Camp Cobbossee

Personally Assigned Counselor

May 2018 • Augusta, ME

What I liked

With staff and campers from all over the United States and from various countries you are always experiencing something new! If it wasn't for Camp Cobbossee I wouldn't have met some of my best friends or made memories of a lifetime. Nothing will ever compare to spending a summer, far away, in the middle of Maine!

What I wish was different

Advice

Be open to trying new things and having to go outside of your comfort zone! It'll pay off in the long run!

1 One person found this helpful

Accounting Intern

May - August 2023 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Being the "accountant", you are the resource for any questions relating to camp finance (mostly paychecks haha)--essentially, understanding the processes enough to explain and make sure everyone is on the same page. I came in with very little understanding of general payroll and banking processes but working within 20 feet of Josh (director) and Dags (Head of Operations), I was able to pick up on these relatively quickly. I also loved that despite developing so many business professional skills (listed below), this isn't a typical "Accounting Internship". I had my daily/weekly responsibilities that needed to get done, but once I was done with those, I could join a practice, coach a Cobbachoice, or compete in some challenges (go bears). Through this role, you get a balance between seeing the administrative operations and seeing the day-to-day of the campers/counselors. Skills: 1) payroll 2) accounts payable management 3) organizational skills through file management and transaction logs 4) communication skills by being in constant contact with CampGroup (corporate), Josh, and the rest of the staff

What I wish was different

The software and some of the processes (for entering invoices, checks) were a little clunky and outdated.

Advice

1) Be eager to learn 2) Stay involved in camp activites as much as possible

1 One person found this helpful

Group Leader

June - August 2023 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

I have a lot of love and respect for Camp Cobbossee. Leading the campers through the nature in more than ten different sports was exciting everyday- offering along many types of challenges. I also enjoyed getting to do many new things myself and step out of my comfort zone like being on lake of it's size for the first time!

What I wish was different

I wish I packed better shoes!!

Advice

Being a camp counselor is time consuming, but rewarding. If you like the outdoors and you know how to interact with children, you will love camp cobbossee.

1 One person found this helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2023 • Augusta, ME

What I liked

Camp Cobbossee is an amazing camp experience where the boys will discover so much about themselves. Working at this camp was amazing, the people, the energy and the vibes were always amazing. The counselors become like your family and you will build amazing friendships and relationships with everyone on staff. You will make so many memories with your fellow counselors and friends and this is an amazing experience that you will enjoy.

What I wish was different

Definitely more opportunities for break times and break periods. You will work long hours but it is still very rewarding everyday.

Advice

Definitely don’t be afraid to do something new or exciting or something outside your comfort zone. Everyone at camp on staff has experience in the field in which you are applying for and they will show you the ropes without a problem. The returning counselors always give the best advice to the new counselors and they will teach you how to have an effective summer.

1 One person found this helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2023 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

I liked being able to work with kids and the rigors that come with having a day-in, day-out grind of work. I also enjoyed working with other tennis professionals and working in an environment dedicated to forming consistency among players with talent.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had been paid more because the hour-per-hour wage was very, very low all told. I also wish I had the experience at a location I had already been to as I went to a different summer camp as a child.

Advice

This is a job that will help you grow as a person, but it is work. If you don't want to work and improve yourself, don't apply. If you want to try to become a better version of yourself, sign up.

1 One person found this helpful

Permanently Assigned Counselor

June - August 2022 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Cobbossee is a great place for growth and development, for both its campers and counselors! The staff and leadership is helpful and resourceful, while always remaining professional. They will do everything they can to meet your internship needs required by your university program!

What I wish was different

I can't think of anything major that I wish was different. Camp is a great place to work and I would recommend it for anyone who needs an internship for their Parks & Recreation Management course.

Advice

Approach camp with an open mind and it will be the best summer of your life!

1 One person found this helpful

Adventure Staff

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Camp Cobbossee was amazing, the friends I made and times I had there were truly some of the most fun I ever had. I was an adventure counselor for most of the summer, this meant I spent my days at the rock wall, ropes course, and zip line. I was well trained in all necessary skills needed to make sure that the campers and I were kept safe at all times. It’s very rewarding to help a camper face their fears and make it to the top of a rock wall. When I wasn’t at the rock wall there was lots of time to hang with the campers at meals and nightly activities as well as time to hang with my fellow counselors after and rest. My time as a adventure counselor was endless fun, I enjoyed using the new skills and the adventure team is comprised of some of the coolest cats on camp.

What I wish was different

The communication between leadership and lower level staff could’ve been better at the start, but you’ve gotta remember that we are all working together on this huge machine of a summer camp so there is bound to be some miscommunication.

Advice

Come to camp, you won’t regret it. There’s a saying in our industry, the only thing better than going to camp is being a camp counselor, and it’s so true!

