Summer Camp Jobs
Deep in the heart of the Berkshires, a highland region of Western Massachusetts known for its outdoor
adventure opportunities, resides a magical overnight summer camp for boys known as Camp Mahkeenac. An all-inclusive basecamp that provides an endless summer of discovery for kids to cherish and explore.
While they navigate the phases of childhood and prepare themselves for young adulthood. Camp Mahkeenac takes great pride in guiding campers through positive self-esteem activities, new skill developments, and instilling a sense of community with supportive behaviors. Camp Mahkeenac (pronounced Mah-kee-nac) is a premier, full-season sleep-away camp. That has become a resounding anchor and annual summer tradition for families around the globe.
Working at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is much more than just another summer job with a paycheck. It’s a life-changing experience where strangers become best friends. Almost overnight. There’s an old saying among ski resort employees, “You don’t work on the mountain for the paycheck. You come for the experience!” Something that couldn’t be more validated from working at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac.
Seasonal jobs will awaken your soul and fill you with a burning passion for achieving more in this world by helping others. Spending a summer at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is a stepping stone into personal growth through the rewards of working with children and the elusive comfort of being a part of an active community. That will deliver close friendships that will stay with you long after summer ends. So if your looking for an extraordinary hands-on learning experience that will challenge, reward, and elevate you all that same time while giving you a sense of purpose……Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is waiting for you!
Camp Mahkeenac Help Wanted
If you can’t tell, I’m delighted to welcome Emily & Camp Mahkeenac to the community of “Amazing Jobs in Amazing Places” here at MyAdventureJobs! To view the latest job opportunity at Camp Mahkeenac, simply follow this link https://myadventurejobs.com/job/camp-mah-kee-nac-lenox-ma-125-waterfront-director/ or browse the job board at https://myadventurejobs.com/job-board/ to view her other opportunities to work at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac.
Pre-employment Research For Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Here at MyAdventureJobs, most interviews happen over the phone, zoom, skype, or some other platform
that offers “real-time” correspondence. So it can be a challenge to figure out what a typical day looks like for staff, or even the duties you’d be responsible for. This year I’ve decided to try and delete the guessing game between staff and employer. By making it easier for both sides to see if it would be a good fit before committing to one another.
We’ve given employers the option to include customizable pre-screening questions for employers. For employees, we’ve asked employers to participate in a questionnaire about an employee’s day-to-day life.
Here’s what we got back about this wonderful opportunity to spend the summer working at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, and when applying, be sure to thank Emily for taking the time to put this all together for you.
How To Apply As A Camp Counselor To A Seasonal Summer Camp
Applying to a remote seasonal employer can be intimidating, challenging, and stressful. What do you wear for a video interview? What should be visible in the background? What are the grammar rules for emailing back and forth with an employer? Is it grammar rules for a thesis paper, or is it like texting a friend? Do you log on to zoom/skype 30 minutes before? 15 minutes? Exact time? What are the norms when the interview isn’t the norm?
The easiest way to answer all of these questions is to treat a video interview like a live-in-person interview. Wear professional attire. Use correct grammar. Be sure there is no background noise?
These last few years, dealing with COVID “normal” jobs have resorted to conventional seasonal job interviews. By interviewing candidates over the phone, through skype, or both. It’s become mainstream to harness technology to interview candidates for open positions. So be professional, prepared, and polished.
Just because it’s a seasonal job doesn’t mean it’s not a real job. In fact, I know more people that went to seasonal job “X,” and 10 years later, they are still there. You go there for the experience, and everything else is just a bonus. Thats the magic of seasonal jobs. Because they will change your life overnight.
Are you ready to dive into what it’s like to work at CampMKN?
What Does The Ideal CampMKN Applicant Look Like?
Have you ever babysat that neighbors kids? Worked as a substitute teacher? Teach swim lessons? Ever
worked as a tour guide? How about working as a server at a restaurant? Taught ski lessons? Worked at a community center? There’s a theme here, have you ever worked with kids? Do you enjoy working with curious personalities and growing minds that absorb everything?
If so, CampMKN is probably right up your alley, but if you’re still on the fence to apply, here is what Emily thinks would be an ideal candidate for working at CampMKN.
The ideal applicant has childcare experience (or a passion for working with kids). Skilled in the area they are applying for, have grit, a team player, possess leadership skills, be ready to meet new people, and willing to have the experience of a lifetime.
