WORK AT KIPPEWA

Group of five people, four children and one adult, smiling and posing in a sunny outdoor setting with trees and grass.

JOIN OUR SUMMER 2025 TEAM

Camp Kippewa offers a rewarding, challenging, and unforgettable summer experience for those who love working with children, being outdoors, and making a difference. Whether you’re teaching a skill, leading a bunk, or building lasting relationships, every staff member plays a key role in shaping our campers' summers and our camp culture.

This is more than just a summer job—it’s a chance to grow as a leader, gain lifelong friendships, and make a lasting impact.

QUICK LINKS

Five lifeguards in red swimsuits standing together in the ocean, smiling at the camera.

SUMMER 2025 DATES

Working at Kippewa is a full-time, immersive experience—and we’re looking for individuals who are dedicated, enthusiastic, and ready to make a difference.

All staff must be available from June 12 – August 10, 2025
Some roles may require an earlier arrival for pre-season training or certifications
Staff must be 18 years old by their arrival to camp
Prior experience working with children and teaching or coaching in a specific activity area is required

If you're passionate about empowering girls, eager to be part of a supportive team, and excited to spend the summer in the great outdoors, we’d love to hear from you!

WHAT IS CAMP KIPPEWA?

Kippewa is a traditional girls' overnight camp located in the beautiful Maine woods, nestled on the shores of Lake Cobbosseecontee. Our community is made up of three distinct camp programs:

Camp Kippewa: A traditional three-and-a-half-week experience that fosters adventure, creativity, and personal growth. With a customized schedule, campers design a summer that reflects their unique interests and passions.
Camp Kippewa Point: A complete two-week traditional camp experience, where campers engage in a wide range of activities through a unique hybrid scheduling approach that balances structure with the freedom to explore their interests.
Kippewa Equestrian Academy: A specialized equestrian camp designed for riders of all levels, featuring top-tier instruction and a world-class facility.

Staff join us for the full 8-week season, supporting and engaging with all of our programs.

Two people in helmets high-five in a forested area, wearing climbing harnesses and casual clothing, during an outdoor adventure or ropes course activity.

Three people wearing helmets and harnesses outdoors. A woman is holding a child who is smiling at the camera, while another child stands nearby. They are likely preparing for a climbing or zip lining activity.

WHY WORK AT CAMP KIPPEWA

Because it’s the best summer job you’ll ever have—seriously.

Camp is a place where you get to be your authentic self, unplug from the outside world, and connect deeply with others. It’s also one of the most fun, rewarding, and formative experiences you can have.

At Kippewa, you’ll:

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children
Gain real-world experience in leadership, teaching, and teamwork
Build friendships that last a lifetime
Explore the outdoors and try new things
Develop communication, problem-solving, and resilience skills
Work hard, laugh harder, and grow in ways you never expected

APPLY NOW

Ready to make a difference this summer? Apply Now and join the Kippewa team!

Young gymnast practicing balance beam with coach in gym

Group of girls sitting around a campfire area with a 'Campfire' sign, surrounded by trees and string lights, at dusk.

Two people sitting on grass playing acoustic guitars near trees.

Group of people, including children and adults, in colorful costumes and props on a stage, posing cheerfully in front of a painted backdrop.

Group of women and one man posing outdoors in a park, wearing casual athletic clothing, with trees in the background.

A young girl helps a woman adjust her climbing harness near a climbing wall outdoors.

Smiling lifeguard sitting on a chair wearing sunglasses and holding a red lifeguard float.

Girl with a basketball being coached by a woman with a notepad on an outdoor court.

Three people wearing plaid shirts and headbands smiling at an indoor event.

STAFF LIFE AT KIPPEWA

Most staff are hired as Camp Counselors, and they take on a dual role:

Live in a cabin with 8–12 campers and 2 other counselors
Teach or assist in a specific activity area (arts, sports, waterfront, equestrian, adventure, etc.)

Counselors are role models, big sisters, cheerleaders, coaches, and caretakers. They help campers build confidence, make friends, and feel at home. Each counselor is supported by:

Head Counselors, who oversee all aspects of bunk life by age group
Activity Heads, who provide guidance and mentorship in your program area

We understand that time to rest and recharge is essential for our staff to be at their best. That’s why we prioritize meaningful time off throughout the summer. Staff receive six scheduled days off, one period off each day, and two out of every three nights off to relax, explore, or simply unwind. On nights off, you’re free to leave camp after lights-out, with a curfew of 12:30 AM and a quick check-in upon return.

