Camp Guides (Temporary) - Upward Bound, Summer 2026 Program

The University of Southern Maine’s TRIO Upward Bound is seeking Camp Guides for their Summer 2026 Program.  Located on our Gorham Campus, these positions are full-time, residential, temporary positions, including 1 week of staff training and 5 weeks of in-person programming.

Job Description:

In collaboration with Upward Bound year-round staff, the Guide will provide leadership in creating and maintaining a high-quality living and learning experience designed to educate, advise, challenge, and develop Upward Bound students entering the 10th, 11th and 12th grades who are attending a residential program on USM’s Gorham campus. The Guide establishes and maintains a positive and safe residence hall atmosphere that is sensitive to the diverse cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and beliefs of Upward Bound students and staff. The Guide will communicate and maintain program expectations, guidelines, and take responsibility for University of Southern Maine and Upward Bound property. 

Expectations:

• Consults and coordinates with Lead Guide and Upward Bound staff in all areas of the summer program.
• Implements opening and closing of the UB residence hall including room inventories, keys, and cleaning. 
• Assists in weekend student check-in and check-out procedures.
• Initially responds to students who do not meet program expectations and guidelines or who experience personal crises and issues. In consultation with Lead Guide and UB staff, responds to students using a strength-based problem-solving model. 
• Maintains safety and security in the residence hall, including taking responsibility for USM and Upward Bound property.
• Provide support as needed in academic classes (English, Mathematics, Lab Science, Foreign Language), SAT Prep, and Career and College Class.
• Plans and leads elective workshops with a wide range of content, leading and supervising small groups of students.
• Implements guided study program, tutoring and supervising small groups of students in the completion of independent academic, career, and college work. 
• Supervises students on field trips as scheduled.
• Assists with summer food service program compliance.
• Interacts with students during both structured and non-structured UB activities.
• Develops positive and supportive relationships with Upward Bound students, mentoring them on personal, social, and college/career concerns and maintaining student confidentiality as appropriate. Establishes and maintains appropriate professional boundaries with students, Guides, Lead Guide, teachers and UB staff.
• Models appropriate behavior at all times when students are present, recognizing the ways in  which a Guide serves as a model for UB students.
• Able to utilize Zoom and Google applications for virtual curriculum and meetings.
• Performs other tasks as reasonably assigned by UB supervisor and year-round staff.

Days and Hours:

Hall open for staff move in: Monday (morning), June 22nd

Staff training begins: Monday (morning), June 22nd

Residential program weeks: June 28 – July 3; July 5 – 10; July 12 – 17; July 19 – 24; July 27 – 31

Staff close-out: Friday, July 31st

Hall closes/Staff move out: Friday, July 31st

Generally, for residential weeks, students check-in on Sundays and are in residence until late Friday afternoon. Staff are expected to spend most of their time with students including eating all meals in the dining hall, supervising and being involved in student activities, and being present in the residence hall. Hours for training and when residential staff are specifically on or off duty during the days students are in residence will be provided during staff training. 

Compensation/Stipend: $5,000 PLUS housing for 6 weeks and meals when students are in residence. Kitchen space and materials are available for personal use. Free laundry is included.

In addition to the compensation/stipend amount, Upward Bound at the University of Southern Maine is in partnership with Goodwill NNE’s GoodHealth Works AmeriCorps to strengthen Maine’s public health workforce through community-based service. Through this AmeriCorps opportunity, eligible staff serving a 300-hour term have the opportunity to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,565.08, along with eligible federal student loan forbearance. This partnership provides meaningful professional experience while supporting youth and community health initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Completed at least one year of college and currently be in good academic standing
• Demonstrated strong academic and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with low-income and/or first generation college-bound high school students
• Camp counselor or residence hall leadership experience
• Completed at least two years of college and currently be in good academic standing

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of names and contact information for three references. 

These positions will remain open until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator.   

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.