SPEND THE SUMMER CREATING THE MAGIC
SPEND THE SUMMER CREATING THE MAGIC
Our staff is made up of enthusiastic individuals who are willing to go a little crazy to show "real life" to the kids who come through our gates. They are disciplined, trained, challenged, and encouraged to be the best possible leaders that today's kids need. If this sounds like a way that you would like to spend your summer, then join the Howe family for the summer of a lifetime!
All staff must be at least 18 years old and we prefer having completed at least one year of college (or equivalent in experience). Because camp can be fast-paced and unpredictable in a scheduled space, we are looking for flexible people who can be counted on as “team players”. You will have the opportunity to lead, follow, and show a side of yourself often apart from your life. Many of our staff are drawn back year after year, and often, career goals are clarified after spending time working at Howe.
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What we look for
Great camp staff don't all look the same or come with the same experience. We hire college students, educators, childcare workers, performers, youth workers and people from around the world who bring different skills, personalities and life experiences to camp.
What matters most is that you enjoy working with kids, are willing to work hard, can be part of a team and are ready for a challenge. We look for people who bring energy, patience, flexibility and something they are excited to share with our campers.
We also want our staff to be as diverse as the campers we serve. Camp Howe welcomes youth and staff of different abilities, cultures, religions, races, genders, sexual orientations, identities and backgrounds. Every staff member is expected to work with, support and respect every camper who comes through our gates.
You don't need to arrive knowing everything. We'll train you, support you and help you grow. But you do need to arrive open-minded, willing to learn and ready to be part of a community where everyone belongs.
If working alongside people who are different from you isn't something you're comfortable with, Camp Howe probably isn't the right camp for you. If it sounds like one of the things that would make your summer more interesting, challenging and meaningful, we'd love to hear from you.
More than a job
Working at Camp Howe often becomes much more than a summer job. You work hard, give a lot of yourself and get an incredible amount back.
You'll spend your summer alongside people from across the country and around the world, building friendships that often last long after camp ends. You'll laugh a lot, be challenged, learn from people different from you and probably discover that you're capable of more than you thought.
Most importantly, you will make a difference. Campers remember the staff who encouraged them, believed in them, made them laugh and helped them feel like they belonged. And somewhere along the way, you'll probably realize those campers have made just as much of an impact on you.
You'll leave tired, with a lot of stories, some great memories, new friends and skills you'll carry with you long after the summer is over.
It's hard work. It's a lot of fun. And for many of our staff, it's an experience they never forget.
BENEFITS TO YOU
Working at Camp Howe is hard work, but there are some pretty great benefits that come with spending your summer at camp. With housing, meals and many of your day-to-day expenses covered, you can save money while gaining experience, learning new skills and having a summer you probably won't forget.
Benefits
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Meals and housing provided
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Free staff laundry
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Daily time off and weekends off between sessions
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Training and certifications for specific roles
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Leadership and professional development
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Opportunities to use your camp experience as an internship or toward academic requirements
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Staff trips, outings and summer experiences
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Friendships and connections with people from across the country and around the world
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The chance to spend your summer making a real difference in the lives of kids
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
It takes a lot of different people and skills to make camp happen. Our summer team includes Camp Counselors, Activity Specialists, Lifeguards, Adventure Staff, Kitchen Staff, Cooks, Maintenance Staff, Medical Staff and Leadership positions.
You don't need to arrive knowing how to do everything. Depending on your role, you'll receive up to two weeks of training to prepare you for the summer ahead. We also provide opportunities for staff to earn certifications in areas including lifeguarding, archery, adventure programming, First Aid and CPR.
Whether you're bringing skills you already have or looking to learn something completely new, there are plenty of ways to find your place at Camp Howe.
THE PATHWAY
Joining the Camp Howe team starts with a few simple steps:
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Complete an application.
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Interview with at least one member of our leadership team.
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Provide references.
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Complete all required paperwork and screening.
Working at summer camp is a big commitment. It is incredibly rewarding, but it also means long days, putting campers first and sometimes making personal sacrifices. We are looking for staff who are ready to jump in, work hard and be fully committed to creating a safe, fun and inclusive camp community.
Important Dates
Typically, staff arrive in mid-June for training and camp runs through mid to late August. Ideally, staff commit to the entire season, but we also understand that life continues outside of camp. If you need to arrive late, leave early or take some time off during the summer, talk with us. When reasonable and planned in advance, we will do our best to work with you. Exact dates will be included in your offer letter.
