Work At Akeela

TAKE PART IN SOMETHING LIFE CHANGING

Camp Akeela is an overnight summer camp in Vermont for kids ages 9–17. Akeela campers are seeking a fun-filled, traditional camp experience that supports their social growth. Our campers, who are typically described as bright and creative, struggle to make social connections with their peers. They need practice and guidance in reading non-verbal cues, exhibiting empathy, or understanding social nuances.

Many, but not all, have been diagnosed with ASD 1 (or Asperger’s Syndrome), a learning difference, or a similar neurodivergent profile. Our mission is to provide these campers with an incredible, life-changing summer experience within a well-rounded, traditional camp program. Akeela’s small, supportive community helps campers improve their social skills, make friends, gain self-confidence and have fun!

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK AT AKEELA

Make a difference

At Camp Akeela, we are doing nothing less than changing kids’ lives. Our campers, who don’t always feel comfortable in other settings, find a home here at camp. They are not just accepted at Akeela, but are celebrated. They are more likely in this setting than anywhere else to make meaningful connections with peers and older role models, which leads to increased self-esteem, confidence and pride. While the full-time directors lay the foundation by preparing the program and hiring the staff, it’s without doubt the summer staff members who are most directly responsible for this amazing transformation.

community and a sense of place

As much as Camp Akeela is about its campers, we place a tremendous emphasis on building a sense of community amongst everyone at camp. Campers and counselors alike leave Akeela feeling like a part of something special, something bigger than themselves, and counting down the days until they can return the following summer!

Camp Akeela is set on 400 wooded acres in Vermont, on the shores of a 65 acre mountain lake. We are only 25 minutes from the college town of Hanover, NH. On days off, staff members can enjoy trips to Boston, Montreal, the Maine Seacoast, Burlington VT, or hiking in the Green or White Mountains.

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR A SUMMER CAMP JOB AT CAMP AKEELA?

Our staff will not be providing “therapy” in the traditional/clinical sense, but will be a key part of a program that integrates a therapeutic approach to recreation and community living. Staff will have the opportunity to work first-hand with children and see the practical applications of their studies, while providing an incredible camp experience.

Staff will not be providing “therapy” in the traditional/clinical sense, but will be a key part of a program that integrates a therapeutic approach to recreation and community living. Staff will have the opportunity to work first-hand with children and see the practical applications of their studies, while providing an incredible camp experience.

Camp Akeela’s directors Debbie (PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Yeshiva University) and Eric Sasson (MEd, Harvard University), along with a key staff of experienced professionals, are at camp to mentor and support the staff.

Enjoy a life-changing summer that promises to be unforgettable!

staff application process

STEP 1) Get psyched for camp! Watch this video to learn why working at Akeela is the best summer job around.

STEp 2) Tell Us All About YOU. Complete our staff application here through this link: APPLY NOW!

STEp 3) Let’s Connect. We’ll reach out to you after reviewing your application with information about our interview process.

STAFF DATES

Pre-camp crew arrival: Wednesday, June 3

Senior, support & aquatics staff arrival: Wednesday, June 10

Returning staff arrival: Tuesday, June 16

All other staff arrival: Tuesday, June 17

Camper arrival: Friday, June 26

Camper staff departure: Monday, August 10

Staff departure: Tuesday, August 11

staff forms:

For staff applicants: Staff Reference Form

For hired staff: Login Here for all access to all other required forms (health history, travel plans, etc.)

QUeSTIONS?

Tell Us All About YOU. Complete our staff application here through this link: APPLY NOW!

JOB EXPECTATIONS FOR COUNSELORS

Cabin living

Each cabin counselor and specialist is assigned (with two or three co-counselors) to live with a specific bunk. A typical bunk consists of 7–9 campers of the same grade level and gender identity. This is a fundamental component of the job, as cabin life is central to campers’ experience at Akeela. The cabin group becomes their family for the summer, which means that counselors are filling the roles of “parents”, along with being big siblings, role models, social coaches, cheerleaders, limit-setters, growth agents, and so much more. The campers in each bunk are often asked to work together as a team, requiring their counselors and specialists to facilitate this team building, teach & model respect, and generate group spirit.

TEACHING & FCILITATING PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

Specialists teach in their assigned program areas four periods per day. Each activity period is 50 minutes long. Cabin counselors spend two periods per day with their campers, at a pre-assigned rotation of activities. For two periods a day, cabin counselors lead or help facilitate program activities. These are our “Specialties” – activities that campers select individually as electives. You will have a lot of guidance in planning your activities and ongoing support from experienced senior staff throughout the summer. Counselors and specialists find activity time to be extremely rewarding, and a great opportunity to gain experience teaching different age groups and genders.

