Camp Mah-Kee-Nac reports that an average of 70% of its staff return each summer. With a “Community Over Everything” philosophy and a setting on Stockbridge Bowl in the Berkshires, counselors combine teaching their favorite activities with mentoring campers. Explore coaching, waterfront, and specialty roles for summer 2027.
What makes a summer camp job worth coming back to year after year?
At Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in Lenox, Massachusetts, the camp reports that an average of 70% of its staff return each summer. That level of continuity says something important about the experience, the relationships, and the community that staff become part of.
It’s also a reflection of the camp’s guiding philosophy: Community Over Everything.
Located on the shores of Stockbridge Bowl in the Berkshires, Mah-Kee-Nac is a traditional boys’ overnight camp where counselors have a distinctive dual role. They’re instructors and specialists who teach the activities they know and love, but they’re also bunk counselors who live alongside their campers, mentor them, and become an important part of their daily lives.
For college students considering summer camp jobs in Massachusetts, that combination of teaching, mentoring, and community is what makes Mah-Kee-Nac worth exploring.
Community Over Everything: More Than a Camp Motto
At Mah-Kee-Nac, community isn’t limited to the friendships campers develop. It extends to the counselors, coaches, specialists, and leadership team who work together throughout the summer.
The camp’s emphasis on relationships creates an environment where returning staff help introduce new counselors to the traditions, responsibilities, and experiences that define Mah-Kee-Nac.
That continuity matters. Returning counselors bring experience and familiarity with the program, while new staff contribute fresh ideas, skills, and energy.
For a first-time counselor, joining an established staff community can make the transition to residential camp life especially meaningful.
A Different Kind of Counselor: Teaching by Day, Mentoring Throughout the Summer
One of the defining aspects of Mah-Kee-Nac’s staffing model is that counselors have two important responsibilities.
During activity periods, they’re coaches, instructors, and specialists. A college basketball player might coach boys on the court. A photography student might teach campers how to use a camera. A certified lifeguard might help lead activities on the waterfront.
But their responsibilities don’t end when the activity period is over.
As bunk counselors, they live with campers, participate in cabin life, help boys navigate everyday challenges, and build relationships that extend far beyond their specialty.
This gives staff opportunities to develop two complementary skill sets: teaching and leadership within their areas of expertise, and the communication, patience, responsibility, and mentorship required to support children throughout the summer.
Why Do So Many Mah-Kee-Nac Counselors Return?
Mah-Kee-Nac reports an average staff return rate of approximately 70% each summer.
The camp’s published staff interviews offer some perspective on what draws people back.
Ryan Butler, featured as a Staffing Coordinator and Head Counselor, spoke about being attracted to Mah-Kee-Nac’s community and the variety of activities available to staff. He also described looking forward to reconnecting with campers and fellow staff members.
Campus Leader Fabiola Báez García shared that her sister’s positive experience encouraged her to work at Mah-Kee-Nac. She later spoke about the experience of seeing returning campers grow and mature.
Their experiences illustrate an important part of residential camping: the relationships don’t necessarily end when the summer does.
For college students considering their first summer camp job, the opportunity to join a community with so many returning staff members is worth considering.
Summer Camp Jobs on Stockbridge Bowl in the Berkshires
Mah-Kee-Nac’s location is another important part of the experience.
Situated on Stockbridge Bowl in Lenox, Massachusetts, the camp offers a lakefront setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the Berkshire Mountains.
That setting supports a wide variety of summer employment opportunities.
Sports Coaching and Athletics
Mah-Kee-Nac’s extensive athletics program includes basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, football, hockey, pickleball, and other sports.
College athletes, club sports participants, and aspiring coaches have opportunities to teach fundamentals, develop campers’ skills, and share their enthusiasm for athletics.
Waterfront and Outdoor Adventure
The camp’s Stockbridge Bowl waterfront provides opportunities for qualified staff interested in swimming, lifeguarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Outdoor adventure activities create additional opportunities for applicants interested in ropes courses, mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor education.
Creative Arts, STEM, and Media
Mah-Kee-Nac also recruits staff with experience in photography, videography, filmmaking, podcasting, music, woodworking, culinary arts, STEM, and other creative specialties.
For college students pursuing careers in education, media, the arts, or related fields, these positions offer an opportunity to share their skills while gaining hands-on teaching experience.
What Can You Gain From Working at Mah-Kee-Nac?
Working at a boys’ overnight camp combines professional development with the personal experience of living and working in a close-knit community.
Counselors develop communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining experience working with children.
Depending on the position, Mah-Kee-Nac has also advertised benefits including seasonal compensation, housing and meals, travel assistance, and internship opportunities.
Applicants should confirm current employment terms and qualifications for summer 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in Lenox, Massachusetts, recruits counselors, coaches, waterfront instructors, outdoor adventure staff, and activity specialists for its traditional boys’ overnight camp in the Berkshires.
Yes. Mah-Kee-Nac counselors typically combine their responsibilities as activity instructors or specialists with bunk counseling. They live with campers and participate in daily cabin life, providing mentorship and supervision throughout the summer.
Mah-Kee-Nac reports an average staff return rate of approximately 70% each summer. The camp emphasizes its philosophy of Community Over Everything, with returning counselors helping maintain the relationships, traditions, and staff culture that define the experience.
Yes. Mah-Kee-Nac recruits staff with experience in basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, and other sports. Coaching opportunities are combined with the responsibilities of working in a residential boys’ camp community.
Yes. The camp offers opportunities in waterfront activities, outdoor adventure, creative arts, photography, videography, STEM, music, culinary arts, and other specialty programs, depending on seasonal hiring needs.
Explore Summer 2027 Jobs at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
For college students looking for summer camp jobs in Massachusetts, Mah-Kee-Nac offers more than a list of counselor and instructor positions.
Its combination of a longstanding staff community, a distinctive counselor model, a lakefront setting in the Berkshires, and an extensive range of programs creates opportunities for students with many different skills and interests.
Whether you’re a college athlete, aspiring teacher, outdoor enthusiast, or creative arts student, you can explore how your interests might fit into the Mah-Kee-Nac community.
