Available Positions

• Cabin/Activity Counselors (Full Summer)

  Caring for the well being of campers is a counselor's main job. In the cabin, counselors work together to create an environment that supports spiritual discovery, friendship, and fun. Counselors are responsible for the health, hygiene, and discipline of all campers in the cabin. Counselors oversee specific activities related to cabin life such as clean up, home letters, and cabin nights. Cabin counselors are models to campers: devotion to spiritual progress, cleanliness, punctuality, alertness to duties, understanding, and firmness are prerequisite to having a successful cabin.

  In activities, counselors are assigned to instruct campers for 5 teaching periods per day and in some cases may teach in more than one activity area. Counselors are assigned to activities daily based on days off and program needs. Counselors should come prepared for each class period with a new lesson plan that focuses on skill progression. Lessons should be implemented in a fun and creative way. A counselor is responsible for safety issues at their program site during each period and maintenance of the equipment. Counselors are supported and trained by the Director, Assistant Director, Head Counselor, and Program Director.

• Kitchen Staff (Partial/Full Summer)

  The kitchen staff assist in the kitchen 3 meals a day. Helping with food preparation and cooking, serving meals, washing dishes, and cleaning the kitchen are the kitchen staff's primary roles. A Head Cook will provide training, supervision, and guidance.

• Tripper (Full Summer)

  A tripper at Camps Newfound and Owatonna is responsible for leading wilderness day and overnight trips for all campers. Under the supervision of a Head Tripper, trippers will plan, organize, and implement trips. The tripper also maintains all inventory and is responsible for the care of trips gear. Training is provided by Camps Newfound and Owatonna; however, prior wilderness experience is valuable.

Staff FAQs

Here are some questions our potential counselors typically ask...

• When Does This Summer Job Start & End?

  Our summer season runs from early June to early August, with staff training starting as early as the first weekend in June for the 2025 season. Lifeguard Training begins on June 7 (arrival required the day before). Activity-specific training clinics occur between June 10-13 (dates vary by activity; arrive around dinner time the day before your first clinic).

  Pre-Camp starts on Friday, June 13 at 5 pm for all staff. The season concludes on Sunday, August 10 at lunchtime. Staff have the option to extend their contract by joining one or both weeks of Family Camp.

• Are Camps Newfound and Owatonna near a city?

  Newfound and Owatonna are located on Long Lake in Harrison, Maine. While Harrison has limited options, Bridgton, a short 15-minute drive, has everything you need, from restaurants to shops to a movie theater. Portland is about a 1-hour drive away, and there you will find a host of incredible food establishments, great shopping, islands to visit, and a fantastic beach! It’s a fun city to explore on a day off. If your interests lean more toward the natural world, some of the best hiking in the east is nearby in the White Mountains. One advantage of Newfound and Owatonna for staff is its location in Maine, with oceans, rivers, mountains, and a great coastal city easily accessible. There is a reason they call Maine “Vacationland!”

• Can I bring my car?

  Yes. It is nice to have a car, but it is not a necessity. If you don’t have a car, no worries! Usually, many staff are scheduled for each time-off period, and most are more than happy to carpool and offer each other rides.

• Can I bring my dog?

  Although we love dogs and do have some camp dogs, we don’t allow staff to bring their dogs or pets. However, at times we will make an exception if necessary. If you need more explanation or need to discuss further, please contact one of our directors.

• Is room & board included?

  Yes, we provide three meals a day plus snacks and assign you a cabin to live in.

• What are the cabins like?

  At Newfound - The cabins are located right by the lake, so the sound of lapping water will lull you to sleep at night as you watch the sunset through the windows. They're not fancy, but most people think the simplicity of our cabins really adds to the natural charm of camp. You'll also have a “cubie” – your very own personal dressing room, which will be located right near your cabin.

  At Owatonna - The cabins at Owatonna circle around a grove of pine trees, which can almost make you feel like you’re staying in a tree house. Similar to Newfound, they're not fancy, but offer a great place to hang your hat for the summer.

  At both camps, most cabins will have anywhere from four to eight campers, who are grouped by age and grade. You'll have your own bunk and a place to keep your things. The bathroom, showers, and lodge are all just a short walk away.

• My coach gave me a summer workout plan. Is there somewhere to work out?

  Counselors frequently work out in the mornings before the wake-up bell, or they do their workouts during their free time. We have a “rec hall” that is outfitted with weights and is a great place to work on strength training. Although it is located at Owatonna, it is available for both Owatonna and Newfound counselors. We also have a map of running routes of all distances leaving from camp on the local roads. Many of our counselors are student-athletes and we work hard over the summer to accommodate their summer training plans. Please be in touch with one of the directors if you need to discuss further.

• Is there internet access?

  Yes! There is wifi in a number of locations throughout camp but be mindful that we are in rural Maine so it might not have the bandwidth you are accustomed to.

• Is there a place for me to hang out at camp on my time off?

  Yes! There is a counselor cabin between Newfound and Owatonna. It is a great place to hang out on your time off with comfy couches, a stocked kitchen, bathroom, shower, tv, and wifi. It has a room with desks if you need a quiet space to work in. It is a great place to unwind and hang out with friends.

• How does Christian Science fit in at Camp?

  Those who love camp say that they love the environment of camp. That environment includes opportunities to try new things, make new friends, and have a fun time in a beautiful place, but what people mean when they talk about the environment of camp is that it is a place where Christian Science is lived and loved. Brotherly and sisterly love and unconditional support permeate the atmosphere of camp.

  You'll have time to read the Bible Lesson and prepare your thought every day, opportunities to share ideas at Morning Meeting, Wednesday testimony meetings, and in Sunday School - all activities that set your day and its activities on a firm spiritual foundation - and then you get to go out and demonstrate it. Each day you will have opportunities to overcome fears, challenge seeming limitations, and turn to God in prayer for guidance. You’ll experience and witness fast, complete healings, and the best part is that you can turn to the person next to you, no matter who that is, and know that they are willing to prayerfully support and encourage you. Cabin counselors and trip leaders will lead their campers during Quiet Time, where we study the lesson and the Bible. This is a great way for you to dig in deeper with your own study in preparation for these times - something many counselors have expressed appreciation for at the end of the summer.

• What is the cell phone policy?

  Camp is a "Technology Free Zone." We ask that you leave your phones to charge in Headquarters for Owatonna or the Doghouse for Newfound. Phones are not kept in the cabins with your campers. The campers are not allowed to use phones; it's part of our goal of being unplugged. We ask that you only use electronics away from campers during designated times and on your time off.

• What Are The Essential Skills A Counselor Needs to Work at Newfound and Owatonna?

  To work as a counselor at Camps Newfound and Owatonna, you’ll need a combination of strong interpersonal skills, a love for working with children, and the ability to lead by example. Inclusivity and compassion are essential, as you’ll be building meaningful connections with campers, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and understood. You’ll also need to be responsible and adaptable, as you’re often overseeing the well-being of campers 24/7, handling everything from daily activities to emotional support.

  Leadership is key—you’ll be guiding campers through both challenges and fun, and it’s important that you can motivate and inspire them. Strong communication skills are a must, not only to interact effectively with campers but also to work closely with your fellow counselors and camp administration. A passion for spiritual and personal growth, both your own and the campers', will make you a great fit, as you will be supporting fellow staff members and campers daily through your commitment to and practice of Christian Science. You’ll be helping campers develop confidence, resilience, and skills that will stick with them for life!