COMMUNITY TIME

Adults in a residential camp have 24 hour a day responsibility for the physical and emotional wellbeing of the campers in our care. In addition to your cabin responsibilities, you can expect to develop meaningful mentorship relationships with campers throughout the larger camp community. All staff members are “on duty” at mealtimes, evening activities, campers’ free time, and at various other points during the day. Of course, all staff members have time off every day, as well as approximately half of the late evenings and one full day per week.

Jobs at camp akeela

Support Staff

No camp could run without having great people in key positions from the kitchen and camp office to our maintenance crew and security staff. At Akeela, these men and women are active and valued members of our camp community. While they work less directly with children, they also must be passionate about being role models and making a difference in kids’ lives.

Head Counselors

Applicants with more experience and expertise may apply to one of Akeela’s senior staff positions. Head Counselors are experienced individuals who support the staff and campers in their assigned 3-4 camper cabins. Head Counselors do not live in camper cabins, however spend most of their days with their assigned cabins creating a fun and socially engaging experience for their campers. They also partner with parents during the summer as a liaison between camp and camper families. An official job description can be found below.

Counselor supervision: Supervise all counselors who live or work in assigned cabins, including daily check-ins, informal positive and constructive feedback, support during difficult or emergency situations, and direction on strategies for working with specific children or the group as a whole. Support staff in developing and implementing fun, creative, and engaging activities in each assigned cabin.
Formal staff feedback: Conduct formal check-ins with all Cabin Counselors during orientation, at the midpoint of the summer, and at the end of the summer. Complete feedback forms for each staff member and provide the Directors with information about job performance and rehire recommendations.
Camper supervision: Facilitate the social growth of campers through activities and during less structured times, and give counselors the tools they need to help campers succeed at camp.
Behavior management: Manage camper behavior, which may include de-escalation, parent follow-up, and creating behavior plans when necessary.
End-of-summer reports: Work with counselors to write formal reports on the progress of each camper in assigned cabins.
Parent partnership: Serve as the main line of communication between camp and camper families, making weekly update phone calls to all camper parents throughout the session, as well as communicating in emergency situations or when significant behavioral issues arise.
Customer service: Develop strong working relationships with camp parents and provide outstanding customer service.

Bachelor’s or graduate degree in a relevant field of study.
Several years of professional experience working with children with learning differences, ASD, or other social communication disorders.
Experience communicating camper/student progress to parents in a professional setting.
Experience supervising staff in a professional setting.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Creative, organized, flexible, and a self-starter.

Specialists

Activity specialists play a dual role at Camp Akeela. They live alongside cabin counselors in camper bunks and have part-time responsibility for the well-being of those campers. Specifically, they help out in the bunk at morning clean-up, during rest hour, and in the evenings. In their other capacity, specialists teach or coach in their specific program area during four out of the five activity periods of each day (the fifth being a period off). Specialists are flexible, enthusiastic and well-organized people who can instruct both boys and girls of varying ages (9-18). Underlying every activity at Camp Akeela is a focus on supporting the social growth of our campers, all of whom struggle to connect with their peers. We encourage our specialists to apply their experience to designing their own lessons, but they also receive extensive training and ongoing guidance from program heads and key staff.

Cabin Counselors

Cabin counselors are invaluable staff members who live, play, laugh and learn with their campers. Cabin counselors assist, support and motivate campers whether at activities or listening to their concerns about an issue or idea. Throughout the day cabin counselors participate in their cabin’s activities and do everything in their power to make each of their campers’ summer the most memorable yet. Because they spend their whole day with their cabin group, they really get to know their campers and are in the best position to make a difference in their lives. Our counselors are true role models who possess patience, enthusiasm and a passion for working with Akeela campers. Each cabin counselor has at least one period off each day, as well as a rotating schedule for evenings and rest hours.

Program Heads

Program Heads are responsible for planning and implementing one of camp’s program areas (such as art, outdoor adventure or waterfront). Depending on their age and the size of their program, some will live in camper cabins while others will live in staff housing. They typically supervise a staff of 1-5 other staff members. More details about senior program positions can be found below:

Hiking & Camping Director

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The Hiking & Camping Director supervises all aspects of Akeela’s day hiking and in-camp overnight camping programs.

Four days each week, they plan and lead half-day hiking trips for approximately 30 campers and 20 staff. They are the person who holds ultimate responsibility for safely transporting the group to the hiking locations, and who makes critical decisions to keep everyone safe on the trail. They also oversee our ICON (In-Camp Overnight) program, in which each age group spends one night sleeping in lean-tos, on our camp property.

A key component of this position is staff supervision; the Hiking & Camping Director provides orientation and training to their four counselor specialists on the goals of the program, and prepares them to lead hiking and camping activities.