"Because of camp, I have grown as a person and an adult. Camp has positively changed me both mentally and physically. I have been pushed and challenged in ways unlike I have experienced before. I wouldn’t change a thing. I left camp with so much happiness, love and full of new experiences. I felt what it’s like to feel loved and supported by a group of people that are now my family."
"The entire experience of being on staff changed my life. I've realized what a difference I can make in the lives of children, and I know that it's what I want to do for the rest of my life. Nowhere else will you find a place where everyone is accepted, regardless of their disability, culture and differences. Seeing kids crying because they don't want to leave shows what a huge impact we've had on them. Camp Howe has made me the person that I am today, and my entire summer was an experience that has changed my life"
"It was an amazing experience. I’ve made friends and memories to last forever and learned a lot about life and what I want to do with my future. I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived and felt that I could thrive in areas I haven’t been able to in other jobs. I didn’t know I could make this many friends, grow so much, and love a place so much!"
What our staff say about us
Commonly Asked Questions
Where is Camp Howe?
Camp Howe sits on 52 wooded acres in Goshen, Massachusetts, surrounded by the beautiful D.A.R. State Forest. We use the State Forest for hiking and exploring, while Lower Highland Lake, right at the edge of camp, is home to our waterfront and swimming program.
We are about 10 miles from Northampton, our nearest city, approximately two hours from Boston and four hours from New York City. It feels like you are tucked away in the woods, while still being close enough to everything Western Massachusetts has to offer.
How do I get to camp?
Drive: For Directions, check out our Contact Us page.
Fly: The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport. We can arrange for rides from this airports.
Bus: You can take a bus from New York City. You will take a Greyhound Bus to Northampton, MA.
Train: You can take an Amtrak train from New York City to Northampton, MA.
We work hard to connect staff so that you may travel to camp together.
Where do staff come from?
Everywhere! During the summer, Camp Howe has approximately 60–65 staff supporting around 150 campers each session. We hire locally, from across the United States and from countries around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural staff team. We typically have 20 or more countries and states represented through our staff.
We want staff to bring their culture and experiences with them. We proudly fly a flag for every country and U.S. state represented on our staff, and international staff have opportunities to share their culture with our camp community. Bring music, photos, clothing, stories, recipes, games or anything else that helps us learn a little more about where you come from. The differences among our staff are an important part of what makes Camp Howe, Camp Howe.
Where will I be living?
Camp Howe’s cabins are rustic, traditional camp cabins with wooden construction, screens, electricity, lights, bunk beds and mattresses. Most staff live in a cabin with campers and other staff. Our Junior and Teen units each have centrally located bathhouses with toilets, sinks and hot showers. Cabins are not heated, so staff should bring their own bedding - we recommend a sleeping bag for those cooler Massachusetts nights.
Do I need camp experience?
Not necessarily. We love hiring people who already understand camp, but we also know everyone has to start somewhere. If you haven’t worked or participated in a structured camp before, we look for at least four weeks of experience working with or supervising children. Experience can come from schools, sports, childcare, youth programs, coaching, volunteering or other settings where you’ve been responsible for kids.
Will I be given any training?
Yes - lots of it! Our staff training runs for approximately 10–14 days before campers arrive. We cover everything from working with campers, behavior and group management, communication and leading activities to emergency procedures, inclusion and what to expect from daily life at camp. Training is hands-on, with plenty of games, practice, role-playing and time to get to know the people you’ll be working alongside.
Depending on your role, you may also receive specialized training or certifications in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding, Archery and Ropes Course. Our goal is for you to start the summer feeling prepared, supported and ready to do your job well.
One of the most important things that will happen during staff training is that you will become a team with your co-workers, and we will be a united group ready to welcome campers and get camp off to an amazing start!
At what age do you hire staff?
Our staff team is a little different from many summer camps, with the majority of our staff over the age of 21. New Camp Howe staff must be at least 18, have graduated from high school and preferably have completed a year of college, university or gained other meaningful life or work experience. Many of our younger counselors have grown up at Camp Howe and graduated from our Counselor in Training (CIT) program, so they already understand our community, expectations and what it means to be a Camp Howe staff member.
What will an average day be like?
Is there really such a thing as an average day at camp? Days start early and are busy from beginning to end. You’ll help campers get ready for the day, eat meals together, lead and participate in activities, swim, play games, help with cabin responsibilities and sometimes head off on a hike, cookout or other adventure. There is a rest period after lunch before another full afternoon of activities.
