Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about working at the Maine Conservation School www.meconservationschool.org

1. Where is the Maine Conservation School'?
MCS is located in Bryant Pond Village within the town of Woodstock, in western Maine, 6
miles south of the town of Bethel. Our campus is just off Route 26 on the shores of Lake Christopher.

2. Where do the campers come from?
Our campers come from throughout the country, with a majority from the Northeastern United
States. Many of the campers come from Maine homes.

3. I understand everyone at the Maine Conservation School is an Activity Specialist. What does that mean?
Most staff people at MCS have a specialty - an program area or activity that they are strongly
suited to instruct. Many counselors come with a strong background in more than one area. We
look for skill proficiency in our activity areas so that the campers will have a diverse introduction
to these areas. Though a skill in a program area is important, one does not have to be a superstar
athlete or skilled master-craftsman to work at MCS. Your love for children, patience, a sense of
responsibility, warmth, and conservation ethic are our primary concerns. Skills can be further
developed while at camp.

4. What if I'm not really skilled in anything in particular, I just love kids?
Great. You can still work with our campers as they "travel" through their day from program to
program. This is a perfect job for those who simply love being and working with children, ages 8
to 14.

5. If I'm teaching activities all day, when do I see the kids in my group?
There are about 14 "waking hours" in an MCS day. Five or six of those are spent instructing
content specific lessons to your group. There is a one-hour activity block for the students to
pursue non-program specific activities that they have chosen. In these blocks of time, students are
not in their assigned groups. The rest of the time, you are with your own campers. Meal times,
rest time, evening programs, etc. are spent with the boys or girls in your own group.

6. I hear the campers have some choice in recreational activities at MCS. What does that mean for me?
It basically means that you will work with students who have specifically chosen to participate in
your activity. It is one thing to outline the skills needed to build a shelter to a group and quite a
different thing working with a group of campers who want to know more about shelter building
specifically. It gives both teachers and students a chance to relax and enjoy fun that they have
chosen.

7. Is the Maine Conservation School competitive?
We consider ourselves diverse. We strive to create an atmosphere for all to succeed. Our job is to
make everyone feel comfortable. Instruction can be adapted those campers requiring a bit more
challenge and for children not as well versed. In every activity or lesson, we emphasize
participation and environmental stewardship. We are charged with making sure each camper has
an opportunity to shine... to find his or her "place" at camp. "Camp is for the Camper", after all.

8. What about time off and free time?
We know that, for you to be an effective counselor, you need to take time for yourself. We want
you to be fresh and invigorated. Whether it is an hour or four hours that you are scheduled to have
off or ?free?, we want you to take some time for yourself. Of course, you may opt to just read
quietly or take a nap. About one night out of five, you are on duty and must stay in the dorm "on
call" overnight. In addition, you receive one half day off every week. One weekend during the
season you may be released early and can report late. When you’re on, be ready to work. But
when you’re off, use your time wisely.

9. What about dress and personal appearance?
Staff shirts must be worn each "Parent Day" - meaning Sunday for registration and Friday for
pick up. Your personal appearance is important. The main guideline is that you project an image
of neatness, modesty, and good taste. Clothing should be reasonably clean and should not be
unduly stained or ripped/frayed. Sneakers or hiking boots are the normal footwear. Sandals or
bare feet are not appropriate, except in water front activities. In a nutshell - dress befitting your
activity. We expect a neat appearance for all counselors and staff. Clothing which depicts
violence, the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, are prohibited. Backless or strapless shirts, haltertops,
or bare midriffs are not permitted. Male staff should wear a shirt for all activities except
swimming. Pants should be appropriately worn at the waist.

10. How many counselors and campers return each year?
We are proud to say that more than 50 percent of our staff return annually. We are also happy to
tell you that a large percent of our campers return as well. Some even go on to become staff!