Program Development & Management

Creates and leads a socially engaging visual arts curriculum that aligns with the overall program goals of Camp Akeela.
Ensures that all safety procedures are communicated and are adhered to by staff and campers.
Maintains inventory for all arts program supplies & equipment.
Serves as a member of Akeela’s senior staff team, providing input on camp activities, campers, staff, and general camp-wide issues.

Staff Supervision & Mentorship

Supervises and works alongside art, wood, ceramics, cooking and drama specialists.
Supervision includes daily check-ins for ongoing informal feedback, as well as occasional more formal (written) feedback sessions
Serves as a mentor and coach to those specialists: supporting them during difficult situations, providing input and direction about lesson plans and projects, assigning activities & assigning periods off.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, e.g. art education, K-12 or special education, art therapy, psychology, social work, PT/OT/SLP.
Professional experience working with neurodiverse children with learning differences, ASD, or other social communication challenges.
Experience teaching art.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience supervising staff in a professional setting.
Of equal importance: a creative, organized, and flexible self-starter who wants to make a difference!

The Art Director will join us in Vermont from June 7th through August 11th, 2024.
Salary range is $3500 – $5500, depending on experience.
Comfortable staff housing and all meals are included

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – With other staff and connections to camp alumni can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities in a variety of careers
LEADERSHIP – You will be supervising others, engaging in decision-making, practicing behavior management, and helping to lead a community … all critical life skills for your future
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Ongoing professional development sets you up to learn about your job while building a strong team with the people you will be working with
21ST CENTURY SKILLS – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Contribution that are critical for success in today’s world are developed and practiced at camp
SUMMER IN VERMONT – On your time off, enjoy visiting Burlington VT, Hanover NH, Boston, Montreal … not to mention incredible outdoor adventure opportunities in the White and Green Mountains!

Program Director

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The Program Director is responsible for all logistical aspects of the program at Camp Akeela. They provide support to all Activity Heads through scheduling activities, resource management, and supply purchases. The Program Director is also responsible for planning and implementing evening activities and special events at camp. They ensure all camp activities run as smoothly as possible – that they’re safe and they’re fun – and also that they are intentionally aligned with the mission of the camp.

As a part of the Leadership Team, they also provide input and expertise on campers, staff and general camp wide issues. The Program Director attends Senior Staff orientation, and present/run several orientation sessions for counselors.

The Program Director serves as a member of the Camp Akeela Leadership Team and is supervised by Erin Stewart, Camp Akeela’s Assistant Director, and Eric Sasson, one of Akeela’s directors.

Supervision

Responsible for supervising the Assistant Program Director, Program Heads (e.g. Art Director, Aquatics Director, Outdoor Adventure Directors) and a small set of activity specialists. They provide mentorship and on-going informal positive and constructive feedback to these folks on a daily basis, along with a couple of more formal feedback sessions.

Program Scheduling

Creates the master camp schedule for cabin activity periods.
Places campers into specialty activity periods and other activities that require camper placement, such as Hobby Night, etc.
Ensures appropriate staff coverage standards are met in each activity area by managing staff days and periods off.
Creates camper and staff rosters for every out of camp trip, with the exception of day hikes.

Program Standards

Ensures all programs adhere to the appropriate standards to maintain accreditation
with American Camp Association and CampGroup. These include quality of
program instruction, care and maintenance of supplies/equipment, and safety
standards.

Evening Activities & Special Events

Develop a dynamic schedule of evening activities for each camp session.
Plan and implement all evening activities at camp.
Create and implement fun and engaging weekly special event days.

Other Responsibilities

The Program Director assists the Activity Heads with purchasing decisions under the supervision of the Directors.
Assist the Directors with various operational related tasks as assigned, such as purchasing and transportation coordination.
Works with Head Counselors when necessary to help implement campus-based programs.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, e.g. outdoor education, K-12 education, special education, psychology, PT/OT/SLP.
Professional experience working with neurodiverse children with learning differences, ASD, or other social communication challenges.
At least 5 years of overnight camp experience.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience supervising staff in a professional setting.
Of equal importance: a creative, organized, and flexible self-starter who wants to make a difference!

The Program Director will join us in Vermont on or before June 11th. The last date of employment is August 12th.
Salary range is $4000 – $6000, depending on experience and selected departure date.
Comfortable staff housing and all meals are included

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – With other staff and connections to camp alumni can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities in a variety of careers
LEADERSHIP – You will be supervising others, engaging in decision-making, practicing behavior management, and helping to lead a community … all critical life skills for your future
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Ongoing professional development sets you up to learn about your job while building a strong team with the people you will be working with
21ST CENTURY SKILLS – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Contribution that are critical for success in today’s world are developed and practiced at camp
SUMMER IN VERMONT – On your time off, enjoy visiting Burlington VT, Hanover NH, Boston, Montreal … not to mention incredible outdoor adventure opportunities in the White and Green Mountains!

