Available Jobs
We have everything under the sun . . . and indoors too! Our wide-range of camp activities encourages campers to pursue new interests, create friendships and develop individual strengths. Creating Matoaka Magic and memories every year. Our activities allow our campers to develop fitness and sports skills, enjoy the waterfront, and pursue choice-based arts, adventure, and athletic activities. Campers have the freedom to create customized camp experiences as they choose from over 30 activities.
Click on the below activities and see what positions are available for Summer 2023!
Archery
(2 Staff Positions)
Our Archery Program provides campers with instruction and experience in archery. Campers receive instruction in the relevant rules, skills, competition techniques, and strategies. Instruction is provided for girls of all ages and experiences. We provide instruction to small groups of campers organized according to age and skill level. All necessary equipment is provided.
Candidates should be able to teach basic rules and skills to younger campers and advanced skills, strategies, and techniques to the older campers. The minimum requirement for Archery staff is a high level of practical knowledge in the sport. We will provide a basic training course and certification for the staff.
Creative Arts
6 Staff PositionsMetals/Jewlery
Wood Burning
Fine Arts
Personal experience, knowledge, and training in one or more of the following areas are required: Jewelry making, stained glass, metal-smithing, leather work, screen printing painting, drawing, tie dye. Instructors should be experienced leading a group of children to express their creativity through art.
Basketball
(2 Staff Positions)Our Basketball Program provides campers with instruction in the relevant rules, skills, competition techniques, and strategies. Playing experience is provided for girls of all ages. Campers can play at daily games and activities or on our elective inter-camp sports teams. On our outdoor, lighted basketball court, we provide instruction to small groups of campers organized according to age (often by bunk) and skill level. All necessary equipment is provided.
Candidates should be able to teach basic rules and skills to younger campers and advanced skills, strategies, and techniques to the older campers. Basketball coaches and/or College-level players are preferred.
Golf
(1 Staff Position)
Our Golf Program provides campers with instruction in the relevant rules, skills, competition techniques, and strategies. Playing experience is provided for girls of all ages. At the entrance of camp, surrounded by towering pine trees, Matoaka’s golf area consists of a 130-yard hitting range with one peanut-shaped sand trap. The elevated tee box can fit up to six campers at one time. We provide instruction to small groups of campers organized according to age and skill level. All necessary equipment is provided.
Candidates should be able to teach basic rules and skills to younger campers and advanced skills, strategies, and techniques to the older campers. Golf instructors and/or College-level players are preferred.
Horseback Riding
(5 Staff Positons)
Our Riding counselors, each with past teaching and riding experience, provide instruction in beginning, intermediate and advanced hunt seat equitation skills, from walk-trot exercises to advanced competitive jumping. Instructors also assist with the care, feeding/watering and cleaning out of stalls. Every camper involved in the riding program receives approximately 20 hours (1/2 season campers have 10 hours) of in-saddle instruction. In addition, horse management skills, such as proper care of horses and tack, are taught. The stable hand assists with all of the above. Additional horsemanship activities are occasionally offered during general rec. such as driving and vaulting.
Riding competitions/shows are sometimes scheduled with other local camps or riding schools.
Applicants must have personal expertise in English Equitation at all levels including walk, trot, cantering and fences. Previous teaching experience is a plus. The Head of Department should be CHA Certified and it is desirable that all other staff members are too. All staff must be CPR/First Aid certified.
Each instructor must be qualified to determine whether the level of instruction, the soundness of equipment and other conditions are appropriate for each individual rider’s ability.
Mountain Biking
(3 Staff Positions)
The Mountain Bike department offers miles of wooded trails of varying difficulties, as well as routes throughout the main area of camp, e.g., the bunk line, golf-cart paths, and fields. The program aims to develop basic bicycle riding techniques, such as changing gears correctly, ascending, descending and riding over or around obstacles (e.g., ramps, branches and roots, mud). Each camper receives instruction on how to maintain a mountain bike properly, including cleaning and lubricating the chain, checking tire pressure, and cleaning gear and brake systems. In addition, campers learn about how to put on and adjust their own helmets and other safety gear.
