Staff FAQs
Where is the camp?
Camp Matoaka is located approximately 3 hours from Boston and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Portland. It is situated on East Lake, in the Belgrade Lakes Region.
Where do most Matoaka campers come from?
Our campers come to us from more than 20 states and five different countries. We try our best to ensure campers have an opportunity to meet as many girls from other areas as possible. Certain geographic areas are more represented than others since most of our campers hear about Matoaka from friendships with current families and alumnae. Our largest groups of campers come from the Greater Boston area, South Florida and the Tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). We also have a large number of girls from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and California.”
What about time off and free time?
We know that to be an effective counselor, you need to take time for yourself. Every counselor is given 6 days off during the summer, as well as 1 day off during staff training, for a total of 7 days off. When counselors are not on-duty in their cabins or at an activity, they are free to relax on camp or off-camp. The Staff Lodge, complete with a kitchen, big screen television, Wifi, movies, games, etc., is a favorite spot for staff to relax, enjoy time together and recharge their batteries.
Dress and personal appearance?
Our staff should be clean and tidy at all times. Whenever they are in camp or out-of-camp with campers, our staff wear Matoaka Staff shirts.
What are the living arrangements?
Most female staff live with the campers in the cabins. The cabins are spacious and modern, and are equipped with electricity, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and full bathroom facilities. In most cases, counselors sleep on the top of a bunk bed. Each counselor has a dresser with 4 drawers and there is ample space for hanging clothes within the bunk.
How is the food?
It doesn’t get any better! We have many options for all campers and staff, and those who have food allergies and dietary restrictions. We have spent a considerable amount of time perfecting our menus to make them fun and nutritious. For breakfast we always serve a hot meal, in addition to the fruit bar, cereal bar, and bagel options. For lunch and dinner, beside the main meal, we offer a full salad and sandwich bars as well as whole fruit. Matoaka offers snacks throughout the day, such as string cheese and pretzels and hummus, and milk and cookies in the evenings!
What if I get sick at camp?
Six nurses and two health aids staff the Health Center. The Health Center can administer all common over-the-counter medications and care for our counselors who do not feel well enough to perform her job.
Camp sounds great, but really how much work is it?
Camp life is very demanding. Our responsibility to our campers is 24 hours a day. If you are interested in joining our staff, please consider all the information carefully. It will be one of the hardest jobs you'll ever love! Contact us via email (staff@matoaka.com) and we will get in touch with you right away about the availability of a position at Matoaka.
Where can I go on my day off?
Maine is called the “Vacation State.” There is plenty to see and do on days off. Here are a few favorite places that are always popular with Matoaka counselors: Freeport: The outlet shopping capital of the world, with everything from Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Timberland, Gap and Banana Republic to the world famous L.L. Bean. Only 1 hour drive from camp. Portland: Maine’s largest city, it is a combination of malls, bars, great water front restaurants all mixed up with a lot of character and atmosphere. Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park: A favorite with counselors for many years. The town of Bar Harbor is located within Acadia National Park. It has great seafood restaurants and shops. Or spend a day in Acadia, either walking, mountain biking, kayaking or climbing. The Kennebec River: For the adventurer inside us, why not try white water rafting, a great way to spend a day off. Don’t forget we are only 4 hours from Quebec, 5 hours from Vermont and 3 hours from Boston.