11. Could you describe a "typical day"?
Each camp day is unique, but there is a good deal of regularity to the daily program. Lesson
blocks will be specific to the program (i.e. Hunter Safety, Bow hunter Safety, Boater Safety, etc.).
Campers also select certain "electives" for each day and, based on those selections, staff are
assigned Activity blocks by the Camp Director. It is safe to say, though, that no matter what
position you are hired for there is a chance you will be asked to do something else at some point
in the summer. We are a team and need to support each other in the bigger goal of the School.
Below is a thumbnail portrait of a typical day:
Following wake-up, but before breakfast, each camp group joins together for a morning meeting
or ritual before the day ahead. There are two meal shifts, so half of the groups will go straight to
breakfast and the other half will stretch their minds and bodies.
After a short cabin "clean up," the campers go with their field staff to their morning content
lesson blocks. Each lesson is about one and a half hours long.
Following morning lessons, there is lunch and "dorm check" or time to go back to housing to
change clothes or re-pack for the afternoon?s activities.
The afternoon consists of more lesson blocks - one for two hours and one for an hour and a half.
Then there is an activity period during which the campers can choose recreation, swimming, or
arts & crafts. Your activity area is assigned based on your expertise and training.
After the activity period, there is a brief wash-up, followed by dinner. After dinner, you are with
your group for evening program and until your group has been delivered to their housing for the
night and has been accepted by the on duty staff. Only after authority has been exchanged are you
free for the evening.
Evening programs range from guest speakers and activities to campfires and so on. Camper
bedtime is from 9:00 - 9:30, when lights out is called. While this represents a brief portrait, there
is far too much going on to describe on paper. Weekly ?specials?, hikes, and live fire on the .22
range, etc. make up some of our special activities and events.

12. Where do most of the counselors come from?
Many staff come from recommendations of former or returning counselors. Many of Maine?s
colleges and universities are represented, as well as others from around New England. We also
have several high schools represented by our junior staff.

13. Is the camp one big group?
MCS is broken down into different groupings for different activities. There are times when we
will all be together, regardless of the program being pursued, like Thursday?s cookout and
campfire. Other times only one group may be involved in a specific activity, for example,
primitive fire building. Our campus is headed by an Executive Director who oversees all
operations, an Education Director who is in charge of all programming and staff, a Camp Director
who assists the with supervising field staff and campers, and field teams (a teacher and an
assistant) who are responsible for individual groups of up to 15 campers. Different programs will
require special skills, for example, hunter safety administrative duties, etc.

14. How "co-ed" is the camp?
Boys and girls are grouped together and participate in the same activities. All programs are co-ed
and all are welcome to participate.

15. What are the living arrangements like?
All staff (except directors and operations staff) live in the same housing area as the campers.
Housing is offered in canvas or wooden cabins, tents, and tarp or debris shelters, depending on
the program being offered. The canvas/wooden cabins are steps away from the shower house.
Field staff are not housed with campers except for the ?on duty? field teacher who will stay in a
staff dorm room overnight to be on call (both male and female dorms). Staff housing consists of
canvas or wooden cabins or tents, depending on program.

16. What about salary?
Working and living at camp is a relatively expense-free summer and staff may conceivably leave
at the end of the season with their entire salary. In addition to salary and travel allowance (for
specific approved travel), staff are provided free of charge with a staff shirt, a staff sweatshirt and
room and board. Staff will be provided with all necessary camping gear for job related camping
requirements (tent, sleeping pad, cooking gear, etc.)

17. Is there a place for staff to get away on campus?
The demands of living with a group of children are great. On campus, there are few staff-only
places. There is a computer in the main office for email and phone accessibility during office
hours. There are almost 200 acres of land that we use for our programs; there are many
opportunities for staff to find a quiet place. Your free time is just that ? yours. If you are officially
off duty (and 18 or older or with parental permission), you may leave campus. There are towns
close by with movie theatres, laundromats, etc. for your needs.

18. What about smoking or drinking?
We would be remiss not to mention once again that the possession or use of drugs or alcohol on
camp property, or returning to camp under the influence of any such substance, is grounds for
dismissal. Also, smoking is prohibited at camp. Arrangements may be made for staff to smoke, if
necessary, as long as it is not in sight of campers.

19. How's the food?
Good. Really. While we tell you up front that we cannot accommodate all special diets, we have
an extensive salad bar, fruit available at lunch and dinner, and variety at most meals. We serve
vegetarian options for all meals. Our cooks are experienced and are proud of their role in our
sustenance. Most campers and staff leave MCS saying that the food is good.

20. It sounds good, but really how much work is it?
Camp is very structured and demanding. The campers are in camp for one, two, or four weeks
(depending on program) and our responsibility to them is 24 hours a day. If you are interested in
joining our staff, please give all the information herein careful consideration and download an
application by clicking on the link above. Send it in and we will contact you right away about the
availability of a position and arrange a personal interview or telephone conference about the
possibilities of being a member of the field staff at the Maine Conservation School.

So...If you love children and believe in their incredible potential, if you feel good about yourself
and the talents you offer, if you thrive on healthy outdoor surroundings and believe in an active,
enthusiastic approach to life, then Maine Conservation School may be the perfect place to call
your summer home.