Applicants should have experience in trail biking and mountain bike maintenance, as well as basic bicycle knowledge (e.g., shifting cadence, braking techniques). Tricking experience is a plus, for demonstrating tricks to interested and skilled campers. The ability to work closely with all ages and skill levels is essential.
Nurse
(5 Staff Positions)
We are seeking registered nurses or professional licensed practical nurses to staff our Health Center. Great diagnostic skills and organizational skills are a must. Familiarity with ICD 9 codes and OSHA regulations are helpful.
Camp Matoaka nursing responsibilities include: distribution of daily medications, assessment of camper and staff health needs, health and safety education, first aid application of the sick and injured, staff education and coordination of on-site doctor visits, and off-site hospital ancillary services. Candidates must hold a current nursing license and apply for a Maine license. Job requirements include Basic American Red Cross First Aid and CPR.
Gymnastics
(6 Staff Positions)
The Gymnastics Program includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of instruction. Instructors with experience and competitive knowledge of gymnastics teach the program. Campers are taught on five different apparatus: balance beam, uneven bars, vault, floor and Tumble Track. If desired, the girls may join Matoaka’s gym team and compete against other summer camps or in intra-camp competitions. Campers will also be given the opportunity to be part of the Visiting Day show held in the first session of camp.
Documented training, personal experience, and the ability to demonstrate and instruct the various levels of gymnastics on the five apparatus are required. Highly motivated instructors need to lead warm-ups, choreograph routines, and tumble. Spotting is the biggest priority and all staff must be qualified to spot all apparatus.
Fitness
(4 Staff Positions)
The Fitness Program includes combined beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of instruction. Instructors should have experience and knowledge of fitness in order to teach the program. The purpose of the program is to conduct fitness assessments and prescribe exercise programs, and to lead group exercise classes including circuits, pre-choreographed classes to music, running, speed and agility classes, “Fall Ball” prep,boxing, Zumba, Kickboxing and Spin.
The instructor should have personal experience with fitness training and the ability to demonstrate and instruct the various levels of fitness on and off the equipment. The highly motivated instructors will need to lead warm-ups; have knowledge of the physiology and fitness training principals; command a general knowledge base of the sport, recreation, health, and fitness industry; and most importantly, spot the campers, which is a safety priority.
Dance
(4 Staff Positions)
Our Dance Program includes basic, intermediate, and advanced instruction in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. We sometimes teach other classes such as Latin fusion, dance conditioning and stretching. Full-time dance instructors teach dance with varied, in-depth backgrounds in all of the aforementioned areas of dance as well as creative expression. Campers receive training in basic technique and movements and, if desired, may gain experience in stage performance and choreography for talent shows. There is a dance show in which each student enrolled in dance classes has the opportunity to perform, as well as those who choreograph during General Rec. Primarily, Camp Matoaka emphasizes the fun side of dance and encourages girls to participate for reasons other than performing in a show.
Instructors must have personal training in, performance experience with, and the ability to demonstrate and teach lyrical, jazz, ballet, tap, composition, and hip-hop. If instructors are not able to teach all forms, specialty teachers must be hired for each discipline. It is always preferred that instructors are proficient in more than one discipline.
Ropes
(10 Staff Positions)
The Camp Matoaka Ropes course was designed by Project Adventure to develop group initiative, cognitive and physical problem solving, personal achievement, and self-confidence. The Ropes course gets the campers to find qualities in themselves that they may not have known they had. Campers of all ages and levels of experience have the opportunities to participate in cooperative games, low elements, and high elements, including a 350’ zip line, a 30’ pamper pole, and a 50’ two-sided climbing tower. The girls may also participate in climbing competitions based on speed and the difficulty level of the wall or element.
All instructors must complete a certification course with Project Adventure or with an equivalent Ropes Course certification agency. Camp Matoaka requires all ropes instructors to be certified in First Aid & CPR. The instructors must promote both the individual and the group to reach pinnacles of excellence.
Sewing
(3 Staff Positions)
Our Sewing department is located in the Arts Center and has twelve easy-to-use sewing machines. Camp provides all the materials necessary for both machine and hand-stitching projects so that campers may explore both the practical and artistic sides of sewing.
There is a range of different projects to suite differing ability levels. Pillows, soft or beanie toys, and handbags would all be relatively basic, compared to pajama pants and other garments that campers would work their way up to. Projects also include a wide variety of hand stitching and embroidery.
