Why Work at MKN
Each counselor at Mah-Kee-Nac has a dual role. During the day, you’ll coach or instruct in your area of expertise, while in the evenings, you’ll join your campers for fun special events and nightly activities. Counselors should be patient, fun-loving, and genuinely invested in the growth and well-being of young people—we’re looking for positive role models for our campers.
At Mah-Kee-Nac, every counselor is part of several teams led by experienced camp leaders. Our leadership staff is comprised of dedicated teachers, coaches, and recreation professionals who are committed to creating a supportive environment for both campers and staff.
Benefits of Working at Camp
We often hear, “I’d love to work at camp, but I need a ‘real job.’” A camp job is as real as it gets! If you can thrive as a camp counselor for one summer, you can do anything! Employers today seek 21st-century skills like collaboration, conflict resolution, critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication skills. The camp environment lends itself to not only teaching these skills but practicing them day in and day out.
Click to View our Camp MKN Staff Benefits Package
As well, see these three helpful resources below to learn about how working at camp can benefit you as you grow both personally and professionally:
Build your Resume with Camp
Skills Cultivated by Camp Employment
Working at Camp is a Real Job
Typical Day
| Activitiy | Time |
|---|---|
| Wake-Up | 7:45 AM |
| Breakfast | 8:00 AM |
| Flag Raising (Juniors only) | 8:25 AM |
| Assembly | 9:20 AM |
| Period 1 | 9:40 AM - 10:30 AM |
| Period 2 | 10:40 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Snack | |
| Period 3 | 11:40 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Lunch | 12:30 PM |
| Rest Hour | 1:15 PM - 2:20 PM |
| Assembly | 2:20 PM |
| Period 4 | 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM |
| Snack | |
| Period 5 | 3:50 PM - 4:50 PM |
| Campus Time | 5:00 PM |
| Dinner | 6:00 PM |
| Flag Lowering | 7:00 PM |
| Evening Activity | 7:30 PM |
| Showers and Snack | 9:00 PM |
| Lights Out (varies by age) | 9:15 PM - 11:00 PM |
Each cabin at Mah-Kee-Nac is about 8-10 campers with 3–4 counselors. Counselors focus on fostering friendships, team spirit, and camaraderie while remaining sensitive to both individual and group dynamics. Our experienced key staff and returning counselors are always available for support.
Cabins are organized into “divisions” and three divisions come together to form a “campus,” overseen by a Campus Leader. This structure allows counselors and campers in similar age groups to connect, fostering a close-knit community within each campus.
At Mah-Kee-Nac, every counselor is both a program specialist and a cabin counselor. As an instructor, you’ll work alongside other counselors who share your specialty, under the guidance of a Program Head.
While working with children is incredibly rewarding, it can also be demanding. That’s why we incorporate free time into the schedule to help you “recharge your batteries.”