Staff Philosophy
Our Staff, many of whom return year after year, come from all over the world. They are teachers, coaches, parents, and college students with skills and experience that encourage campers to be their best selves. The youngest staff we hire are former campers who are 19 years old and have completed at least one year of college. Our former campers are not only passionate about the Matoaka Experience because they’ve lived it, but they are also dedicated to being the ultimate role models for our girls. In addition to former campers, we also hire staff who are in – or have completed – college or graduate school, and have chosen careers in education, social work, or youth development, and have experience teaching and coaching children.
Who Are They?
Our Staff, many of whom return year after year, come from all over the world. They are teachers, coaches, parents, and college students with skills and experience that encourage campers to be their best selves. They are at least 19 years old or have completed at least one year of college. They are the ultimate role models for our girls.
Trainings and Certifications
Camp Matoaka provides one of the longest pre-camp trainings of any camp in the country. This Staff Training helps counselors learn everything from our daily schedule to dealing with homesickness. We bring in child development professionals and safety experts to provide our staff with the latest tools in caring for your children. All of our Waterfront Staff are Lifeguard Certified and the majority of our staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Specialty and higher-risk activities such as Ropes, Archery, Waterskiing, etc., hold other safety and instructor certifications.
Campers’ Skill Development and Progress
All of our staff are highly skilled and experienced in the activity that they teach and give expert instruction to develop campers’ skills and knowledge in the activity. Our staff promotes social and personal growth related to self-esteem, communication, and confidence. With enthusiasm and encouragement, our staff stress effort, improvement, and achievement. Matoaka becomes a safe place for a camper to take risks, make mistakes and grow individually and as part of a team. Safety is always our #1 priority.
Community, Spirit and Fun
Matoaka Staff live with the campers in the bunks, and their round-the-clock support and guidance help the girls develop into healthy young women. Camp Matoaka focuses on building a supportive and inclusive environment where campers can grow and learn from each other and their counselors to find their best selves….all while being spirited and having fun!
Average age
of bunk staff
Staff return
rate
Different countries
our staff come from
Camper to
counselor ratio