Trip Leader/Teen Leadership Instructor

Position Title: Trips and Leadership Educator (Overnight Camp Counselor Level 3)

Department: UMaine Cooperative Extension

Location: Tanglewood 4-H Camp, Lincolnville, Maine and Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp, Tenants Harbor, Maine

Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (June 10 to August 14, 2026)

Stipend Range: $4750 for 9.5 weeks, including paid training

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

To Apply: https://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood/employment/online-application-form/

Work Environment / Dynamics:

As a Trips and Leadership Educator (Level Three Overnight Camp Counselor), you will play an integral role in leading outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, guiding them through 3-8 day trips including camping, hiking, and canoeing adventures. You will participate in a comprehensive training to hone your practical skills, after which you’ll co-lead multiple-week sessions focused on essential leadership skills such as communication, team-building, and outdoor safety. Your responsibilities will include planning and implementing engaging lessons, supervising campers for their safety and well-being, preparing meals for trips, and driving 12-passenger vans to various program sites, all while modeling positive behavior and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities:

• You will attend and actively participate in staff training (which includes practical portions related to leading trips in Maine), where you will practice, review, and test your skills to feel comfortable leading and teaching campers. Training also includes learning more about camp and camp practices.
• You will co-lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1, 2, or 3 weeks, which include exciting 3-8 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).
• You will plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.
• You will prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, including food and equipment deliveries and emergency assistance.
• You will supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times, facilitating the resolution of group conflicts while encouraging problem-solving and decision-making, and you will live in and supervise a cabin of up to 6 participants.
• You will model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship of the environment.
• You will actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes to foster a supportive community.
• You will drive 12-passenger vans, sometimes towing a canoe trailer, to program sites alongside participants and other staff
• You will regularly evaluate the program with the Program Coordinator and Director to enhance the overall camp experience.

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Level Three Required:

• You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D).
• You need a minimum of 3 years of related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors, or equivalent

AND/OR

• You need to hold an additional certification that is value-added to keep our campers safe, like:
• Lifeguard certification
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification
• You have experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips

Preferred:

• You have a valid US driver’s license and are eligible to be authorized and approved as a university driver based on the . This camp is licensed by the State of Maine. You must meet the for driving vehicles, "Drivers of vehicles carrying campers must be at least 21 years of age and be approved by the camp’s auto liability insurer’s agent."
• Have experience driving 12-passenger vans
• You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors, like:
• Wilderness Responder Certification
• Small Craft Water Safety Certification
• With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35 lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lbs.) with others
• You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming.
• You are motivated to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
• You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers during outdoor programming

Benefits:

• Rustic and Shared Housing
• Equipment required for programming
• Meals
• Internet Access
• Opportunity for certification in wilderness first aid, first aid/CPR, lifeguarding, and/or 4-H Archery

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Temporary, Internship

Pay: $4,750.00 - $5,050.00 per year

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Preferred)
• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $4,750 - $5,050