Work at
Walden

Join Us!

Camp Walden invites exceptional adults to join our staff — those who are from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries, who love working with children, who are passionate about their skills and who enjoy spending time in the outdoors. As a member of the Walden staff, you will be part of a very special caring and close-knit community. You will have fun, you will laugh, you will learn, you will teach and you will make a difference in the lives of our campers.

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Philosophy

Since 1916, campers and staff have spent their summers at Camp Walden in the woods of Denmark, Maine. Together we create experiences and relationships that change our lives. Our staff comes together each June, bringing all the energy, passion and thoughtfulness needed to create a positive environment for ourselves and our campers. We engage peers and campers to embrace growth opportunities. We facilitate conflict, and we practice living the best version of ourselves each day to step into the person we want to be.

Walden staff are part of a diverse and an inclusive community (150 campers and 80 staff) that allows us to grow as individuals and achieve personal goals. This community is supported by Walden’s belief in the values of honesty, trusting in oneself, respecting others and not accepting failure. Staff participate in a 10-day training program that introduces them both to our community and the rewards and challenges of working with us. You will receive regular supervision and feedback to support your growth and success in this position. You will also have time off each week.

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Roles & Qualifications

Working at Walden will challenge to you learn. We will provide you with training, and you will be responsible for creating a fun and safe experience for Walden campers. This includes:

• Teaching campers skills in at least one activity area.
• Creating a living community in the bunks that is equitable, supportive, and teaches campers to take responsibility for their actions while also considering the needs, thoughts and feelings of others.
• Serving as a role model and leader for campers and staff.

To be considered for a staff position at Camp Walden, you must:

• Have completed your first year of college or university.
• Have experience teaching at least one of the activities that we offer at Walden (e.g., swim, soccer or dance instruction).
• Enjoy spending time with children!

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A Typical Staff Day at Walden

• Wake up with your bunk.
• Attend breakfast and enjoying a delicious meal with campers of all ages.
• Check your individual schedule for the day.
• Help campers organize and clean their bunks prior to the start of the day.
• Teach three 45-minute activity periods.
• Return to the dining room for lunch.
• Rest, either with your campers or spending some time on your own.
• Teach two 1-hour activity periods.
• Supervise campers in the bunk while they shower and socialize or have time to yourself.
• Twice a week, you will have the evening off, which begins before dinner and lasts until curfew at 12:30am. You’ll be able to spend time in or out of camp on your own or with other staff.
• Return to the dining room for dinner, if it is not your evening off.
• Participate in Evening Activity with your Bunk.
• Enjoy freshly baked cookies and milk.
• Return to the bunk with your campers and help them get ready for bed.

Each week you will also have one day, 12 hours off to spend either with other staff or on your own.

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Benefits

Staff compensation includes a competitive salary, room, board, weekly laundry, access to use camp vehicles (in order to drive a camp vehicle you must be at least 21 years old and pass our driving test) and a travel bonus. Staff salaries are based on your age and experience.

Dates

• Staff arrival date: June 9, 2024, by 5pm.
• Staff departure date: August 10, 2024

Department Heads will arrive for training on Friday, June 7th. Some staff members will arrive the week prior to June 9th to attend specialized training. We will discuss these details with you once you have accepted our offer for you to work with us.