Congratulations on being selected to join the team at Camp Winaukee, a traditional all-boys overnight camp located on the beautiful shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. As a first-time staff member, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey that will help shape not only the campers’ lives but also your own. From building lifelong friendships to learning leadership skills, the experience you’ll gain at Camp Winaukee will be like no other.

Our values—community, sportsmanship, growth, and fun—are at the heart of everything we do at camp.

If you’re nervous or unsure about what to expect, don’t worry! It’s completely natural. We’re going to walk you through what to expect in your first summer as a staff member, how to prepare, and tips for making the most of this amazing opportunity.

Your Role as a Counselor

As a first-time staff member, your main role will be to support and mentor campers, ages 7 to 15, while ensuring they have a fun, safe, and memorable experience. You’ll be responsible for creating a positive, nurturing environment, teaching sports skills, playing in the lake and fostering friendships.

You’ll be part of a larger team of coaches, lifeguards, nurses, and support staff, all working together to ensure every camper feels welcome and supported.

• Build Relationships: One of the most rewarding parts of being a counselor is the relationships you’ll form with the boys. As you guide them through daily activities, you’ll become a role model and mentor, helping them grow both as athletes and as people.

• Teach Sports and Activities: At Camp Winaukee, sports are a huge part of the experience. As a counselor, you’ll lead campers in a variety of sports, from basketball and soccer to water polo and swimming at the waterfront. You’ll also take part in team-building activities and adventure challenges, creating an environment where boys can try new things and succeed in a supportive, fun setting.

Tip: Be ready to step into many roles—whether it’s a coach, mentor, cheerleader, or listener. Camp is about helping boys grow and giving them opportunities to shine.

A Typical Day at Camp Winaukee

The day-to-day routine at Camp Winaukee is fast-paced and packed with activities. As a first-time staff member, it’s important to understand the structure so you can hit the ground running:

• Morning: Your day will begin with reveille, between 7:00-8:00 AM depending on which age of campers who are working with, followed by a campus meeting. After breakfast, you’ll help supervise campers and guide them through their first morning activity—this could be anything from basketball drills to a fun swim at the lake.

• Midday: After the first three activities, you’ll enjoy lunch with the campers and then supervise rest hour, where boys take time to relax, read, or nap. It’s a great time to connect with the campers in your cabin and recharge for the afternoon.

• Afternoon: The afternoon is filled with three more activities. You might be helping a camper with archery one minute, and leading a team challenge the next. You’ll also have free time to interact with the boys, help them practice skills, and encourage them to try new things.

• Evening: Evenings are filled with campfires, talent shows, or fun games. After a day full of activities, the energy doesn’t slow down—there’s always something exciting planned for the evening, whether it’s shenanigans or a team-building challenge.

Tip: Be ready to jump in at a moment’s notice! As a counselor, no two days are the same, so flexibility and a positive attitude are key.

Building a Strong Community

At Camp Winaukee, community is everything. You’ll be living and working alongside your fellow counselors, and you’ll help foster that same sense of community within your bunk of campers. The friendships you build with both the campers and staff will last long after the summer ends.

• Teamwork: Counselors work closely together to ensure everything runs smoothly. From team meetings to group activities, you’ll be constantly collaborating with others, helping campers learn the importance of teamwork both on and off the field.

• Mentorship: You’ll quickly become a mentor to the boys you supervise. Whether you’re guiding them through a difficult skill or simply offering a listening ear, your role as a positive role model will be incredibly impactful. As a first-time counselor, take the opportunity to be a strong presence in their lives.

• Building Friendships: Don’t forget to build friendships with your fellow staff members! You’ll spend a lot of time together, and the camaraderie between staff is one of the highlights of the summer. You’ll form bonds with other counselors, coaches, and support staff that you’ll carry with you for years to come.

Tip: Be open, approachable, and willing to offer your support. A welcoming attitude and a willingness to listen are the foundations of a strong camp community.

Preparing for Challenges

Being a counselor comes with its challenges, but they are all part of the growth and learning experience. As a first-time staff member, you may face moments of difficulty or doubt, but that’s all part of the process. Here’s how to navigate those challenges:

• Homesickness: Not just for campers—staff can feel homesick, too. Be ready to support your campers if they feel homesick, and don’t hesitate to lean on your fellow counselors if you’re having a hard time adjusting. You’re all in this together, and you’ll quickly find comfort in your new community.

• Managing Group Dynamics: Sometimes it can be challenging to keep a group of energetic boys engaged and focused. Remember that patience, humor, and a sense of fun will go a long way in creating a positive, energetic environment.

• Handling Situations: You’ll have support from the camp leadership to help you navigate any tricky situations, whether it’s conflict resolution or managing homesickness. Your role is to guide the campers and help them through challenges in a constructive, supportive way.

Tip: Always stay calm, patient, and solutions-oriented. Challenges are part of camp, and how you handle them will have a lasting impact on your campers’ experience.

Embrace the Adventure

Above all, Camp Winaukee is about fun. As a staff member, you’ll get to experience all the excitement and adventure alongside the campers. Embrace the opportunity to try new things, laugh at silly moments, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Winnipesaukee.

• Get Involved: Don’t be afraid to join in on games, activities, and special events. Whether it’s playing in a sports tournament or dressing up for a theme day, your participation will show campers how much fun it is to be part of the camp community.

• Live the Camp Values: Everything you do as a counselor will reflect the values of community, sportsmanship, growth, and fun. Lead by example, and you’ll inspire the boys to do the same.

Tip: Take time to enjoy the small moments—the late-night chats with fellow counselors, the spontaneous games, and the beautiful sunsets over the lake. This summer is as much about your own growth as it is about helping the boys grow.

Prepare for the Best Summer of Your Life

Being a first-time staff member at Camp Winaukee is an experience you’ll never forget. The friendships you make, the skills you develop, and the joy you bring to the campers will create memories that last a lifetime. While it may feel like a big responsibility at first, you’ll quickly discover that being a counselor is one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever have.

Tip: Be ready to jump in with both feet. Embrace the experience, take on challenges with a smile, and remember that your presence has a lasting impact on the campers’ lives.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Camp Winaukee team! This summer is going to be filled with growth, adventure, and lots of fun. Let’s make it the best one yet!