1 One person found this helpful

PAC

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

The community that Cobbossee builds in truly unmatched. The other staff members were enthusiastic, actively engaged, and supportive. The bonds that you are able to form with your campers in such a short period of time is so rewarding. And, not only do you build amazing relationships, you are also able to try new sports, go on adventure trips, and spend time by the beautiful Maine lake. If I could go another summer, I would! :)

What I wish was different

Advice

Be ready to learn new things about yourself. Also, go with the flow! Working with campers brings new challenges every day.

1 One person found this helpful

Accounting Intern

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

I really enjoyed the freedom that this job provided, which you do not get during your internship in public accounting during the busy season. The team you work with at camp and in the headquarters office is incredible, and they genuinely care about your growth as a person. With the freedom they provide, I would argue that it still comes with responsibility, and if you practice good time management, you'll be in good hands. You will not find a better summer internship experience where you can come in and input invoices, calculate payroll and manage a variety of other accounting topics, and then go out and play sports with the kids or simply enjoy the beautiful lakeside in the afternoon.

What I wish was different

I have had the opportunity to work at camp for two years now in this department and as I was saying above I loved it. I worked once during a non-covid summer loved it, and then worked a summer with covid and did not love that one as much. I only say that not for the people, not for the work, but I felt like you lose some of that amazing connection you can get from individuals there during a non-covid summer.

Advice

Utilize this opportunity to truly grow. This is an incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge of the accounting field in a very friendly professional environment. Become friends with everyone at camp and this will make your job so much easier! Finally, if you, as the accountant, believe that you should not be involved in camp activities, I would argue that you are incorrect and that you should participate in everything possible to have an amazing summer experience. Josh for sure will push for you to get out and get involved with everything that amazing Camp Cobbossee has to offer.

1 One person found this helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

I loved the camaraderie you develop with coworkers, it really is second to none. I've made tremendously good friends in a short of time, built on a mutual appreciation for hard work and fun. I also love the fact that you as counselors get to take part in many of the camp's activities, it builds healthy competition for the camp as a whole and it makes the environment really exciting.

What I wish was different

I think the only thing was that the camp leadership's policies around COVID were a little inconsistent. But also this is something specific to that summer, so it will issue will not arise in the future.

Advice

Just work hard and expect the unexpected. You will undoubtedly have times where you are put in a position that you hadn't anticipated, and you just have to give it your best effort. While I argue it is one hardest jobs out there, it is also one of the most meaningful. If you keep bringing energy day after day, you will not only make some really good friends and create strong connections with the kids, but also learn that you are capable of doing more than you think.

1 One person found this helpful

PAC (Permanently Assigned Counselor)

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Camp Cobbossee is truly one of a kind. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working and relaxing in the Maine sunshine. My favorite part about Camp Cobbossee is the sense of family you get as soon as you step onto the grounds. I was immediately welcomed by returning staff as well as newcomers. My favorite part about my job? That's a tough one to answer. I would have to say it was a tie between forming bonds with my counselors, kids, and fellow staff members and watching my kids thrive and look forward to a sport they hated at the beginning of the summer. Camp Cobbossee is a second home, if you are thinking of applying I highly recommend!

What I wish was different

In all honestly, there is not much I would change about camp. The days are packed full with activities and the evenings are spent relaxing with fellow counselors in the staff lounge. If I had to change one thing I would request that Chef Louis' becomes my personal chef - I mean seriously good food.

Advice

If I were to give advice to a new staff member, I would suggest to soak up every drop of Cobbossee that you can! It is long hours, long days, long weeks, but I promise as soon as you leave you will be counting down the days until return.

1 One person found this helpful

Permanantly Assigned Counselor

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

'Like' is an understatement! I fell in love with everything about Camp Cobbossee— the energizing work environment, a team of coworkers that became my biggest supporters, kids that never ceased to amaze me, and the escape that a summer in Maine offered. We always say that the days are long and the weeks are short... And in 10 of those short weeks, I was given the opportunity not just to grow and learn new things, but to realize a lot about who I was and what I was capable of. From a professional standpoint, Cobbossee trained me to value teamwork, offered leadership opportunities, surrounded me with people who wanted to see me succeed, and gave me the tools to not just meet expectations, but exceed them. Camp leadership is dedicated to seeing staff thrive, and the value of being mentored by a group of people so devoted to development and community cannot be understated. With a director that values who you are and recognizes your unique potential like Josh does, growth is inevitable. On a more personal level, Cobbossee gave me my best friends, endless memories, and unprecedented confidence in myself. I spent my days running around with a bunch of wild 2nd graders, my nights laughing with friends— and I became the best version of myself in the process! It's really empowering to work so hard for something bigger than yourself.

What I wish was different

Advice

Take the risk. There is so much to gain from getting out of your comfort zone!!!

1 One person found this helpful

Basketball Counselor

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

The main thing that stands out when I think about Cobbossee is the community. Everyone has everyone's backs and are there for each other. I made some great friends in such a short time due to all of us facing the same duties each day and bonding over it. I had never been on a plane before this job but I decided to take the risk and fly from VA to ME. I knew absolutely nobody going in and upon arrival I thought maybe I had made a mistake. However, I stuck it out and am so glad that I decided to. It was one of the craziest, most fun summers I've ever had and is an experience that I will never forget.

