You can find a great summer camp job in Maine at Camp Laurel, Camp North Star, and Camp Laurel South. Whether you’re a college student, gap year traveler, or just looking for a rewarding summer experience, working at camp in Maine is a chance to grow, connect, and make a real impact.
Why Work at a Summer Camp in Maine?
If you’re searching for summer camp jobs in Maine, you’re already on the right track. Maine is widely known as one of the best places in the U.S. for traditional summer camps, offering a unique mix of lakes, forests, and classic camp culture that you won’t find anywhere else.
Working at a summer camp in Maine is about more than just a job. It’s a fully immersive experience where you live, work, and build relationships in a close-knit community. You’ll wake up by the lake, spend your days outdoors, and play a meaningful role in shaping a camper’s summer.
What makes Maine stand out:
- Scenic locations like the Belgrade Lakes and coastal regions
- A strong sense of tradition and community
- One of the highest concentrations of established camps in the U.S.
Maine is also home to hundreds of well-established camps, many with decades (or even over a century) of history. This creates a strong sense of tradition, structure, and community, making it one of the most sought-after locations for both first-time and returning camp staff.
Types of Summer Camp Jobs in Maine
There are a wide variety of camp counselor jobs in Maine, making it easy to find a role that fits your interests, experience level, and career goals.
Camp Counselor
The most popular role is a general camp counselor, and it’s often considered the core of the summer camp experience. As a counselor, you’ll live in a cabin with campers and act as their primary support system throughout the day.
Your responsibilities typically include:
- Leading daily activities
- Supporting campers emotionally and socially
- Encouraging participation and inclusion
- Creating a safe, positive environment
Counselors are the heart of camp—and often the people campers remember for years to come.
Activity Specialist
If you have a specific skill or passion, you can apply for specialist roles. These positions allow you to focus on leading activities in your area of expertise while still being part of the wider camp community.
Common specialist roles at Maine summer camps include:
- Sports coaching (soccer, basketball, tennis)
- Waterfront (kayaking, sailing, lifeguarding)
- Creative arts (music, drama, crafts)
- Outdoor adventure (hiking, ropes course, climbing)
Many Maine camps offer a wide range of activities, from equestrian programs to waterskiing and performing arts, giving you the opportunity to teach something you genuinely enjoy.
Leadership & Support Roles
Beyond counselors and specialists, there are also leadership and support roles available at summer camps in Maine. These positions are ideal if you have prior experience or are looking to take on more responsibility.
Roles may include:
- Head counselors or group leaders
- Program directors
- Kitchen and operations staff
- Photographers, media teams, and admin roles
Whether you’re looking for a leadership role or your first summer job, there’s something for everyone at a Maine summer camp.
What Are the Requirements to Work at a Summer Camp in Maine?
One of the biggest advantages of working at a summer camp in Maine is that you don’t always need extensive experience to get started.
Most camps are primarily looking for people with the right attitude. This includes being positive, energetic, adaptable, and genuinely interested in working with children. Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team are also highly valued.
Some roles may require additional qualifications. For example, waterfront positions often require lifeguard certification, and many camps prefer staff who have First Aid and CPR training. Background checks are also a standard part of the hiring process.
The good news is that most camps provide comprehensive pre-season training. This means you’ll learn everything you need to know before campers arrive, including safety procedures, activity planning, and how to support campers effectively.
Salary, Perks & Benefits
When people search for summer camp counselor jobs in Maine, one of the most common questions is about pay.
While salaries vary depending on the type of camp and your role, day camps typically pay hourly, while overnight camps offer a weekly salary. However, the overall value of a camp job goes far beyond just your paycheck.
Typical benefits include:
- Free accommodation (cabins or shared housing)
- All meals provided
- Minimal living expenses
- A chance to save most of your earnings
In addition to financial benefits, camp jobs also offer long-term value. You gain hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication—skills that are highly transferable to future careers.
What Is It Like to Work at Camp?
A typical day working at a Maine summer camp is busy, social, and highly structured, but in the best way. While no two days are exactly the same, most camps follow a consistent schedule that helps create a sense of rhythm, stability, and energy throughout the day.
From the moment you wake up, you’re part of a shared experience. Mornings often begin with group activities or cabin time, setting the tone for the day and helping campers feel settled and supported.
Your day might include:
- Morning activities like swimming, team games, or cabin check-ins
- Leading or assisting structured activity sessions (sports, arts, waterfront, adventure)
- Eating meals with your campers and building relationships
- Supporting campers through social or emotional moments
- Evening events like campfires, performances, or all-camp games
One of the most unique parts of working at camp is how immersive it is. You’re not just leading activities—you’re living alongside your campers, sharing meals, conversations, and daily routines. This creates strong bonds and a real sense of community.
