• Gifts of Cash: The CARES Act allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to make up to $300 of charitable contributions to qualified charities. Itemizers can deduct up to 100% of adjusted gross income. As of now, this only applies to 2020.
• Stock or Securities: Make a gift of stock or securities to Agassiz Village and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation of your stock. Please call Lisa Carter, Executive Director, at 781-860-0200 ext.1006 to make your stock gift.
• Individual Retirement Account: If you or a family member are 70½ or older with an individual retirement account (IRA), you can make a tax-free gift to Agassiz Village directly from your IRA. This is called a qualified charitable distribution. Through the SECURE Act you can transfer any amount up to $100,000 per year directly to a qualified charitable organization without paying income tax on the distribution.
• Donor-Advised Funds: Give through your donor-advised fund to maximize your impact. Your fund sponsor handles all record-keeping, disbursements, and tax receipts.
SUMMER 2027 POSITIONS
LEADERSHIP STAFF
The Health Center Manager (RN) is a key member of our summer leadership team, responsible for overseeing all aspects of camper and staff health and wellness at Agassiz Village. This licensed professional leads the daily operations of our Health Center, manages medication administration, responds to medical needs, and ensures compliance with state and ACA standards.
Behavioral Health Manager (Camper Care Lead)
The Behavioral Health Manager (Camper Care Lead) is the primary clinical professional responsible for supporting the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing (MESH) of campers ages 8–17. This LCISW/LCSW‑level role provides direct behavioral‑health support, guides staff in responding to camper needs, and helps create a safe, inclusive, trauma‑responsive camp environment.
The Agassiz Village Waterfront Director oversees all waterfront operations, ensuring the safety, supervision, and positive experience of approximately 150 campers ages 8–17 and a team of 6–7 lifeguards. This role manages all water‑based activities—including swimming instruction, boating, canoeing, fishing, and watercraft programming—while maintaining strict compliance with Maine Department of Health regulations and American Camp Association (ACA) standards.
The Assistant Head Chef supports the Head Chef in preparing and serving three nutritious meals daily for approximately 150 campers and 90 staff members. This role helps ensure smooth kitchen operations, assists with meal preparation and service, and provides daily supervision and guidance to a team of seven kitchen assistants. The Assistant Head Chef plays a key role in maintaining a positive, efficient, and safe kitchen environment that aligns with the mission and values of Agassiz Village.
EMT
The Health Center EMT is an essential part of our summer wellness team, supporting the daily operations of the Agassiz Village Health Center and helping ensure the safety and wellbeing of every camper and staff member. Working alongside our Health Center Manager (RN), the EMT provides first‑response care, assists with medication routines, documents health visits, and transports campers or staff to local medical facilities when needed.
This is a great role for an EMT who enjoys working with youth, thrives in a community setting, and wants to make a meaningful impact in a fun, fast‑paced overnight camp environment. The EMT lives on‑site for the summer and plays a key part in creating a safe, healthy, and supportive camp experience.
The Village Leader oversees all aspects of cabin life for a village of approximately 20 campers and 6 counselors. This role ensures a safe, supportive, and fun experience for campers while guiding staff in daily programming, behavior management, conflict resolution, and overall well‑being. Village Leaders are hands‑on leaders who build positive cabin culture, support counselors, communicate camper needs, and uphold Agassiz Village’s mission and policies. They coordinate schedules, manage village operations, and help campers fully engage in camp life.
The Agassiz Village Activities Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all programming and program counselors (archery, performing arts, yoga, art, nature, sports, etc.). They are also responsible for implementing all-camp activity curriculum, guidelines and procedures that align with the program goals and outcomes Agassiz wants to achieve.
Staff Support & Logistics Coordinator
The Staff Support & Logistics Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring smooth daily operations at Agassiz Village during our 8‑week summer camp program. This highly flexible, behind‑the‑scenes role supports the Staffing Director, assists with staff onboarding and morale initiatives, manages transportation needs for campers and staff, and helps maintain efficient camp logistics. This position requires excellent organization, strong communication skills, a calm and supportive presence, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed.
COUNSELOR STAFF
The Agassiz Village Camp Counselor is responsible for the daily well‑being, supervision, and positive development of a cabin group of 10–12 campers ages 8–17. Counselors ensure campers stay on schedule, participate fully in activities, and experience a safe, supportive, and fun camp environment.
The Agassiz Village Archery Counselor delivers safe, engaging, and developmentally aligned archery programming for youth ages 8–17. This role is responsible for planning and facilitating daily archery curriculum, maintaining equipment and safety standards, and creating an encouraging learning environment where campers build skills, confidence, and character.
The Agassiz Village Arts & Crafts Counselor develops and facilitates creative, engaging, and age‑appropriate art programming for youth ages 8–17 throughout our 6‑week summer season. This role is responsible for designing lessons that spark imagination, build confidence, and encourage campers to explore a wide range of artistic mediums—including collage, printmaking, sculpture, painting, tie‑dye, candle making, puppetry, mask‑making, and multi‑media projects.