The Sewing staff needs to be confident and proficient in sewing and have good background knowledge. Staff must also know how to use multiple kinds of machines. Experience in a wide variety of sewing projects is an advantage. It is also beneficial for instructors to have some experience in embroidery and knitting. Staff should be able to complete any projects set for the campers, quickly and to high standards. Staff in the Sewing department should be creative enough to give advice, improvise, and adapt projects for interest and skill levels. The ability to do step-by-step, first time instruction on machines with the campers is necessary.
Culinary Arts
(3 Staff Positions)
The Culinary Arts Program includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels of instruction. Instructors should have experience and knowledge of cooking and baking in order to teach the program. The purpose of the program is to instruct small classes of children the importance of cooking and baking, the nutritional value of food, teamwork, sanitation, creativity, and cooperation.
Ninja Warrior Course
With an ever-growing number of obstacles and unlimited configurations, our course will challenge beginners and spartans a like! Our campers will test their skills on Warped Walls, a Salmon Ladder, Jumping Spider, and so many more obstacles. The Ninja Warrior motto is simple: If you think you can’t do it, you can, and we’re here to help you!
Yoga
(2 Staff Positions)
Yoga is a practice that provides greater body awareness, increased self-esteem, tools for relaxation, and a stronger and more flexible physical self. All of these elements are included and focused on throughout the program providing campers with the full benefits of a mindful practice. A class typically includes a warm up, general and advanced yoga flows, balances, some elements of Droznin, and ends with a short, mindful meditation. Campers learn yoga postures that they can practice independently and that help in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
Instructors must have training and certification in a specific style of yoga as well as an understanding and introduction to other disciplines. It is preferred that instructors have also had experience with teaching Children’s yoga or have a Children’s Yoga Teacher Certification.
Good organizational skills are required in order to teach and track the progress of the campers. Instructors are expected to be open minded, welcoming, and supportive. Each session should incorporate a mind-body element to the class in order to provide campers with a safe place to reflect, meditate and relax.
Fishing
(4 Staff Positions)
The Fishing department offers instruction in rod and reel assembly, knot tying, bobber fishing, spin casting, trolling, and jigging. The girls are also taught how to identify different types of fish. We also focus on safety as well as environmental concerns. Campers are taught to use catch and release techniques that will allow us to continue to catch fish for years to come. Campers fish from the deck of the camp’s pontoon boats.
As well as having experience and an active interest in fishing, counselors should have a current lifeguard certification and standard First Aid and CPR. The Fishing instructor must be able to teach enthusiastically and encourage proper fishing techniques.
Outdoor Adventure
(3 Staff Positions)
Welcome to the great outdoors! We aim to provide fun and safe experiences that develop technical skills and cultivate the personal development of our campers. Each week we offer hikes at various levels around the state of Maine, as well as a one-night camping trip at the end of each session. Campfire cooking is a very popular part of Outdoor Adventure, as well as visits to Matoaka Cove!
Lacrosse
(2 Staff Positions)
Our Lacrosse Program provides campers with instruction in the relevant rules, skills, competition techniques, and strategies. Playing experience is provided for girls of all ages. Campers can play at daily games and activities or on our elective inter-camp sports teams. On our acres of fields, including a lacrosse field, we provide instruction to small groups of campers organized according to age (often by bunk) and skill level. All necessary equipment is provided, although girls are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
Candidates should be able to teach basic rules and skills to younger campers and advanced skills, strategies, and techniques to the older campers. Lacrosse coaches and/or College-level players are preferred.
Swimming
(12 Staff Positions)
At Matoaka, our swimming activities are carefully planned to assure safety and provide just the right balance between instruction and fun. Camp Matoaka has two swim areas. The first is a 10,000 square foot swim zone located on East Lake. This area includes three fully enclosed cribs of varying depths, lanes for competitive swimming, and a diving area. There is also an Aqua Park consisting of 4, large, inflatable elements. The second part of our swimming program features a 25-meter heated outdoor pool. The pool is 4 ½ feet deep throughout, thus enabling all levels of swimmers to be in a safe learning environment. The pool also has three 200-foot water slides that empty into it. This makes Camp Matoaka’s swimming program one of the best and most enjoyable in the camping industry.
