Working at a summer camp can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. You’ll laugh, you may cry, you’ll unplug, and you’ll be challenged in more ways than you can imagine! You’ll learn so much about your campers, your fellow counselors, not to mention all of the things you’ll learn about yourself!
Forest Acres counselors on arrival day!
Working at Indian & Forest Acres puts you in the middle of an amazing community of people. Staff members travel to camp from all over the United States, not to mention all of the staff members from across the globe that make their way to Fryeburg, ME for the summer. Counselors and other staffers may still be college students, and they come from diverse backgrounds of teaching, the arts, business, and other professions. They all have one thing in common: they are excited to work with children.
Indian Acres counselors on a dance night!
Many of our staff members return to Indian & Forest Acres year after year! Some have been working here for over 20 summers, met their spouses here, and have brought their children to camp. Several staff members are also former campers, so the community ties are strong. Once you work at Indian & Forest Acres, you aren’t just another colleague – you become a member of an extended family.
There may even be a few staff dogs standing guard!
Take it from us, spending a summer on the Saco is definitely worth it!
From Geoff Newman, Camp Owner & Director: “Being a camp counselor is probably the hardest yet most rewarding job you will ever have. You are a child’s mentor, surrogate parent, friend, and Big brother/sister all at the same time. If you are interested in a career working with children or even if you are interested in being in Maine for the summer it is a job that will challenge you, frustrate you and gratify you. It will also NEVER be boring.”
From Moe Burness, Assistant Director: “I think working at summer camps; specifically, Indian and Forest Acres, can be the most or one of the most rewarding experiences young adults can have. It is an opportunity to share their love of working with children while being in a position to be a positive role model and impact the campers’ lives. Being a camp counselor could be the hardest job they will ever have, as it is 24/7, but the rewards are worth every minute.”
From Ruth, four years on staff: “I love being at camp because I love the community. I love seeing the girls grow with each other and bond.”
From Lisa, long-time camper & one year on staff: “It was so special to be able to spread my love for camp to the younger girls in my cabin.”
From Wendy, two years on staff: “Getting to teach amazing young women about safe hiking and the peace they can find in nature is the only way I want to spend the summer.”
From Carol, lifelong camper & one year on staff: “I love working at Forest Acres because creating a bond with a counselor was the most important thing to me as a camper, and now I get to be on the other side of that relationship.”
Check out this infographic from the American Camp Association about working at a summer camp!
Don’t just take our word for it, if you’re ready to spend your summer nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains at Indian & Forest Acres, click here to apply!
Can’t come to camp, but know someone who would be a great addition to the staff? Click here to refer a friend!