If you have a positive outlook on life, a bubbly/supportive personality, always have a smile on your face, know when it’s time to work and when it’s time to play with a willingness to learn and work with kids, Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is looking for you!
So now that you know what to bring with your applications let’s look at what a typical day would look like for you while at camp this summer.
Camp Mahkeenac Staff Duties
What does a typical day feel like at CampMKN for staff? Campers?
Staff: Each counselor at Mah-Kee-Nac has a dual role. Days are spent teaching, coaching, or instructing in your area of expertise, while evenings are spent with your campers at fun special events and nightly activities. All staff will be great role models to all campers. Our high-quality programming offers athletics, adventure, waterfront, creative and media arts. We look for staff with experience in one (or more) of the specialties we offer. Be sure to check the job board for CampMKN job opportunities https://myadventurejobs.com/job-board/.
Campers: During the days at Mah-Kee-Nac, campers enjoy our Elective-Based Program. The program is
built around age-appropriate options and provides each camper with a unique opportunity to explore his own interests throughout the summer. Campers choose five activities for their GREEN schedule (3 days) and another five activities for their WHITE schedule (3 days), with two activities each day being a daily elective. Green and White schedules last for three days in a row, allowing campers to try, practice, and succeed at an activity. Each week, our boys change their schedules to include new activities and keep ones that they love for the following week.
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac Seasonal Job Magic
What is the magic of CampMKN, and how is it created by staff?
The magic of seasonal jobs isn’t some voodoo chant, wizard spell, or long-lost potion you need to consume. No, the magic of seasonal employment is the vibe and pulse of the atmosphere they create for guests and staff through a balance of work and play that easily blends the boundaries between them.
Something CampMKN has dialed in over the years to near perfection that anyone can see with its retention rate among staff and campers.
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac staff creates the culture and community that keeps families coming back summer after summer. Through a passionate, positive, and supportive team. Who while working and living with children, stress skill development, positive self-esteem, and fun-filled community for campers and staff throughout the summer.
How Are Staff Supported While Working At Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Kids are children, and while in an environment away from home, there will undoubtedly be challenging
moments throughout the summer. From loneliness to getting along with other campers. Whatever the reason may be, staff at some point or another will find themselves in a challenging situation with campers.
So what “safety-nets” are in place to support you (staff) when dealing with a challenging camper?
No matter your experience working with kids, all staff go through a week-long orientation before campers arrive to help prepare you for anything you may encounter. Giving you a chance to ask questions, see how experienced staff have dealt with common incidences and give you more tools to help you throughout the summer. As well as introduce you to leadership staff that you can lean on throughout the summer when you need guidance with challenging situations.
Working with kids is unpredictable, and CampMKN wants to make sure you feel supported throughout your time at camp. Hence, they make sure there’s a clear and always available option to ask for help whenever you need it.
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac Atmosphere of Support
This all goes back to the whole community at CampMKN. That has a 90% retention rate among campers because the staff creates an inclusive, supportive and positive community atmosphere for everyone.
Throughout the summer, there will be tons of competitions. Still, it’s not the games won or the tournament placings that define the summer’s extraordinary experience for the boys. What gets the most focus throughout the camp community is the inclusiveness experience, and healthy participation matters more than the final scoreboard.
Why Is CampMKN So Amazing
To us, community over everything is what makes Mah-Kee-Nac extraordinary. The spirit of Camp Mah-Kee- Nac lies in the commitment to our community. Campers and staff feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to participate in an action-packed day of sports, outdoor adventure, waterfront, media, and the arts. Mah-Kee-Nac prides itself on being the most well-rounded boys camp in the Berkshires, and that pride shines bright each and every day through the summer here in the Berkshires.
What Camp Counselor Certifications Are Needed
Any certifications required to apply working at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac? Not before arriving at camp. We provide all our waterfront staff with Red Cross certification, a boating license, and First Aid & CPR. We also offer all outdoor adventure staff with training and certification on our ropes course. If you have training for another activity, it is beneficial but not required.
If you want to explore outdoor first aid or other wilderness certifications, check out www.nols.edu.
What is the best thing about working at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Working at Mah-Kee-Nac is much more than just another job… it’s the experience of a lifetime. The
personal growth, the rewards of working with children, the excitement of an active community, and the close friendships you build will stay with you long after the summer ends. Working at camp will make you a better person, and you’ll take that with you wherever you go. Also, staff gain real work experience (and internship credit if desired) while spending the summer doing what they love.
