Camp Description:
EqualityMaine is gearing up to host our 17th New Leaders Project Summer Camp. This week-long overnight camp aims to strengthen leadership skills, build resilience, and provide opportunities for self-affirming discovery and personal growth. At camp, we strive to foster real connections and relationships between LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and a team of dedicated counselors and staff. We aim to inspire and challenge campers with passionate, experienced, and talented speakers. Camp will include community building, leadership skills, advocacy education, LGBTQ history, and outdoor activities in a safe supportive environment! We also have a Counselor-In-Training program for LGBTQ young adults age 18-20 to further extend our reach and support young adults in continuing to be leaders in their community.
Qualifications:
We are seeking counselors who have a demonstrated ability to work with queer youth, skills to help create brave spaces that are welcoming and inclusive, and hold LGBTQ+ cultural competency and/or connections to the community. A broad range of experiences are also welcome. We encourage folks to apply who reflect the full diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Counselors must be 21+ in age.
Duties:
Counselors will support young people in their daily routine at camp, organize and execute activities, build connections with campers and support campers in connecting with peers, and support other educational workshops and camp programs. In addition, counselors will help set up camp, including organizing cabins, prepping activities, and creating welcoming spaces. Counselors will also help clean up post-camp. Other duties will be assigned as the camp program progresses. There are two virtual training dates and two in-person training dates for counselors.
Camp is a wonderful, emotional, exhausting experience for all staff and campers. As camp is only a week long, it can feel like working 24 hours/day in a whirlwind style. Staff are expected to show up fully when on-duty. We recognize that this position is not for everyone, so please take time to consider if you are able to commit to the role.
Counselors will be expected to work long days, have "on-duty" nights for supervision, and be present at all established times outside of their assigned breaks.
Camper Dates: Sunday, August 9th - Saturday, August 15th 2026
Counselor Required Dates: Two virtual training days in July, and Friday, August 7th - Saturday, August 15th.
Camp is open to LGBTQ+ youth and allies age 13-17.
To apply as a counselor, please complete the following application. We are looking for 10 volunteers to fill our counselor positions. We have a mix of fully volunteer positions and volunteer positions with a nominal stipend. All counselors receive full room and board for their time spent at camp. We run a background check on all applicants.
On page 3, you will have the option to complete your application questions via written statement or audio/visual file upload.
On page 4, you will need the name, phone number, and email address of two people who can act as references for you.
Applications are open until March 27th. Interviews will take place in April.
If you have any questions, please email kelly@equalitymaine.org