Evenings bring all-camp programs, campfires, night hikes, dances, games and plenty of other surprises before helping campers wind down for bed. You’ll have scheduled time off during the day, but when you’re working, expect to be involved.
Camp days are long, sometimes exhausting, rarely predictable and a lot of fun.
Sounds pretty great, right?
It is but we also want to be upfront about the hard parts. Camp is demanding work. There will be homesick campers, scraped knees, rainy days, hot days, tired kids who don’t want to go to bed and moments when you are tired too. The days are long, you’ll probably get dirty, and sometimes it will feel like everyone needs something from you at the same time.
You may be asked to help a camper who isn’t feeling well, jump in at an activity, clean something that needs cleaning, find missing supplies or do one more thing when you were really hoping to sit down. Camp requires flexibility, patience, teamwork and the ability to keep showing up for kids even when you’re having a difficult day yourself.
If you’re looking for an easy summer vacation, Camp Howe probably isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a challenge, a chance to make a real difference in kids’ lives, meet people from around the world and become part of a caring and accepting community, you may have found exactly the right place.
What do summer staff wear?
Staff are free to wear their own comfortable clothing while working at camp. The only exception is opening and closing day, in which you are to wear the staff shirt provided coupled with a pair of black shorts.
What should I pack, and can I do laundry at camp?
Staff generally need many of the same things as campers, so our camper packing list is a great place to start. We’ll also go over what to bring in more detail iin our staff Slack group and staff handbookk. For staff traveling from out of state or internationally, we can provide sheets, sleeping bag and towels so you don’t have to fit them in your suitcase. Free laundry facilities are available onsite throughout the summer.
What is the weather like in Massachusetts?
New England weather can be a little unpredictable! Most summer days are warm and sunny, but we can also have hot and humid days, cooler stretches and plenty of rain. Evenings are often cooler, and staff training in June can be surprisingly chilly. Pack for a little bit of everything - shorts and T-shirts, warmer layers for cool mornings and nights, and definitely a good rain jacket.
What do I do with my valuables while at camp?
We recommend leaving unnecessary valuables at home. For important items you do need to bring, such as passports, travel documents or money, we provide staff with secure locker space in the Staff Shack.
Will I have Internet and cell service at camp?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available for staff to use during time off, and most staff also get a reasonable cell signal at camp, although coverage can vary depending on your carrier and where you are on the property. International phones may also work depending on your carrier and phone plan.
Will I get time off, and what can I do?
Absolutely - you’ll need it! Staff generally receive two hours off each day and at least 24 hours off each week, often closer to 36 hours. At several points during the summer, camp closes completely between sessions, giving staff a longer break from Friday evening through Sunday morning. When camp is in session, there is an 11:00 p.m. lights out. Trust us, sleep becomes pretty valuable at camp!
During your time off, you can relax in the staff lounge, connect with home, watch a movie or enjoy camp activities when appropriate supervision is available. Staff also head into nearby Northampton and Amherst for restaurants, shopping, movies, ice cream and other adventures.
On longer weekends, we often organize optional staff trips based on what people are interested in. Past trips have included Boston, amusement parks, shopping outlets and other places around New England.
What skills will I gain or improve?
Working at camp builds skills that transfer to almost any career. You’ll have opportunities to develop and strengthen leadership, communication, public speaking, teamwork, group facilitation, problem solving, goal setting, behavior management, setting boundaries and expectations, conflict resolution and risk management.
You’ll also learn how to think on your feet, adapt when plans change, work with people from different backgrounds and take responsibility for others. You may come to camp to give kids a great summer, but there’s a pretty good chance you’ll grow along the way too.
When, how much and how will I be paid?
Your salary is agreed upon before the summer and included in your contract. For frontline staff, full-season salaries typically range from $3,000 to $5,500, depending on your position, experience, skills and responsibilities.
Staff are paid in equal payments every two weeks throughout the summer. Your pay will be directly deposited into your bank account. If you don’t have a U.S. bank account, we’ll help you set one up when you arrive.
Your contract covers the full camp season, including preparing camp before campers arrive and closing camp after they leave. Everyone helps with things like setting up cabins, preparing activity areas and equipment, and getting camp ready for the summer. If you leave before completing your contracted dates, your salary will be prorated based on the number of days worked.
What if I have special dietary needs?
We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and make sure everyone has healthy, filling options at meals. We regularly provide vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. If you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, let us know before camp so our kitchen team can work with you.