you have experience choreographing Broadway-style group dance numbers? If so, we’d love to have you join our staff! Our Broadway Dance class has traditionally been one of our most popular classes, and we’re seeking an instructor who can choreograph a Broadway-style number suitable for a group of dancers and (mostly) non-dancers alike. The number is taught during three 90-minute class sessions – and maybe a few remedial rehearsals for those who need extra practice – then performed at our Talent/No Talent Show on Friday night. (Staff II)
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 IV; Staff I, as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)
Fitness Instructor Our Campers like to try new things on their vacation – and for some of them, that may mean learning new ways to improve their health & fitness – so if you have experience leading a challenging-but-accessible class (or two) suitable for all fitness levels, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a circuit class, a stretching class, or small-group personal training sessions, we’re open to your ideas. And if you can also do Aerobics classes (see previous listing), that’s even better! (Staff I; Staff II or Staff IV when combined with Aerobics and/or Spin)
Knitting Instructor Once upon a time, we offered knitting instruction on a whim – and it became a ‘Camp’ Camp craze! We’d love to see if lightning strikes twice, so we need an experienced knitter (crocheting skills helpful, but not necessary) who can teach the basics to novices, as well as assist more advanced knitters with projects and ideas. Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your craft. (Staff I, preferably as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)
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)
Meditation Instructor We’re in need of an instructor with a strong, ongoing personal meditation practice who is willing to lead some sessions on the basics of establishing and/or maintaining an effective meditation practice. Like with all activities at Camp, you must be prepared to develop sessions that work for both experienced and inexperienced students. (Staff I; prefer to combine with Yoga Instructor position, if possible, to make a Staff II or Staff IV position)
Nurse We are currently in need of a few RNs to help staff our Camp Infirmary for the week. You’ll work under the umbrella of our Risk Management Team and must currently be licensed in Maine or a compact state. (Staff V)
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)
Pianist/Musical Director Be one of the most valued and beloved people at Camp! We need a pianist with excellent sight-reading skills to provide accompaniment for Talent/No Talent Show acts as needed. You’d also assist in organizing and encouraging vocal groups for participation in the Talent Show and assist our Talent Show director/producer with other aspects of the show, if/as needed. We may also call on you for background music at our late-night bar or other events if you are amenable. Excellent sight-reading skills are a MUST; vocal coaching skills are helpful. (Staff II)
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 )
Pottery Instructor Pottery has always been one of Camp’s most popular activities, and we are in need of instructors with experience in both hand-building and wheel-thrown techniques to staff our pottery studio. Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your craft. (Staff II, Staff IV)
Risk Manager (Asst.) We are seeking an EMT-certified person to join our Risk Management team. You’ll assist with training Staff on our risk management issues and monitoring Camper and Staff behavior — especially at the three Waterfront areas — throughout the week to ensure everyone’s safety, as well as acting as a first responder in any emergencies that may arise. Depending on your certification/licensing, you may be also asked to be an occasional back-up for nursing staff at the Infirmary. Lifeguard certification helpful, but not required. (Staff V)
Sewing Instructor Our current host camp includes a studio with sewing machines, so we’re looking for someone well-versed in machine sewing to help us expand our arts & crafts offerings to include sewing. If you are enthusiastic about needles & thread and know how to craft a variety of fabric-based projects, we’d love to hear from you! Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your craft. (Staff IV)
Spin Instructor Since our new host camp has an open-air gazebo with spin bikes, we’d love an experienced Spin Instructor to join us so we can take advantage of it! Our Campers like to try new things on their vacation, and, for some of them, that may mean learning new ways to improve their health & fitness. So, if you can lead a class that’s both challenging and accessible to experienced and neophyte riders alike, we’d love to hear from you. We prefer to combine this position with the Aerobics and/or Fitness Instructor positions (see separate listings) if your skills/experience apply, but we’ll consider applications for this position as a standalone position. (Staff I; can be up to Staff IV if/when combined with Aerobics and/or Fitness Instructor positions)
Stained Glass Instructor Stained glass is one of Camp’s most popular activities, and we’re looking for experienced, enthusiastic instructors to teach the basics to our Campers. Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your art. (Staff II, Staff IV)
Talent/No Talent Show Producer One of our traditions since the very first year of ‘Camp’ Camp is our legendary Talent/No Talent Show. This position reviews/curates acts for the show; coordinates tech needs with our Events Manager, Musical Director, and other departments; recruits volunteer stage hands from interested Campers; and basically runs the show behind the scenes to produce the Best Evening Ever! A theatre background is preferred, though not required, but experience coordinating performance acts is a minimum requirement. You must also be comfortable working with and encouraging towards all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about the joys and excitement of performing live (for the most supportive, enthusiastic audience ever!) (Staff IV)
Team Sports Instructor We’re seeking an enthusiastic team sports generalist who can lead the occasional clinic and/or organize games in Flag Football, Softball, Basketball, Kickball, Capture the Flag Wig, and more. You must be able to encourage folx of all skill levels, so they feel welcomed and excited to play. Prior teaching/coaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about the joys of team sports. (Staff I)
Tennis Instructor Our facility has a number of excellent tennis courts, and we need an experienced tennis instructor to put them to good use giving lessons and maybe even organizing 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)
Tie-Dye Instructor It wouldn’t be summer camp without tie-dye, now wouldn’t it? If you have experience in basic tie-dyeing skills, we’d love for you to help our Campers create groovy souvenirs of their week at Camp. If you are versed in more advanced tie-dye techniques, all the better! Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your craft. (Staff I or Staff II)
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)
Waterslide Assistant Yes, you read right above: our current host camp includes three 200′ waterslides that rush Campers through a group of lush, green trees and empty into a 4.5′ pool. The pool is staffed with two certified lifeguards, but they require an assistant (no lifeguard certification necessary) to help coordinate launching Campers down the waterslides in a safe manner. Like all Staff positions, you must be fun, friendly, and enthusiastic — but you must also be able to easily climb stairs and have good vision to coordinate with lifeguards via hand signals. (Staff II)
Writing Instructor We are need of an experienced author to lead daily writing sessions to help our Campers learn to get thoughts and words onto paper in a positive, reaffirming setting. Prior teaching experience preferred, but not required; however, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your craft and comfortable working with all skill levels. Published authors preferred, and writing samples are required. (Staff I)
Yoga Instructor An experienced yoga instructor is needed to teach classes suitable for all skill levels. You should be able to teach the basics to first-timers and help more advanced students further develop their practice. (Staff I or Staff II; prefer to combine with Meditation Instructor position, if possible, to make a Staff II or Staff IV position)
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.
**REGISTRATION FOR CAMP 2025 OPENS SOON! The link below to our Staff Application will be live as soon as Registration is open.**