Camp Counselor & Wilderness Trip Leader

For nearly 100 years, Camp Kieve for boys and Wavus Camp for girls have attracted the very best young leaders to serve as role models for campers and guide them in camp and on wilderness expeditions throughout Maine and New Hampshire. There are (2) 26-day sessions, ages 8- 17 and a 10 day session, typically for ages 8-10.

Mission

Kieve Wavus Education empowers people to contribute positively to society by promoting the values of kindness, respect for others, and environmental stewardship through year-round experiential programs, camps for youth and adults, and guidance from inspirational role models

Responsible to: Summer Camp Directors

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience working with children.
• Wilderness tripping experience is helpful but a willingness to learn and try new things is essential.
• A collaborative worker, a thoughtful listener, and an instinct to proactively solve problems.
• Empathetic to the needs of others and the ability to demonstrate patience.
• Ability to maintain mental, emotional, and social resiliency and handle stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Head Bunk Counselors have significant wilderness tripping experience and are typically 21 or over due to Maine Summer Camp driver laws.
• Counselors usually have some relevant camp experience.
• Junior Counselors are relatively inexperienced but are passionate about working with kids.
• All counselors are mandated reporters.
• They complete two weeks of extensive training in tripping, in-camp and healthcare prior to campers arriving.
• Pay is based on position hired for and qualifications.

Primary Responsibilities

Wilderness Tripping: Leading our wilderness trips is a significant counselor staff responsibility. Head Bunk Counselors are expected to organize, plan, pack, and execute their cabins wilderness trips with direct support from our Counselor and Junior Counselor staff. They must work collaboratively as a team and be willing to learn to lead trips ranging from basecamp hiking, to backpacking, to canoeing–both flat and whitewater.

In-Camp: All counselors will have time in-camp where they are expected to lead a range of activities. From pottery to nature, ropes, archery, sailing, swimming and so many others, our staff must be willing to try new things and encouraged to teach activities that they are passionate about. They will lead their cabin through weekly inspection and are asked to perform a wide range of duties in support of camp functioning to the highest standard possible.

Healthcare: Each counselor must be fully aware of their campers’ health care needs, helping to administer medication, perform basic first aid, and supporting campers through social situations–whether navigating homesickness or cabin conflict. They must be quality listeners and work with Directors to ensure that each camper’s unique needs are met. They will help document camper issues and support our Health Center staffing after hours.

Support of the Organization: Kieve Wavus Education is an educational nonprofit that requires a highly dedicated team to function. Each employee should understand our mission and be ready to do work not specific to their job description in order to fulfill it.

Dates of employment: Jun 09, 2026 – Aug 15, 2026

Wages/Pay: $3,250.00 – $4,150.00/season

Employee Experience:

• While Kieve and Wavus are on opposite sides of Damariscotta Lake, our staff are a part of the broader organization. Kieve and Wavus staff spend time with each other throughout the summer, creating a national network of peers that extends long after the summer ends. Even without technology, our staff can easily stay connected to each other throughout the summer. Each counselor has the ability—based on their experience and comfort—to help lead anything from one and two night camping trips to 11, 13 , 18, or even 22 day expeditions. Midcoast Maine is spectacular during the summer and is a great place to spend your summer!

Room & Board:

• Room and board is 100% provided by Kieve-Wavus. With great chefs, tremendous cabins, and incredible views, who wouldn’t want to spend their summer with us.
• Beyond your gear and traveling to and from camp (which we can help support), the only costs to you are what you decide to do on your days off!

Getting Here & Getting Around:

• Portland International Jetport (PWM), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), train and bus are the easiest ways to get to Damariscotta where camp staff can pick you up to bring you to your summer home at Kieve or Wavus.
• A lot of staff bring their own cars to camp. Once you have arrived at camp, there are camp vehicles available for you to use, and it’s easy to get into town for whatever you may need.
• We can also help find you transportation to camp!