What I wish was different

There were certain decisions that had to be made due to COVID-19 that I did not necessarily agree with but I must say that going into the second session these decisions were modified and the second session was able to run so much smoother. I believe that going to camp during a normal summer would be incredible.

Advice

Every once in awhile, stop, take a deep breath and realize where you are and what you are doing. Camp will fly by but you will not regret going. It's important to take it all in and be present for every little moment. Also, go in with the understanding that you need to get your sleep at night.

1 One person found this helpful

Sailing Instructor

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

I developed close relationships with my coworkers and got to know the campers one on one. The opportunity to help the campers grow into young men and help them foster independence and brotherhood is a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

What I wish was different

Due to the pandemic, for much of the summer staff could not leave camp. While this absolutely made sense, and we finished the summer without any Covid cases, it was frustrating at times.

Advice

This is an excellent experience for rising sophomores and juniors in college. There are a wide range of opportunities at camp. Look to returning staff for advice and use your superiors for help. It is a long summer, but there are few feelings as amazing as the pride of having helped the boys and making it through to the end.

1 One person found this helpful

Cabin Counselor/ Football Instructor

June - July 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Camp Cobbossee was an awesome experience. Everyone was super nice and helpful throughout my time there. In terms of coaching it was a blast teaching the very basics of the game to kids who have never played while also helping kids who have played elevate their game in various ways. In the beginning due to COVID-19 there were scheduling issues but these were handle well by the leadership staff that also were open took the opinions form everyone of the staff.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be ready for anything when working with kids, and be ready to love naps again.

1 One person found this helpful

Bunk Counselor

June - August 2020 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Cobbossee was unlike any experience I had ever had before. It was easily the most fun and most influential "job" I've ever had. The kids are a ton of fun to be around and you connect with the staff as soon as you step foot in camp. It's a beautiful property and has well run programs. For how unstable COVID-19 was, the camp managed to make it safe and comfortable for campers and staff alike. Truly an incredible experience.

What I wish was different

The only thing I wish could have been different would have been warmer mornings!

Advice

If you aren't sure if this would be the right fit, just try it out. I was extremely unsure of how the camp experience would be because I never had one like this as a kid but it's awesome. It's a ton of fun and absolutely worth the trip.

1 One person found this helpful

Cabin Counselor and. Tennis Instructor

May - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

At Cobbossee I got to work with the most amazing other staff members who come from a largely diverse experience. Additionally, I was supervised by some of the best leaders I have ever met. Teaching a teacher can be one of the hardest jobs, and I thought they did phenomenally. In addition, leadership was always very flexible with me and prior commitments and I really appreciated this throughout.

What I wish was different

I think that COVID-19 made this experience more difficult. Decisions had to be made by leadership, which I think could've been made better. With this in mind, going into our second session they did well adjusting these decisions to create a better environment for campers and counselors alike. I look forward to seeing how camp is run this summer with (hopefully) less of these restrictions.

Advice

Do this! Take the time to be a kid again and meet friends for a lifetime in your co-counselors.

1 One person found this helpful

Permanently Assigned Counselor/ Waterfront Staff

June - August 2021 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Learning to live in the middle of a pandemic was quite a challenge, and something I felt I lacked more than anything else was a strong sense of community. That is why when one of my friends told me about a job opportunity at Camp Cobbossee for boys I was thrilled to apply. As I was told by one of the leadership staff during my interview, "being a camp counselor will be one of the hardest, but one of the best, jobs you will ever have." I feel this encompasses what it was like to work at Camp Cobbossee. Every day, the staff dedicates all their energy and hard-work to cultivating a fun-filled, tight-knit community for the boys who have had their lives flipped upside down by COVID-19. However, this is not something you do alone. You work side by side with the other staff members, who quickly become your best friends and closest confidantes for the months that you spend at camp. When it comes down to it, I wouldn't trade my time at Camp Cobbossee for the world. If you are hard-working, fun-loving, and ready to have the summer of your life, this is the place for you!

What I wish was different

I wish I could have more time at camp!

Advice

Remember that leadership is ready to help you out and support you all along the way; you are never alone!

1 One person found this helpful

Kitchen Staff

June - August 2020 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

What I liked most about my time at Camp Cobbossee was getting the opportunity to work alongside a truly amazing leadership staff. The year round staff was incredibly welcoming and it was clear they all truly love and care about what they do. Their dedication to making sure that the Camp is the best it can be is truly admirable.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Assistant Waterfront Director

June - August 2020 • Monmouth, ME

What I liked

Camp Cobbossee was an amazing place to work and I truly hope to work there again! Due to Covid 19 I had a different experience on the beautiful shores of Lake Cobbosseeconte but regardless I was able to make lasting memories, relationships and learn new skills that'll last a life time. Summertime in Maine is like no other, if you want to feel like a carefree kid again (AND get paid) this is the job for you!