There’s also a balance between structure and spontaneity. While the schedule keeps things organized, some of the most memorable moments come from unexpected situations—whether it’s a spontaneous game, a meaningful conversation, or a camper achieving something for the first time.
Camp jobs are fast-paced and demanding, and they do require energy, patience, and adaptability. But they are also deeply rewarding. Over the course of the summer, you’ll:
- Build strong, lasting relationships
- Develop confidence and leadership skills
- Learn how to problem-solve in real time
By the end of the summer, most staff leave with a sense that they’ve been part of something meaningful—experiences that stay with you long after camp ends.
How to Apply for Summer Camp Jobs in Maine
Getting a job at a summer camp in Maine is more accessible than most people think — and you don’t always need prior experience.
At American Summer Camps (ASC), we help match you with camps that suit your skills, interests, and personality.
The process is simple:
- Apply online
- Speak with our team
- Get matched with a camp
- Prepare for your summer in the USA
We’ll support you throughout the process, from application to placement, so you feel confident every step of the way.
If you’re ready to do something different this summer, working at a camp in Maine is a great place to start.
Why Choose Maine Over Other Camp Locations?
There are summer camps across the United States, but Maine stands out as one of the top destinations for several reasons.
Classic American Camp Experience
Maine is often considered one of the original homes of the American summer camp tradition. Many camps have been running for generations, offering a well-established and high-quality experience.
Incredible Natural Environment
Maine’s natural setting is one of its biggest draws. With its lakes, forests, and coastline, it provides the perfect environment for outdoor activities and daily life at camp.
Strong Camp Community
Because there are so many camps located within the state, Maine has a strong and interconnected camp community. Staff often connect with people from nearby camps, creating a wider social network and enhancing the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Camp Jobs in Maine
Not necessarily. Most camps prioritize attitude, energy, and willingness to learn over formal experience. If you’ve worked with children, coached, volunteered, or been part of a team, that’s usually enough to get started.
Yes, most roles are paid. Compensation varies by camp and role, but many positions include salary plus free housing and meals, which means you can save a large portion of your earnings.
Most contracts run for 8 to 10 weeks during the summer, typically from June through August. Some camps may offer shorter or slightly longer programs depending on their schedule.
Yes. Many camps hire international staff each year, often through visa programs. This creates a diverse, global community and is a big part of the camp experience.
Working at camp helps you develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These are highly transferable and valued in future careers, especially in education, business, and people-focused roles.
Best Camps to Work at in Maine
Camp Laurel Co-ed Overnight Camp in Readfield, Maine
> more about Camp LaurelA parent’s decision to send their child to summer camp is a huge act of faith. At Camp Laurel, we take that obligation very seriously and uphold a setting that promotes safety, health, and a positive sense of self. We give campers chances to develop emotionally and physically, support their innate skills, and instill the advantages of community living. Our objective is to give our campers a fun and adventurous summer experience that inspires them to face life with courage, confidence, and a sense of self worth.
Camp Laurel is located on 160 acres in the Belgrade Lakes region of Maine, 20 minutes west of Augusta, the state capital. The camp is situated on 9-mile-long Echo Lake, just beyond the village of Kents Hill.
Camp North Star Co-ed Sleepaway Camp in Poland Springs, Maine
> more about Camp North StarCamp North Star is a traditional co-ed summer camp with multiple week options, located in southern Maine. Our campers’ ages range from 7 to 17 years old. Being a Camp North Star staff member is the most fun and rewarding summer job there is. As a staff member you will be living and working with campers and other staff members, developing life long friendships and gaining valuable work and life experience. In addition to a truly memorable summer experience, below are a number of details regarding working at camp that you should know before the summer.
Camp Laurel South Session Summer Camp in Casco, Maine
> more about Camp Laurel SouthCamp Laurel South is among the most prestigious, well-respected camps in the country. We offer quality instruction designed to allow children to participate in activities they love, while also allowing them to explore new and exciting opportunities.
At Laurel South, we pride ourselves on our professional, family atmosphere, our top instruction and the lifelong friendships made each summer. Our staff is made up of collegians and professionals who have a desire to make a difference in a child’s life.
Laurel South boasts top-notch facilities consisting of a beautiful waterfront with multiple beaches, a full-size theater, baseball fields, basketball centers, arts and crafts studios including photography, ceramics, ropes course with climbing wall, stables and riding rings, tennis courts, culinary center and more.
