Staff FAQs
Most staff contracts begin with the start of orientation at 8 am on Monday, June 9th and end at 1 pm on Tuesday, August 5th. Some staff hired to work in specific areas, such as aquatics or adventure, may have an earlier start date. Once at camp, a few staff members will be asked to stay late to assist with post-camp tasks.
Each counselor spends the bulk of her time during the day either with her cabin or in her activity area. Staff receive one period off duty during the morning and typically one more during the afternoon. All staff are on duty through evening activity until the end of the circle time and when the cabin is asleep or calm. One counselor per cabin remains on duty and in the cabin for the remainder of the night. All other staff are free until curfew. Some days are longer than others and you could have some days that run for 12-16 hours.
Camp Somerset is located in Smithfield, Maine, approximately a 1-hour drive from Portland, Maine’s largest city, ansd a 3-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts.
Staff are welcome to drive and secure parking is available. If you fly into Boston, MA or Portland ME, we will pick you up. All staff are provided with a travel stipend.
So much. Maine is an incredible place to explore during the summer. Bar Harbor, Camden, Portland, Freeport, Acadia, and Moosehead Lake, to name a few. Ten minutes from camp is Waterville, Maine, home to stores (Walmart), restaurants, movies, mini golf, Starbucks, TJ’s pool hall, and more. Plus, we are only a few hours from Boston, Massachusetts and the Canadian border.
Campers range from ages 7 to 15.
All staff will receive a pre-determined base pay which will be specified in your employment contract. You may also be eligible for certain bonuses and or benefits, which will also be specified in the contract, based on any certifications, tutoring, or other additional responsibilities etc. Salaried staff are paid bi-weekly. Hourly staff are paid weekly.
Counselors work every day of the week, and get 1-2 free periods off per day. There are 5 days off during the summer. These days off begin at 9:30 p.m. the night before and end at curfew (12:30am) on the following night.
Staff may arrange to “rent” camp vans with proper notice.
You may bring your own cellphone or other technology to camp. However, to maintain our tech-free campus, your phone may not stay in the cabin with your campers, and you many not carry it throughout the day. We provide a designated place for you to keep and charge your cell phone. There will be internet-ready computers for your use in the staff lounge.
In the case of an emergency, you can receive messages and phone calls via the camp office. All personal calls must be taken or made only during your daily time off.
Yes. Lockers with locks are provided for staff members to store personal belongings of value in the staff lounge.
All medications, including non-prescription medications, must stay in the Health Center, the staff med room in the dining hall, or your camp-provided locker. For the campers’ safety, under no circumstances can medications may be kept in cabins.
Most days of New England summers are warm, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (20° Celsius). Evening temperatures cool to a comfortable 60°F (16°C). Weather is typically cooler at the beginning of camp (during staff orientation) and at the end of the summer, especially in the evenings. Short periods of higher heat and humidity can be expected during July and early August.
We will provide you with a comprehensive packing list before your arrival at camp.
U.S.- and Canada-based staff members are expected to bring their own linens. International staff traveling to camp from outside North America are provided with sheets, blankets, a pillow and towels.
Being a camp counselor is a unique experience that provides one with the chance to inspire, lead, collaborate, problem-solve, and grow. Learn more about how a summer at camp can enhance your resume.
