Camp Counselor / Wilderness Trip Leader
Kieve Wavus Education, Inc.
Jefferson, Maine and Nobleboro, Maine
Inspire campers, ages 8–16, through Maine adventures and lifelong friendships at Kieve Wavus
Currently recruiting for the season from June 9th, 2026 to August 15th, 2026.
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.
Located on Damariscotta Lake, both Kieve and Wavus camps have access to the beauty of being on the water all summer in Midcoast Maine. Camp Kieve for boys is located in Nobleboro while Wavus Camp for girls is located in Jefferson, on the opposite side of the lake.
Year after year our staff talk about this being the best job ever ... and our alumni echo it long after departing for their careers. Each counselor we hire is responsible for one group of campers in each of our two sessions. Our staff lead campers on progressively longer wilderness trips throughout each of the campers years. Eight-year-olds complete one overnight and a two-night trip while our 16-17 year olds go on a 22-day expedition through the Maine portion of the Appalachian Mountain range. We have 2 great camps, Camp Kieve and Wavus Camp both settled on the beautiful Damariscotta Lake!
While Kieve and Wavus are on opposite sides of Damariscotta Lake, our staff are apart 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!
Most candidates are college students who want to be challenged by leading wilderness trips while also becoming a leader and role model for campers. From lake activities to sports, to world-class challenge courses—it is a special place to live and work during the summer months.
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!
Our counselors do all sorts of fun activities on their time off.
Jefferson, Maine and Nobleboro, Maine
Inspire campers, ages 8–16, through Maine adventures and lifelong friendships at Kieve Wavus
Jefferson, Maine and Nobleboro, Maine
Join Our Summer Camp Health Team: RN Opportunity on Beautiful Damariscotta Lake
Responsible for helping to lead your cabin of up to 13 campers and your one to two wilderness trips each session. Younger kids go on two trips and the oldest campers go on single expeditions. We can help with getting the gear you need and on travel to and from camp. You tap into an amazing professional network and shouldn't have to spend much if any money all summer. Ideally, 18-21 year olds who love working with kids and being outside. Camping experience is not required, but must be willing to learn!
Summer Camp Counselors
Summary
Our camps are exceptional because of our counselor staff. Kieve and Wavus Head Bunk Counselors, Counselors, and Junior Counselors are outstanding role models whom our campers strive in emulation of. They lead wilderness trips, in-camp activities, and are in loco parentis for two sessions of campers. They love working with kids and are eager to share what they are passionate about, whether sailing, archery, pottery, canoeing, nature, and so much more.
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.
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, 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.
Responsible to: Summer Camp Directors
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.
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