‘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.
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 over 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 Dishwasher – 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. For full details on what we expect of our staff, click here.
staff levels & fee schedule
Staff I (Staff member pays $1300*): 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 $975*): 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 $650*): 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 $325*): 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 $50-125*, 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 certain Team Leader positions which involve pre-Camp planning hours.
Staff VI (Paid Staff): Operations or Program Staff who work 45 or more hours during the week, Staff with highly specialized skills, or certain Team Leader positions which involve specialized skills and/or extensive pre-Camp planning hours.
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 often looking to add 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 LGBTQ adults, send an e-mail to registration@campcamp.com with your proposal. You may also e-mail us for a more detailed job description of 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 $325).
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 suggestion! (Staff I or Staff II)
Art Instructor We are in need of an individual to help our Campers tap into their inner Picassos 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. (For a sample of past offerings, click here.) Prior teaching experience preferred, though not required; however, you must be comfortable working with all skill levels and enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your art. (Staff II, Staff IV)
Asst. Beverage Manager We’re seeking an organized multi-tasker to be the right-hand person to our Beverage Manager, assisting in overseeing all aspects of our beverage service, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Duties include assisting Beverage Manager with maintaining inventory of soda, beer & wine, including preparing mid-week orders and overseeing all aspects of Camp’s beverage service: bar set-up/breakdown and service at evening social events as well as our late-night Best Time Wine Bar, and maintenance of both the meal time soda bar and the always-open beverage station in the Main Lodge throughout the day so our Campers can stay hydrated. Must be able to lift up to 50+ lbs.; prior food service and/or bartending experience preferred with management/supervisory experience a plus. (Staff IV)
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 bar set-up/breakdown and service at evening social events as well as our late-night Best Time Wine Bar; stocking soda bar for meal times; and maintaining beverage station in the Main Lodge throughout the day so our Campers can stay hydrated. Some heavy lifting (5-10 gallon thermoses, beer kegs, etc.) is required. (Staff II; Staff I, as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)
Chef/Head Cook Experienced chefs/cooks are needed to assist our Executive Chef with preparing three meals a day for hungry Campers. Professional culinary training/experience preferred, but must have experience in high-volume food preparation. (Staff VI)
Cooking Instructor We are seeking a professionally trained chef or even an experienced, expert “home chef” who is interested in sharing their culinary skills & 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)
Dishwasher It’s not glamorous, but it’s important. We try to be as green as we can be – and dishwashers are a big part of that effort! All applicants must be able to stand for extended periods on wet floors while twisting, bending, and lifting items weighing up to 30 lbs. (Staff II, Staff IV; Staff VI for those who also have kitchen/prep cook experience)
Driver Be the all important first-impression of ‘Camp’ Camp! You’ll pick-up Campers at the Portland airport, bus & train stations, greet them with a smile, and help them with their luggage. Drivers also run errands and drive Campers to off-site activities throughout the week as needed, then return Campers to airports on the last day of Camp. Proof of current/valid Driver’s License and excellent driving record required; must be good with directions and comfortable driving a 14-passenger van on the curvy back roads of rural Maine and in Portland city traffic. (Staff II; Staff I, preferably as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)
Jewelry Instructor If you are an experienced silversmith, share your skills with our Campers by teaching them how to create enviable hand-made rings to flaunt to all their friends back home. Prior teaching experience is not required; however, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and excited about your art and comfortable working with all skill levels. (Staff IV)
Kitchen Staff Experienced prep/kitchen workers who can assist our chef in food prep and assist the Dining Hall Staff with maintaining/stocking our buffet lines are always a good thing! (Staff IV, Staff V, or Staff VI)
Knitting Instructor Once upon a time, we offered knitting instruction on a whim – and it became a ‘Camp’ Camp craze! It’s been off the schedule for several years now, and we’d love to see if lightning strikes twice. To do that, 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 is not required; however, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and excited about your craft and comfortable working with all skill levels. (Staff I or Staff II)