The Agassiz Village Challenge Course Counselor facilitates safe, engaging, and developmentally aligned adventure programming for youth ages 8–17 on our High & Low Ropes Course and climbing elements. This role is responsible for planning daily curriculum, setting up and breaking down course elements, guiding campers through activities, and maintaining strict safety standards in accordance with ACCT and ACA guidelines.
The Agassiz Village Dance Counselor facilitates daily dance programming and provides performance opportunities, classes, and individualized instruction for youth ages 8–17. This role ignites creativity, inspires confidence, and encourages self‑expression through movement and performing arts.
Social & Emotional Learning & Teen Leadership Counselor
The Agassiz Village Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) & Teen Leadership Counselor facilitates daily SEL programming for youth ages 8–17 and leads specialized Teen Workshops designed to build leadership, communication, identity awareness, and life skills. This role is responsible for planning curriculum, facilitating experiential learning activities, supporting camper growth, and maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment.
Waterfront & Aquatics Counselor
The Agassiz Village Waterfront & Aquatics Counselor is responsible for delivering safe, engaging, and developmentally aligned water‑based programming for youth ages 8–17. This includes teaching swimming lessons, lifeguarding during free swim, and leading boating, canoeing, banana boating, fishing, and other waterfront activities.
The Agassiz Village Nature Counselor facilitates engaging outdoor and nature‑based programming for youth ages 8–17. This role is responsible for planning daily nature and outdoor‑living curriculum, preparing lessons and materials, leading hands‑on activities, and maintaining a safe learning environment.
Camper Care & Behavioral Health Intern
This position is open to applicants currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Behavioral/Wellness Health, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, or other M.E.S.H.-related fields. The Camper Care & Behavioral Health Intern plays a critical role in supporting the behavioral, emotional, and social wellness of campers ages 8–17 throughout their time at our overnight summer camp. Interns build strong, positive relationships with youth, provide direct support during moments of challenge, and serve as a resource for seasonal staff.
FAQs
What is the hiring process?
Our hiring process is designed to be clear, supportive, and efficient.
Here’s how it works:
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Submit your application through our online portal.
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First interview (usually 20–30 minutes).
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Second interview if needed for leadership or specialized roles.
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Reference checks for all finalists.
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Offer letter sent via email.
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Onboarding & paperwork (I‑9, payroll, certifications, etc.).
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Pre‑season communication from your supervisor.
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Arrival for staff training at camp.
Do I need previous camp experience to apply?
No. Many of our best staff members were first‑time camp employees. We look for people who are caring, energetic, flexible, and excited to work with youth. Training is provided for all roles.
Do I need to live on site?
Yes. All seasonal summer positions require living on site at Agassiz Village in Poland, Maine. Housing and meals are provided for the full contract period.
What is the time commitment?
Most contracts run from mid‑June through early August, including staff training, the full camp season, and end‑of‑season wrap‑up. Exact dates will be provided in your offer letter.
Is food and housing included?
Yes. All staff receive free housing and meals for the entire contract. This includes staff training, camp sessions, and intersessions.
What are the living arrangements like?
Staff typically live in cabins with campers and other staff members. Leadership roles may have separate housing. Cabins are rustic, communal, and part of the full camp experience.
What does a typical day look like?
Days are full, meaningful, and busy. Staff lead activities, supervise campers, support cabin life, attend meals, participate in evening programs, and help create a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Breaks are scheduled daily.
How much time off do staff get?
Staff receive scheduled time off each week. Our Staffing Director and Staff Support & Logistics Coordinator help organize transportation and off‑camp activities.
What training is provided?
All staff must complete a 10-day training covering:
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Youth development & Social and Emotional Learning
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Behavior management
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Safety protocols
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Emergency procedures
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Activity‑specific training
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Camp culture & expectations
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Some roles receive additional certifications (lifeguarding, ropes course, etc.).
Can I apply with a friend?
Yes! Many staff apply with friends or classmates. While we cannot guarantee cabin or role placement together, we love when friends join our community.
What qualities make someone successful at Agassiz Village?
We look for people who are:
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Kind and compassionate
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Flexible and adaptable
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Energetic and playful
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Strong communicators
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Calm under pressure
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Creative problem‑solvers
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Team‑oriented
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Passionate about youth development.
Do I need to be certified before arriving?
Some roles require certifications (lifeguarding, WSI, ACCT, etc.). If you don’t have them, we provide training during staff training week whenever possible.
Is transportation provided for staff on days off?
Yes. Our Staff Support & Logistics Coordinator organizes transportation for staff days off and assists with camper transportation needs.
What is the camp’s mission?
Agassiz Village prepares youth for life’s journey by helping them build confidence, leadership skills, resilience, and meaningful connections.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can reach our Program Manger here for any questions about roles, applications, or the hiring process.
INTERESTED IN A VOLUNTEER POSITION?
Agassiz Village is largely powered by our amazing volunteers! We have a huge range of year-round tasks that could use an extra set of hands. If you would like to volunteer, please tell us about yourself and how you'd like to be involved by filling out the Interest Form, and we'll be in touch. You can also check out our other volunteer opportunities.