June 2 - Returning Staff arrive

June 4 - Lifeguarding Staff arrive

June 5 - Horse, Ropes and Video Staff arrive

June 8 - All other Staff arrive

June 10 to June 21 - Staff Orientation and Program Area Training

June 22 to August 14 - Two sessions of camper attendance

August 15 - Staff departure

We are accepting applications for staff positions at HVC for the upcoming summer. To apply, please do the following:

• You can complete the full online application here -OR- email your resume and tell us why you want to work at HVC.

• You'll be asked to provide the names of two references, current or former supervisors or employers (not a friend or family member) who will then be contacted.

• Send any questions to [email protected].

After you Apply

Within 5 days of receiving your application we'll be in touch to tell you if we have openings for someone with your skills. At that point, we'll send an email to set up a time for a phone interview.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at the office here: 1-800-922-6737 or via [email protected]

Please fill out your forms on your Camp Account, going to "Forms & Documents."

• Voluntary Disclosure Form (All staff must submit.)

• Internet Policy Form (All staff must submit.)

• Health History can be completed right away.

These next forms will appear in your Online Camp Account as PDF's to be uploaded back to your account or mailed to us after completion:

Physicians Examination completed by physician. Note: Make sure to schedule a doctor's appt. if needed.​

Staff Immunization form if not completed as part of the Health History form.

Note to international staff: Some of you will have provided this information via your organization. Please make sure we have everything including the Immunization form.

Choose one way to return these forms:

1. Upload to your Online Camp Account

2. Email to [email protected]

Please bring to camp with you:

Proper ID required by U.S. immigration laws. U.S. employers are required to examine all employees' citizenship or work/visa documents. You must bring to camp (so you don't have to scramble to have sent to you from home)

EITHER: 1 document from this list:

• United States Passport

• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship

• Alien Registration (Green) Card

• Foreign Passport with attached Employment Authorization (Applies to international staff only; your host organization has arranged for the appropriate J-1 visa.)

OR: An original or certified copy of birth certificate PLUS 1 item from this list:

• State-issued driver's license

• State-issued ID with photo

• School ID with photo

• Voter registration card

• Original Social Security Card (Reproduction not permitted)

• Certification of birth abroad issued by the State Department

We know that you have lots to sort out with your arrival at camp. Some of you will be coming long distances to join us. We have tried to provide as much information as possible below. If you still have questions, or if you haven't told us your travel plans yet, please send us an email!

You are due at camp on the date listed on your Employment Agreement. As with all jobs, we expect people to be here on time. Of course, feel free to arrive earlier in the day to give yourself time to settle in.

Driving

• Please plan to arrive at camp by 4pm.

• Address: 161 Hidden Valley Rd., Freedom, ME

Flying

Portland, Maine (PWM)

• Plan to arrive by 3pm in Portland (PWM) and we will pick you up.

• If you arrive after 3pm, we may not be able to pick you up on the day of your arrival and you will be responsible for the cost of spending the night in Portland.

• Please let us know your flight information by May 24th.

Boston, Massachusetts (BOS)

• Please arrive at Boston/Logan Airport (BOS) before 2 PM so that you can get to HVC the same day.

• Take a Concord Coach bus (departs hourly) from Boston airport to Portland, Maine. You must get on one of these buses by 6:30 pm in order to arrive in Portland by 8:30 pm at which time we will pick you up.

• If your flight lands later than 2:00 pm, please contact us so that we can help make arrangements to pick you up.

Bus

• We'll be happy to pick you up at the Belfast, ME bus stop when you arrive.

• From New York City: There are two buses that depart New York City each day and arrive in Belfast, Maine. Take the earliest bus that departs, usually at 7am and arrives in Belfast, ME at 5:15pm.

  Your bus will depart from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and you will need to switch buses in Boston to a Concord Coach bus to Belfast.

• From Boston: You should plan to take the earliest bus, usually around noon. The bus will arrive in Belfast, ME around 5:15pm.

Other Plans

Please Contact an HVC Program Director to discuss.

At Hidden Valley, training and supporting staff are critical elements to our success.

Pre-Camp Staff Training

During these TWO WEEKS you will:

• Get acclimated to daily life on our 350 lovely acres.

• Discuss child development issues and relationship building.

• Develop lesson plans and participate in "practice classes" with your co-teachers.

• Explore methods of group building and conflict resolution with young people.

• Review a range of safety and first aid topics.

• Prepare for the many ways in which we can support children's emerging sense of independence.

• Commence creation of a family atmosphere in your cabin.