LGBTQ History Instructor Our Campers have shown great interest in learning more about LGBTQ history the past few years, so we are seeking an instructor who can put together a 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. In addition to general LGBTQ history sessions, we’re also open to offering other sessions with more focused/specific topics and are open to proposals from anyone who has knowledge of and passion for a specific topic within our collective LGBTQ history. (Past specialty classes have included “Today’s Trans Youth” and “Spotlight on ’70’s Sisterhood.”) (Generalist: Staff I or Staff II; specialty class instructor is available only as a supplemental role to another position with additional $150-200 credit off of fees up to Staff I level, depending on number of topics)
Maintenance & Logistics Staff Our M&L staff assists our Operations Manager with the set-up and break-down of Evening Social Events and other events throughout the week. The M&L staff is also responsible for cleaning the camp grounds & facilities before Camp starts and after it ends, as well as other light maintenance & housekeeping tasks throughout the week. Must be able to handle heavy lifting. (Staff II; Staff III or Staff I, as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position, both of which require availability through Monday, August 31)
Massage Therapist Share your gift of touch and the healing power of the hands. We are looking for experienced male and female massage therapists to provide massage services to Campers during the week. You should be comfortable working on both men and women of all ages and body-types. Must be willing/able to obtain licensing in the State of Maine. (Compensation is paid per massage, please e-mail us for details.)
Mountain Biking Instructor We are seeking an experienced mountain biker who can lead small groups of Campers out to explore some of rural Maine’s country roads and the trails in the woods surrounding camp. Knowledge of basic bike maintenance and repair a must. Prior teaching experience is not required; however, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about your sport and comfortable/patient working with mostly inexperienced riders. (Staff II)
Pianist/Musical Director Be one of the most valued and beloved people at Camp! We are seeking a pianist with excellent sight-reading skills to provide accompaniment for Talent/No Talent Show acts as needed. You’ll 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. Excellent sight-reading skills are a MUST; vocal coaching skills are helpful. (Staff II)
Social Media Assistant We’re always trying to increase our social media presence and can use the assistance/advice of someone with strong (preferably professional) insight into the intricacies of Instagram and Facebook (and, to a lesser degree, Twitter). If you love analyzing social media trends and hashtag combinations or have proven experience developing/executing effective & creative social media campaigns, we can use your assistance in getting the word out that a week at ‘Camp’ Camp is the best time ever! The hours required for this position would be both prior to and, to a lesser degree, during the week of Camp. Experience working with social media scheduling platform Later.com helpful, but not required. (Staff IV, Staff V, or Staff VI, depending on experience)
Team Sports Instructor We are seeking an enthusiastic team sports generalist who can lead the occasional clinic and/or organize games in Pickleball, Flag Football, Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Kickball, and Capture the Flag Wig. You must be able to make all skill levels feel welcomed and excited to play. Prior teaching/coaching experience is not required, but you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable, and excited about the joys of team sports. (Staff II)
Tennis Instructor Our facility has five fabulous clay 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 always come with all skill levels, so you must be comfortable teaching the very basics, as well as helping the more seasoned player improve his game. (Staff II)
Waterfront Staff Our waterfront is one of the most beautiful, relaxing, and popular places at Camp, and we are always in need of Red Cross-certified lifeguards or WSIs to keep our lakefront safe for swimmers and to teach swimming, 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)
Writing Instructor We are need of an experienced author to lead daily writing sessions to help teach our Campers to get thoughts and words onto paper in a positive, reaffirming setting. Prior teaching experience preferred, but is not required; however, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and excited about your craft and comfortable working with all skill levels. Published authors preferred; must provide writing samples. (Staff I or Staff II)
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.) You may also download the application and mail it to us – or scan & e-mail it to registration@campcamp.com.
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 Saturday, August 22. Please do not apply if you cannot be in Maine in time for Staff Training.
