‘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 of all 2023 Campers & Staff. Our COVID protocols for Camp 2022 are subject to change/review prior to ‘Camp’ Camp 2023.

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 $1375*): 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 $1050*): 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 $725*): 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 $400*): 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 $75-250*, 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.

Staff VI (Paid Staff): Operations or Program Staff who work 40 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 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 $400).

Administrative/Office Assistant Do you have excellent organizational skills, an eye for detail, and know your way around a variety of office software? If so, your skills might just get you a free queer vacation in Maine! We’re looking for a conscientious and experienced administrator to help with some administrative duties/projects between now and Camp this August – as well as then assisting in the Camp Office during the week of Camp. Ideally, you’re familiar with Word and know your way around an Excel spreadsheet, as well as Airtable, QuickBooks, and Asana. (Or you’re tech-savvy enough to learn them quickly & easily.) This position will require working remote hours prior to Camp in August, followed by a few hours every day on-site when we’re in Maine. If you’ve experienced Camp in the past, that may be helpful, but we’re open to considering well-qualified, first-time Campers, too! (Staff V)

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; prefer to combine with Fitness Instructor [see separate description below].)

Art Instructor We are in need of someone 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)

Beauty Parlor Asst. 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 queen, cosmetologist, or make up artist to assist Princess, our longtime Beauty Parlor Manager (and resident self-proclaimed semi-experienced drag queen), in giving less experienced Campers pointers and instruction on everything from frocks to make-up. (Staff II)

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; stocking dining hall soda bar for meal times; maintaining the beverage station outside of 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 I, only as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)

Camp Store Assistant We have an on-site Camp Store that sells t-shirts, mugs, and other ‘Camp’ Camp souvenirs and other fun (gay) stuff and are looking for one more person 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 app (CashierLive) to accurately ring up Camper purchases. Excellent people and organizational skills are a must, and you must be able to handle heavy lifting. (Staff II)

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, Staff II)

DJ We need an experienced DJ who can spin a wide variety of tunes that will appeal to a variety of LGBTQ tastes (and ages) for our Tea Dance and the final ‘Camp’ Camp Dance Dance. You will also be called on to provide background music for Registration and other events as needed. We have all the necessary sound equipment, but you must be able to provide the music catalogue and your own DJ software/app. Solid knowledge of classic disco music also a plus. (Staff II)

Dance Instructor Samba, two-step, modern, jazz, swing, or the Hustle: our Campers are always eager to learn new moves! Sowe need an enthusiastic dance instructor capable of teaching classes on a variety of dances suited to both beginning andmore experienced dancers. Do your choreographic skills lean more towards Broadway-style group numbers? Well, we can use you, too! Our Broadway Dance class is one of our most popular classes, and we need an instructor who can choreograph a Broadway-style number suitable for all skill levels, taught during class sessions then performed at our Talent/No Talent Show on Friday night. (Staff I or Staff II, depending on experience)

Dining Hall Team We need enthusiastic team players to assist our Dining Hall Managers in making sure that three daily feedings of 200+ hungry Campers go off without a hitch! Duties include: making sure the dining hall is clean before and after each meal; setting up salad bars, replenishing serving lines with dishware, utensils, etc. as needed; and bussing tables with a smile. (Staff IV)

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, or 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 Portland transportation hubs on the last day of Camp. 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 IV; Staff I, preferably 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 might 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 ideas. And if you can also do Aerobics classes (see previous listing), that’s even better! (Staff I, Staff II or Staff IV, depending on skills/experience; prefer to combine with Fitness Instructor [see separate description above])

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 a while 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, preferably as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)

LGBTQ History Instructor We’ve discovered 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 for 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 II; “special topics” option available as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position)

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; available as a Staff I as a supplement to/in combination with another Staff position and Staff III for those able to stay until noon on Monday, August 28)

Massage Therapist/Instructor 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. Opportunities also exist to teach classes on the basics of massage if interested. Must be willing/able to obtain licensing for the State of Maine. (Compensation is paid per massage, please e-mail us for details.)

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 [see separate description below])

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)

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 we’ve found getting up on stage is one of those opportunities that our Campers appreciate. So if you have a background in the performing arts – especially as a teacher – we’d love to hear from you! We’d love to offer a series of stand-alone classes suitable for all experience levels in improv, scene work, and more. (Past offerings have included “Shakespeare’s Naughty Bits,” “Improv/Theatre Games,” and “Spoken Wordshop.”) Teaching experience is preferred, but not required; however, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and excited about your art and comfortable working with all skill/knowledge levels. (Staff I; Staff II level available for those interested in also assisting our Talent/No Talent Show producer with Friday night’s show.)

Social Media Assistant We’re always trying to increase our social media presence and can use the assistance/advice of someone with a strong insight into the intricacies of Instagram and Facebook. If you love analyzing social media trends and hashtag combinations or have experience developing creative social media campaigns, we can use your assistance in letting everyone know that 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 helpful, but not required. (Staff IV, Staff V, or Staff VI, depending on experience)

Stained Glass Instructor Stained glass is one of Camp’s most popular activities, and we are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic lead instructor to teach the basics to our Campers. While prior teaching experience is not required, you must be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and excited about your art and be comfortable working with all skill levels. (Staff II)

Tennis Instructor Our facility has 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 their game. (Staff IV)

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)

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 [see separate description above])

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 Saturday, August 19 . Please do not apply if you cannot be in Maine in time for Staff Training.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all 2023 Campers & Staff.