To help you enjoy your downtime, we provide free transportation to local tourist destinations and must-see spots around Maine. On camp, staff have access to a dedicated staff lounge—a cozy space to recharge, connect with friends, or check in with family. We’re committed to supporting your well-being, because when our staff are cared for, everyone thrives.

Three people outdoors with one man wearing a "Judge" shirt and two women holding flags, one red and one blue. They appear to be at a team event or camp activity.

TRAINING & ORIENTATION

We want every staff member to feel confident, prepared, and supported from day one—which is why we kick off the summer with a comprehensive 8+ day staff orientation. This dynamic and engaging training sets the tone for the season, helping you feel ready to lead, teach, and care for our campers with intention and heart. During orientation, you will:

Learn about child development and best practices for camper care
Understand how to create an emotionally and physically safe environment
Prepare for your activity area with lesson planning and hands-on training
Build strong relationships through team-building and communication exercises
Get to know Kippewa’s culture, policies, and expectations
Receive personalized coaching from experienced Activity Heads and leadership staff

Orientation is also your chance to connect with fellow staff members, settle into camp life, and step into the summer feeling inspired, informed, and supported. Our leadership team is by your side every step of the way.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Bring your energy, creativity, and skills to life by leading campers in fun, engaging activities across camp. These roles are perfect for individuals with teaching, coaching, or strong skill-based experience in a specific area.

Positions include:
- Swimming & Lifeguarding
- Boating (Canoeing, Kayaking, SUP)
- Fine & Visual Arts (Painting, Ceramics, Jewelry, Sewing, etc.)
- Athletics (Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball, Archery, etc.)
- Outdoor Adventure (Climbing Wall, Outdoor Living Skills, etc.)
- Performing Arts (Theater, Dance, Music, Stage Crew)

Join our Kippewa Equestrian Academy and help deliver a top-tier riding experience for campers. These positions are ideal for those with a strong background in horsemanship, English riding, or barn management.

Positions include:
- Riding Instructors
- Barn Assistants

Support the wellness of our camp community as part of our friendly and experienced medical team. These roles are vital in helping campers stay healthy, safe, and cared for throughout the summer.
Positions include:
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants / Student Health Aides

Behind every magical camp moment is a team that keeps things running smoothly. These roles are perfect for individuals who love working behind the scenes to support a positive camper and staff experience.

Positions include:
- Kitchen Staff (Cooks, Prep, Dishwashers)
- Maintenance & Grounds Crew
- Housekeeping & Laundry
- Office & Administrative Assistants

All Kippewa counselors have a dual role:
- Live in a cabin with 8–12 campers and 2–3 co-counselors
- Teach or assist in an activity area based on your skills and experience
Counselors are role models, leaders, coaches, caregivers, and cheerleaders. You’ll be supported by a team of supervisors, including a Head Counselor for your age group and an Activity Head for your instructional area.
Counselors live in the same cabin as their campers, helping create a strong sense of community and connection. Cabins have:
- Bunk beds
- Bathrooms with showers and toilets
- Cubbies for storage and personal space
While privacy is limited, the shared experience creates strong bonds and unforgettable memories.
Support staff and office positions live in a shared cabin with peers.
A typical day includes:
- 8:00 AM wake-up, 8:30 AM flag raising, 8:45 AM breakfast
- Activities run from 9:50 AM to 5:15 PM, with meals and rest breaks
- Evening activities from 7:15 PM, followed by lights out (between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM, depending on age group)
You’ll also have free time, time off, and scheduled rest periods to recharge.
Yes! WiFi is available in the staff lounge Cell phones can be used in designated staff areas only (not in bunks or camper spaces)
Staff dress should be clean, comfortable, and activity-appropriate. You’ll mostly wear shorts and t-shirts during the day, with warmer layers for cooler evenings. One-piece swimsuits are required for staff in waterfront area.
You’ll receive 2 Kippewa staff shirts to wear on opening/closing days and off-camp trips. Free laundry is available at night once you're off duty or you can include your laundry bag in your cabin’s laundry day.
You can arrive by car, plane, or bus. Flights typically come into Portland, Maine, or Boston, where you can take a bus to Maine. Bus arrivals are at the Augusta, Maine terminal. We’ll coordinate your pickup and help get you settled once you arrive.