Ropes Director

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The Ropes Director supervises all aspects of Akeela’s ropes course program, which includes field games, low ropes elements, climbing wall, zip line and high ropes activities. They take a leadership role in planning all ropes related activities, and taking care of program materials.

A key component of this position is staff supervision; the Ropes Director is responsible for orienting their staff on the goals of the program, and preparing their staff to lead daily ropes activities. They are the person who is ultimately responsible for safety at the ropes course and who would make critical decisions in the case of an emergency in that program area.

Program Development & Management

Creates and leads a socially engaging curriculum that aligns with the overall program goals of Camp Akeela.
Ensures that all safety procedures are communicated and are adhered to by staff and campers.
Maintains all ropes course program supplies & equipment.
Serves as a member of Akeela’s senior staff team, providing input on camp activities, campers, staff, and general camp-wide issues.

Staff Supervision & Mentorship

Supervises and works alongside two additional ropes specialists.
Supervision includes daily check-ins for ongoing informal feedback, as well as occasional more formal (written) feedback sessions
Serves as a mentor and coach to the other ropes specialist: supporting them during difficult or emergency situations, providing input and direction about lesson plans and projects, assigning activities & assigning periods off.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, e.g. outdoor education, K-12 education, special education, psychology, PT/OT/SLP.
Professional experience working with neurodiverse children with learning differences, ASD, or other social communication challenges.
Certification in belaying, facilitation, and ropes course safety. The applicant ideally has or is working towards an ACCT- level 2 training.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience supervising staff in a professional setting.
Of equal importance: a creative, organized, and flexible self-starter who wants to make a difference!

The Ropes Director will join us in Vermont on or before June 7th. Departure date is flexible, between August 10 and August 22.
Salary range is $3500 – $5500, depending on experience and selected departure date.
Comfortable staff housing and all meals are included

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – With other staff and connections to camp alumni can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities in a variety of careers
LEADERSHIP – You will be supervising others, engaging in decision-making, practicing behavior management, and helping to lead a community … all critical life skills for your future
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Ongoing professional development sets you up to learn about your job while building a strong team with the people you will be working with
21ST CENTURY SKILLS – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Contribution that are critical for success in today’s world are developed and practiced at camp
SUMMER IN VERMONT – On your time off, enjoy visiting Burlington VT, Hanover NH, Boston, Montreal … not to mention incredible outdoor adventure opportunities in the White and Green Mountains!

Art director

Apply Now

The Art Director supervises all aspects of Akeela’s art programs, which includes visual arts, woodworking, ceramics, cooking and theater. They take a leadership role in helping counselors plan those activities, and taking care of program materials. A key component of this position is staff supervision; the Art Director is responsible for orienting their staff on the goals of the program, and preparing their staff to lead daily arts activities.

Program Development & Management

Creates and leads a socially engaging visual arts curriculum that aligns with the overall program goals of Camp Akeela.
Ensures that all safety procedures are communicated and are adhered to by staff and campers.
Maintains inventory for all arts program supplies & equipment.
Serves as a member of Akeela’s senior staff team, providing input on camp activities, campers, staff, and general camp-wide issues.

Staff Supervision & Mentorship

Supervises and works alongside art, wood, ceramics, cooking and drama specialists.
Supervision includes daily check-ins for ongoing informal feedback, as well as occasional more formal (written) feedback sessions
Serves as a mentor and coach to those specialists: supporting them during difficult situations, providing input and direction about lesson plans and projects, assigning activities & assigning periods off.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, e.g. art education, K-12 or special education, art therapy, psychology, social work, PT/OT/SLP.
Professional experience working with neurodiverse children with learning differences, ASD, or other social communication challenges.
Experience teaching art.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience supervising staff in a professional setting.
Of equal importance: a creative, organized, and flexible self-starter who wants to make a difference!

The Art Director will join us in Vermont from June 7th through August 11th, 2024.
Salary range is $3500 – $5500, depending on experience.
Comfortable staff housing and all meals are included

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – With other staff and connections to camp alumni can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities in a variety of careers
LEADERSHIP – You will be supervising others, engaging in decision-making, practicing behavior management, and helping to lead a community … all critical life skills for your future
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Ongoing professional development sets you up to learn about your job while building a strong team with the people you will be working with
21ST CENTURY SKILLS – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Contribution that are critical for success in today’s world are developed and practiced at camp
SUMMER IN VERMONT – On your time off, enjoy visiting Burlington VT, Hanover NH, Boston, Montreal … not to mention incredible outdoor adventure opportunities in the White and Green Mountains!