We are now hiring for Summer 2026!
Are you 16 or older and looking for a fun, meaningful summer job working in the outdoors with hourly pay? Spend your summer outside with kids, hiking forest trails, swimming in the pool, playing sports, making art, visiting farm animals, and so much more! As a Camp Counselor, you will be paid for training and gain valuable outdoor skills and certifications while positively impacting children aged 4-14 years old. We’re happy to collaborate with your school to offer internship opportunities in a range of majors and fields.
Summer Staff Application
“I started with a lot of kids who were really shy or upset to be here, and I put in a lot of work getting them to open up and feel safe. Looking over my shoulder and seeing a trail of tiny campers sticking to me like barnacles with love in their eyes melted my heart.”
-Camp Counselor
Head Counselor: Supervise a group of up to 15 counselors, and conduct weekly, midsummer, and end-of-summer evaluations with assigned staff. Fill in for counselors when necessary and assist in daily camp operations. This position is 21+.
Summer Camp Counselor: Work directly with a group of 5-16 campers ages 4-14. Prior experience preferred. Age groups are as follows:
- Cottontails: Ages 4-5, 1:5 camper-to-staff ratio
- Woodchucks: Ages 6-7, 1:5 camper-to-staff ratio
- Chipmunks: Ages 8-9, 1:6 camper-to-staff ratio
- Bobcats: Ages 10-11, 1:8 camper-to-staff ratio
- Black Bears: Ages 12-14, 1:8 camper-to-staff ratio
Junior Counselors: Work directly with a group of 10-16 campers with a Senior Counselor. Must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid CPR/First Aid Certification (local training available). Prior experience is preferred but not necessary.
Part Time Counselor -Chickadee Camp Are you an education student looking to gain experience in the field this summer? The Farm & Forest Preschool at Ketcha Outdoors has an opening for a part-time camp counselor. We can arrange for this role to count as an internship as well. If you’re looking for full-time work, we can also discuss ways to increase your hours by combining roles in our preschool camp and main summer camp programs. Interested applicants should email a resume and cover letter to Kailina Mills at kmills@ketchaoutdoors.org.
2026 Specialty/Program Positions
Program Area Positions: Must be 18 years of age or older. Program area counselors lead activities for groups of campers ages 4-14 in one-hour blocks. We are looking for staff who are creative, enthusiastic about their program area, and who work well with children.
Working at a Specialty Camp at Camp Ketcha offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience, allowing staff to engage deeply with specific themes and activities tailored to campers’ unique interests. Specialty Camps at Ketcha are designed around various themes such as art, nature discovery, outdoor survival, and more, providing campers with immersive experiences led by staff, special guest visitors, and field trips.
Summer Camp Specialty Camps Program Head Counselor
Camp Ketcha emphasizes a nurturing, supportive, and enjoyable environment. Staff members undergo thorough training in areas such as child development, risk management, emergency procedures, and waterfront safety. All staff are required to have First Aid and CPR certifications, and comprehensive background checks are conducted to ensure the safety and well-being of campers. View Our Specialty Camps Here.
Sports Program
Running a sports specialty camp at Camp Ketcha involves leading activities in areas such as ropes, archery, sports, and lifeguarding. As a Program Area Counselor, your primary responsibility is to lead activity sessions for groups of campers aged 4-14, focusing on your designated specialty. This role requires creativity, enthusiasm, and a passion for working with children. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Summer Camp Sports Program Counselor
Summer Camp Archery Program Counselor
Summer Camp Ropes Program Counselor
In addition to leading activities, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of campers during sessions. This includes setting up equipment, providing instruction, supervising activities, and maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. For lifeguarding roles, specific certifications such as Lifeguard Training and Water Safety Instructor certification are required.
Camp Ketcha emphasizes a supportive and engaging work environment. This is a high-energy environment with supportive staff and rewarding work.
Arts and Music Program
As an Arts and Music Counselor at Camp Ketcha, you have the opportunity to inspire and guide campers aged 4-14 through creative and expressive activities in areas such as arts and crafts, drama, and music. Your role involves developing and leading engaging programs that foster creativity, self-expression, and collaboration among campers.
Summer Camp Arts and Crafts Counselor: In this position, you are responsible for planning and implementing art projects that cater to various age groups and skill levels. This includes preparing materials, demonstrating techniques, and assisting campers in creating their artwork. Additionally, you may assist camp leadership in organizing full camp events.
Summer Camp Drama and Music Program Counselor: As a Drama and Music Program Counselor, your focus is on developing and leading activities that encourage campers to explore performing arts. This may involve organizing theater games, facilitating musical performances, and guiding campers in expressing themselves through drama and music.
Outdoor Education Program
Serving as an Outdoor Education Counselor at Camp Ketcha offers a rewarding opportunity to engage with campers aged 4-14, fostering their appreciation for nature and developing essential outdoor skills. Positions such as Summer Camp Environmental Education Program Counselor, Farm and Garden Program Counselor, and Living Skills Program Counselor each provide unique experiences:
Summer Camp Environmental Education Program Counselor
In this role, you will lead educational activities that teach campers about local ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental stewardship. Responsibilities include planning nature hikes, facilitating hands-on learning experiences, and encouraging curiosity about the natural world. This position requires a passion for environmental education and the ability to engage young minds in outdoor exploration.
As a Farm and Garden Program Counselor, you will guide campers in understanding sustainable agriculture and the importance of growing food. Duties involve managing the camp’s garden spaces, teaching basic gardening techniques, and possibly caring for farm animals. This role is ideal for individuals enthusiastic about agriculture, animal care, and educating children on sustainability concepts.
Summer Camp Outdoor Living Skills Program Counselor
In this position, you will teach campers essential outdoor living skills such as shelter building, fire safety, navigation, and basic survival techniques. The goal is to instill confidence and self-reliance in campers while fostering a deep connection to the outdoors. Experience in outdoor education and a passion for teaching practical skills are crucial for this role.
Summer Camp Forest Workshop Program Director
NEW – The Forest Workshop Program Counselor is responsible for planning and implementing programming for Camp Ketcha’s new Forest Workshop program area. This role brings Scandinavian-style forest school principles to life, engaging campers ages 4–14 in hands-on building, creativity, and outdoor exploration. Campers will use a mix of natural and provided materials, along with simple tools such as hand saws, hammers, screwdrivers, drills, rope, clamps, and more, to create forts, bridges, nature-based STEM projects, and other child-led structures.
Camp Ketcha operates on a 12-week schedule from mid-June to late August, with each week featuring a unique theme, special events, and activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both campers and staff. Serving as a Counselor at Camp Ketcha is a fulfilling experience that combines education, leadership, and the joy of working with children in a beautiful natural setting. Camp Ketcha offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives, develop valuable skills, and be part of a dedicated team in a supportive and enriching environment.
*The responsibilities listed above are brief statements and are not all-inclusive. Job descriptions and personnel policies will be provided. All staff must have CPR/First Aid Certification by the first day of camp. Summer camp positions are 35-40+ hours per week. Traditional counselors work Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Early-care and Late-care, certain weeks may alter this schedule slightly.
Please call 207-883-8977 ext 104 with any questions or email jobs@ketchaoutdoors.org.