All swim counselors at Matoaka are in accordance with the American Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor (WSI) program, or they hold an equivalent certification. Swim Counselors teach campers the six levels of the Red Cross skills. Lifeguards are hired to staff all aquatic areas and must hold an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding and CRP/First Aid. Previous experience of teaching to Red Cross skill levels would be an advantage, but is not necessary.
Ceramics
(4 Staff Positions)
In the Ceramics Program, campers are encouraged to work with clay to produce various projects to help them acquire and demonstrate the skills and techniques necessary in ceramics. Each instructor in the department is skilled in many areas of design and technique, offering different expertise. It is important to encourage campers to pursue creative ideas to bring out her artistic talent.
Personal experience and knowledge of the following areas are required: wheel throwing, slab-building, coil-building, and additive and subtractive sculpture. A decent knowledge of kiln firing is necessary as well.
Small Crafts
(10 Staff Positions)
Matoaka’s Small Crafts (SCRA) Program provides an excellent array of boating experiences. Campers learn canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and sailing. Campers are taught nomenclature, maintenance, safety procedures, techniques, and all other basic skills need to use each type of water craft.
Instructors must be Lifeguard Certified and have experience in one or watercraft mentioned above.
Waterski
(14 Staff Positions)
The Waterski Program provides instruction for two skis, slalom skiing, trick skiing, knee boarding, wakeboarding, and barefoot skiing. For pure fun, our water-ski department includes tubing and banana boating. Our equipment is among the best available. Campers receive instruction in safety rules, hand signals, and then land instruction. The girls progress through two ski skills, one ski , kills and the slalom course, and finally to trick skiing, wakeboarding and barefooting if they desire. For those campers with expert skills, there is a ski team that competes in other camp ski tournaments. The fourteen ski staff members drive, spot, and provide land instruction on a rotating basis at our three separate ski areas.
Instructors must have personal experience in waterskiing and boat driving. Staff must be lifeguard certified and will be given a USA Waterski Level I instructor’s course, water safety and boating safety exams, plus on-water practical evaluation in safety and driving during Staff Training and the necessary training if required. All instructors will rotate between driving, spotting, and on-shore instruction.
Theater/Performing Arts
(5 Staff Positions)
The Theater Department is responsible for three productions (often musicals) each summer, in addition to talent shows, impromptu skits and counselors shows. The Theater staff may host improv workshops, acting classes, and voice and musical lessons. The Theater Staff will be comprised of a Theater Director, Tech. Director, Costume Designer, Choreographer and Pianist.
Applicants must have experience with directing, scenery, dance, and music. Lighting techniques and sound equipment are integrated into the Theater as well. Community Theater, student-theater experience, and training in all aspects of a production are required.
Volleyball
(2 Staff Positions)
Our Volleyball Program provides campers with instruction in the relevant rules, skills, competition techniques, and strategies. Playing experience is provided for girls of all ages. Campers can play at daily games and activities or on our elective inter-camp sports teams. On two beach volleyball courts, we provide instruction to small groups of campers organized according to age and skill level. Campers also play Newcomb on these courts as well. All necessary equipment is provided.
Candidates should be able to teach basic rules and skills to younger campers and advanced skills, strategies, and techniques to the older campers. Volleyball coaches and/or College-level players are preferred.
Woodworking
(2 Staff Positions)
Matoaka has an exciting Woodworking Program led by experienced woodworking instructors. Campers learn to safely operate all of the tools and necessary machinery to build projects. Must have previous experience designing and building wood projects. Needs to be competent with a wide variety of tools, and have demonstrated knowledge of safety practices and procedures. Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the wood shop.
Soccer
(3 Staff Positions)
Our Soccer Program provides campers with instruction in the relevant rules, skills, competition techniques, and strategies. Playing experience is provided for girls of all ages. Campers can play at daily games and activities or on our elective inter-camp sports teams. On our many acres of playing fields, we provide instruction to small groups of campers organized according to age and skill level. All necessary equipment is provided. Also, be prepared to work with other Athletics Departments to play big games when other activities are closed.
Candidates should be able to teach basic rules and skills to younger campers and advanced skills, strategies, and techniques to the older campers. Soccer coaches and/or College-level players are preferred.