• Have Fun! We create a supportive productive international staff group, enjoy a day on the ropes course, visit the coast, etc.

Ongoing Staff Training

Throughout the Summer Season, Staff Training includes:

• Staff meetings every other day to prepare for special programs and address needs of campers and staff.

• Weekly lunch meetings with your cabin counseling team and a Director to discuss camper needs and plan cabin programs.

• Ad hoc meetings in your program teaching areas.

• Performance evaluations conducted part way through summer to address individual accomplishments and areas for growth.

• Chats with the camp's Program Directors whenever needed to address counseling and teaching challenges as they develop.

Prior to our two week staff orientation, many staff receive training and credentials in Red Cross Lifeguard Training, Maine Trip Leader, and at the horse area and ropes course. Please ask us about these opportunities.

Hidden Valley has a long history of hosting staff from many countries including many EU countries, Norway, Thailand, South Africa, Senegal, Australia, New Zealand, China, and many others. Approximately 15% of our staff hails from abroad. It is our sincere hope that — like the many hundreds of internationals who have preceded you here — you'll be comfortable at camp and in the surrounding community. Hidden Valley and Coastal Maine will become your home away from home in America.

Travel

Travel around the States after camp is likely in your plans. As in the past, American staff may extend invitations to stay with them.

Language

For some of you, English is not your first language. In previous summers, counselors have become comfortable with English after a few days here. You may want to practice speaking English before you begin your travels. And we look forward to learning some of your language, songs, and culture.

Cultural Differences

You can expect a few, but that is what makes international travel so much fun. We will set aside some time to discuss relevant cultural issues when you arrive at camp.

Returning Internationals also provide new arrivals with guidance and support. Hidden Valley Camp values the unique talents and perspective that Internationals bring to our summer community.

Welcome!

Not sure what to bring? Read the full packing list.

Life at any summer camp is joyful and upbeat and, to employ an overused word, time here can also be 'intense.' Some thoughts along these lines as you prepare for summer:

• Get in physical shape: Camp life is active, and you'll be walking and running around all day this summer. This will help you keep up with energetic campers.

• Take care of yourself! Please plan to sleep well, eat well and do those things (a daily jog, reading, meditation, journaling, a swim, etc.) that help you relax and recharge. 

• HVC is "device free!" We do use technology selectively (in dance classes for example), and have learned that the unique non-tech aspects of camp community life have much to offer the children and adults here, as does this longtime staff member.

• Ask yourself, "How do I normally respond to occasional stress in a positive way?" And then think about how you can help yourself while you are here, given that there are many opportunities available

• Limits and schedules at camp: On a personal level, counselors gain so much here - friends, access to outdoors, crafts, etc., not to mention the joy and growth that a children's camp community produces daily. You will give up some things as well. Be prepared for a life with wakeup times, bed times, set mealtimes, etc. In other words your daily routines may be less flexible here than in some parts of the "real world."

• Now more than ever, a peaceful, productive and un-pressured community such as ours is a significant resource for families. Your contribution to our children's summer of freedom and expression will be an important one, and we look forward to working with you this summer.

• Off time is generous and will provide you many opportunities to explore Maine. Leaving camp is easy and can be done by sharing rides with Americans who have brought cars to camp, renting camp's staff van (to qualified drivers, for a nominal fee), or purchasing an inexpensive car to provide transportation during and after the camp season.

Personal Benefits

• Inspire young people and teach them new skills

• Make a difference in children's lives

• Explore the woods, ocean, and small villages of midcoast Maine

• Be yourself with other like-minded people from around the world

There are many personal benefits to working at Hidden Valley. You'll gain experience working with children. You'll come to appreciate many aspects of group life. Beyond this, camps such as HVC push you to develop leadership skills, taking responsibility for a range of challenging new situations, and making decisions on your own.

Career Benefits

• Teaching your specialty

• Leadership — in small and large groups

• Teamwork and team building

• Communication

• Dispute resolution and behavior management

• Problem solving and decision making

• Time management and multitasking

• Understanding learning styles

Many HVC counselors have gone on to significant roles in the camping industry. Others have used their camp credentials and talents to develop careers in: Teaching/Education, Counseling and Psyche, Human Resources, Public Relations and Marketing, OT and PT and management positions in hospitals, startups, and elsewhere.

Professionally, employers are always looking for the skills and experience inherent in camp jobs: Instructing, leading, empathizing, working in groups, analyzing and solving problems, decision making, multitasking, and inspiring others! These sorts of opportunities for skill development are invaluable in many fields.

PAID INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE in many relevant fields. Please contact us to discuss.