The absolute best thing about working at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is the sense of reward, fulfillment, accomplishment, and purpose you will find when working with our campers.
How Much Free Time Does Staff Get Living On Property
Working with children is rewarding but draining. We build free time into the schedule to “recharge your
batteries.”
You’ll have 6 days off through the 8 weeks (days off start at dinner time, the night before your scheduled day off). You’ll also have a couple of nights a week you will not be “on duty” and be free to leave camp until you return to your cabin by our 1am curfew.
On the nights you choose to stay on camp, you can use the staff lounge with a fridge, foosball table, large screen TV and wifi. The staff lounge can also be used for your daily break (you get one period off every day). The town of Lenox, MA, is just up the road. Tanglewood music venue is our neighbor. There are plenty of restaurants and shopping within a 5-minute drive.
Plus, we are in the Berkshires, one of the most fantastic outdoor playgrounds on the East Coast.
Perks Of Working A Summer Seasonal Job At Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Besides working where the rest of the world vacations seasonal jobs tend to overcompensate when it
comes to employee perks.
For example, the last ski resort I worked at provided free housing, free ski pass, free food, free alcohol, monthly per-diem for my cell phone, free use of company vehicle to run to town, free wifi, free game room, and an end of the season bonus of $2 for every hour worked.
Not all employers are that generous, but most seasonal employers will offer more than your average employer. Because they have a smaller employer pool to draw from. They define remote working environments, and they are only operational a few months out of the year. Whatever the case may be, I would rather work for a seasonal employer because the negatives are better than the positives at most
other employers.
Here are the perks for working a summer at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac:
- Free Housing
- Free Food (3 meals & 3 snacks a day)
- Free Laundry
- Referral Bonus
- Bi-weekly payday (direct deposit option)
- Casual Attire (No mandated uniforms)
- Cell Service
- Free Wifi
- Employee Lounge
- Bring your own vehicle or rely on camp transportation
What are the living arrangements for staff?
Our male bunk staff (which is the majority of our team) live with our campers in modern bunks, getting the traditional summer camp experience. Each bunk fits 8-12 campers and three staff members comfortably with electricity and running water in every cabin. The majority of our females, who are bunk staff, live together in a modern bunk and get the traditional summer camp experience. Our leadership staff and heads of departments share private and semi-private housing. Having their own room and sometimes sharing a bathroom or communal space.
Are There Any End-Of-The-Season Bonuses/Rewards?
We have a staff referral bonus program. For each staff member that a hired staff member recommends and we hire, they will receive an additional $250.
Does Staff Get Paid bi-weekly? Monthly? Seasonally
Staff are paid bi-weekly by direct deposit or check.
Is food provided
Yes, room and board and laundry are all provided and free of cost. Three meals a day and three snacks a day are provided to all CampMKN staff.
Cell phone service
Yes, but staff do not carry around their cell phone. We have wifi in the staff lounge for time off, and the internet is free to use.
What Is The Uniform For Staff At Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
MKN is a non-uniform camp. But, we do have a few required clothes for our campers and our staff will receive staff t-shirts to wear on certain days. The attire is exceptionally casual. Most campers and staff wear athletic clothes, consisting of shorts and t-shirts.
Can Staff Bring Their Own Vehicle
Yes, we have a staff parking lot. If you choose to bring your car, you can use it during your time off; if you do not, we will provide transportation.
Four Things Not Allowed By Staff At Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
- Is alcohol allowed? No
- Pets? No
- Smokers? No
- Weapons? No
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is an open environment that works closely with children, and even though you may
be of legal age or legally able, you will be a role model in the eyes of kids. To set them on a path of success, CampMKN doesn’t allow these things on the property for good reason.
Best Advice To New Staff
One of our previous staff members said it best:
“If you want to change the world…start here. The challenges you will conquer, relationships you will embrace, and experiences you create will prepare you for whatever life can throw at you.”
Best Advice To New Seasonal Workers
“Go in with an open mind. Low expectations. A willingness to try new things with new people, and you will discover a world you never knew existed.”
I’ve been traveling the world by way of seasonal jobs since 1996, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
“If You Want Something Different In Life, You Have To Do Something Different In Life.”
