About The Camp
Camp O-AT-KA, founded in 1906, is a summer residential camp for boys ages 8-16. Our founder, the E.J. Dennen, believed that it is better to build strong boys than mend broken men. Camp O-AT-KA maintains this mission to this day. We seek to instill confidence and build character in a supportive, family environment. We welcome campers and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds and geographic locations, and O-AT-KA seeks to bring them together by furthering common interests, promoting a sense of community, achieving progress towards goals, and fostering the development of lifelong friendships.
About the Position
O-AT-KA owns a half-mile of beachfront property along Sebago Lake, the second largest lake in Maine. Waterfront activities play a large role in the daily life of the camp, and include instructional and recreational swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, racing sailing, water skiing, fishing, and SCUBA. The waterfront director reports to the Program Director and is charged with the following duties:
- Overseeing all camp activities that take place on the waterfront
- Ensuring a safe, clean, organized environment for waterfront activities
- Teaching and monitoring proper use of equipment
- Reviewing safety policies and procedures with campers and staff
- Maintaining waterfront equipment and taking pre and post-camp inventories
- Training lifeguards and organizing periodic drills
- Supervising staff craft instructors and lifeguards and holding periodic staff meetings
- Helping to plan and run the O-AT-KA Regatta, O-AT-KA Day Swim Meet, and other special waterfront events
- Setting a good example for campers and staff in attitude and behavior
- Assisting and participating in camp-wide programs
- Teaching campers during craft periods as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Key Attributes of a Successful Waterfront Director
- 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license
- Lifeguard / Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification required, Lifeguard Instructor preferred
- Prior waterfront experience, preferably with open bodies of water
- Ability to drive camp vehicles and boats
- Safety-minded
- Experience working with youth, preferably in a camp setting
- Exhibits patience and sensitivity and a positive attitude
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Ability to safely and properly use waterfront equipment
All full-time staff are expected to arrive at camp at the beginning of staff orientation on Sunday, June 17th and depart at the close of camp on Saturday, August 11th, unless special arrangements are made with the director in advance. This is a live-in position with lodging and meals provided. Salary is negotiable. Camp O-AT-KA is an equal-opportunity employer. All staff must pass a thorough background check.
To apply, please email a resume, cover letter and three references to Charles Donovan (Summer Director) at program@campoatka.com. We will consider applications as they are received.
