working at camp uncommon
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Camp Uncommon?
Senior Leadership Team Orientation: June 9–June 16, 2025
Team Orientation: June 17–June 24, 2025
Session 1: June 25–July 6, 2025
Intersession: July 7–July 8, 2025
Session 2: July 9–July 20, 2025
Intersession: July 21–July 22, 2025
Session 3: July 23–August 3, 2025
Team Departure & Closeout: August 4, 2025
Please note that camp dates are currently still subject to change based on the school calendar and facilities availability. We will provide timely updates if/when we are required to make any changes.
Will travel costs be covered?
Transportation to/from camp or a travel stipend will be provided for team members.
Where is Camp Uncommon?
Camp Uncommon takes place at Camp Powhatan, a beautiful lakeside camp facility in Otisfield, Maine. Surrounded by nature, it provides the perfect setting for adventure, learning, and community-building
Where do Camp Uncommon campers come from?
Our campers are selected from Uncommon elementary and middle schools in New York City, Newark, Camden, Boston, and Rochester.
Can I work part of camp?
We are asking that all team members be present for the entirety of the program. In some cases, special consent may be given for extenuating circumstances.
Is there a team dress code for Camp Uncommon?
Yes. Camp Team T-shirts will be provided and must be worn until dinner each night and for certain camp evening activities. All counselors are required to wear proper swimming attire (swim trunks for men, and one piece swimsuits for women). Sneakers are the normal footwear for camp, but sandals/flip flops are allowed for any water or non-athletic activity (i.e. theater, art, music, etc.) We want you to be comfortable and want you to be yourselves; we just ask that all attire be appropriate for children and for the assigned activity.
Are there spaces for team members to unwind at camp?
The demands of living with a group of children are significant, and we recognize the importance of rest, balance, and personal time for our team members. At Camp Powhatan in Otisfield, Maine, there are several peaceful locations throughout camp that offer space for decompression and reflection. While Otisfield is a rural setting, nearby areas provide opportunities for exploration, including scenic hiking trails, wooded walking paths, and lakefront spaces that offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of camp life.
Additionally, there are designated areas at camp with Wi-Fi and telephone accessibility, allowing staff to stay connected as needed. Your free time is yours to use as you choose—whether that’s unwinding by the lake, taking a nature walk, or connecting with fellow team members.
What are the living accommodations like at Camp Uncommon?
Camp Uncommon provides bunk-style housing at Camp Powhatan, where counselors live alongside campers, fostering a close-knit and supportive community. Counselors will be responsible for a group of campers and will reside with them throughout their stay.
In keeping with our commitment to inclusivity and comfort, team members may request to reside in gender-affinity housing with others who share their gender identity. Additionally, gender-neutral bathroom spaces will be available in all dorms.
For more details on our commitment to inclusivity, please see our Gender Inclusive Policy.
What is the salary?
Working at Camp Uncommon is a low-expense experience, so the hope is that every team member will leave with their entire camp salary. Team salaries vary depending on position and are competitive with the salaries offered by similar, high-quality overnight camps. Team shirts and sweatshirts will be provided free of charge along with a laundry service in the middle of camp.
Does Camp Uncommon have a religious affiliation?
No. Camp Uncommon has no ties to any religion and we are accepting of all diversities, religious affiliations, and backgrounds.
Can you outline a typical day?
Each camp day is unique, but there is a good deal of regularity to the daily program. Below is an overview of a typical day:
Following wake-up and breakfast, the camp comes together for Morning Summit. At Morning Summit, we do cheers, introduce the value of the day, make announcements, review the schedule and get excited for the day ahead!
After Morning Summit, each group goes to two morning activities, including Discovery. Discovery is geared towards self-discovery through group activities and offers campers a chance to reflect on the value of the day and the experiences they are having. Using soccer as an example, you, as a soccer Activity Counselor, would report to the soccer fields to teach soccer. Throughout the day, you would see three separate camper groups. If you are a Group Counselor, you would travel with your group to each of their three scheduled activities.
Following morning activities, there is lunch and "rest hour" or quiet time to relax, read and spend time with campers.
After rest hour comes two more group activities, followed by intensives. Intensives are activity periods that allow campers to focus a single activity over three days and develop their skill set in that area. As a team member, you will either teach or assist in teaching an intensive.
After Intensives, there is a brief wash-up and free period, followed by dinner.
After dinner, the whole camp comes together for Evening Summit, which includes a nightly awards ceremony, during which we recognize campers for their outstanding contributions throughout the day.
Evening Summit is followed by an evening activity, which will range from talent shows to sports leagues "under the lights," to campfires.
Each day closes with the Camp Uncommon song and some free dorm time before lights out.
While this represents a brief portrait, there is far too much going on to describe on paper. There will be hikes and excursions, exciting all-camp events, and fun and engaging activities for campers and team members to enjoy!
What about time off and free time?
We know for you to be an effective counselor, you need to take time for yourself. We want you to be fresh and invigorated. Therefore, team members are given days off in between sessions and nights off during the camp program.
Time off is determined and scheduled by the Program Director in conjunction with the Director of Camp Uncommon. During the day, team members receive either a rest hour or free period off each day. At that time, you may use any available facilities for recreation. Of course, you may opt to just read quietly or take a nap. Every other night, when you are on duty, you must stay with your group until they are asleep, then remain in camp "on duty" until 12:30 a.m. when the remainder of the counseling team who are "off" return to camp.
How "co-ed" is Camp Uncommon?
All camp activities are co-ed and separated by age group except for Intensive Blocks which are comprised of boys and girls from all age groups.
What are your COVID-19 vaccination and testing policies?
Our number one priority is the safety of our camp community. Therefore:
We strongly encourage all campers and team members to be vaccinated and boosted, if eligible.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for campers to attend camp nor for team members to work at camp.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, we strongly encourage all campers and team members to complete a COVID-19 test prior to arrival to camp.
We will continue to use robust cleaning protocols, test anyone at camp if they are symptomatic, and provide safe spaces for isolation as needed. These policies are subject to change at any time due to the evolving circumstances of the pandemic. We will continue to follow CDC guidance and work with Uncommon Schools, Roger Williams University, and the local department of health to maintain the highest level of safety at camp.