Job Positions

Camp Counselor Specialists

Our front-line staff are Specialists (campers will know you as “counselors”) who help campers have the best possible experience, which includes providing behavior management support, working on goals, and guiding campers through their stay. All Specialists live in cabins with children, helping ensure their time at camp is beneficial and growth-oriented. During the day, campers participate in various activities, and staff are spread out in several roles across camp to facilitate this.

The different specialist positions include:

Group Specialists

Group Specialists reside in camp cabins, engaging alongside youth campers in daily activities, while also fostering participation, providing support, and implementing behavioral plans. This role is ideal for those seeking direct engagement with diverse camper groups across various age ranges.

Lead Specialists

Lead Specialists are experienced staff who are comfortable taking on additional responsibility in the cabin. In addition to the responsibilities of a Group Specialist, Leads are also responsible for nightly check-ins with staff and oversight of bunk structure. During daily activities, Leads work with their Group Specialists to provide support and structure to the activity group as their campers participate in different program areas.

Program Specialists

Program Specialists spearhead the curriculum and instruction of designated program areas, designing lessons and leading multiple activity periods daily, while also engaging with campers in various activities throughout the day. They also reside in camp cabins alongside campers.

Program Areas include:

Activate! (sensory gym)
Arts & Crafts, Athletics
Boating (canoeing and kayaking)
Challenge (teambuilding and ropes course)
Dance
Discovery (wood working, raft building, etc.)
Drama/Theatre
Learning Center (STEAM activities)
Martial Arts
Music
Outdoor Cooking
Outdoor Exploration
Small Animals

Waterfront Specialists

Waterfront Specialists instruct swim lessons, oversee boating activities, and ensure water safety on Lake Monomonac. They obtain their lifeguard certification to supervise camp water activities and provide 1:1 swim lessons for all campers daily. They also reside in camp cabins and support campers with individual needs and behavioral plans.

Leadership Staff

The leadership staff are responsible for more advanced behavior management, program direction, staff and camper supervision, and logistics management.

The different leadership staff positions include:

Village Administrators
Program Administrators
Waterfront Administrators
Camper Services Team Administrators
Staff Services Administrator

Support Staff

Nurse & Health Assistants

Our dedicated health team, including Nurses and Health Assistants, plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of campers and staff. Nurses oversee health care, medication administration, and coordinate doctor visits, while Health Assistants, under Nurse supervision, provide first aid, triage, and ongoing care. Together, they maintain health records, uphold cleanliness standards, and create a safe, nurturing environment.

Note: Nurses must hold a current RN, LPN, or NP license, and Health Assistants can be healthcare professionals or students with 2+ years of hands-on experience in a healthcare field of study.

Chef & Kitchen Staff

Our collaborative kitchen team, working closely with the camp chef, prepares and serves three meals and two snacks daily, fostering a nourishing camp environment. They play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of camp facilities, ensuring a healthy and secure space for everyone. The Camp Chef/Kitchen Manager leads this team, overseeing the entire food service operation to ensure a seamless and high-quality dining experience for all. Together, they contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that prioritizes nutrition, cleanliness, and safety.

Office Assistant and Store Manager

Our office assistant is responsible for various administrative duties including monitoring camp’s phone line, filing and managing camper and staff paperwork, assisting with opening and closing day operations, preparing and delivering camper mail, and assisting in the camp store as needed.

Maintenance

Site & Maintenance Staff ensure that camp is safe, clean, and looking great. In addition to helping with sanitizing camp spaces, site staff do landscaping, fix minor issues like broken screens or benches, and do general painting, upkeep, and grounds work.

Dates

We ask all of our applicants to be able to commit to the entire summer season, which is approximately 10 weeks. Please reference the dates below to see if camp will work with your schedule!

*These dates include paid time off during training as well as during the sessions.

Date	Event
May 21, 2025	Administrator Arrivals
June 4, 2025	All Staff Arrivals
June 5, 2025	Training Begins
August 17, 2025	Departure for nearby Staff not contracted for Respite Week
August 18, 2025	Departure for far traveling staff who are using Starfish transportation and are not contracted for Respite week
August 23, 2025	Respite Staff Departure

Ready to apply?

The Starfish Difference

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Additional Links

Year-Round Office

873 Main St. Suite 1
Ashby, MA 01431

Phone: 978-637-2617
Fax: 978-849-5004
Email: [email protected]

Summer Office

12 Camp Monomonac Rd.,
Rindge, NH 03461

Phone: 603-899-9590
Fax: 978-849-5004
Email: [email protected]

Built by

Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and fun Starfish experience. Lydia joined Starfish in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed multiple different roles on camp. With a degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and experience in healthcare and education, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Lydia is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes great pride in being able to pronounce her hometown. Her favorite camp activity is the closing campfire, where campers are able to reflect on and celebrate their achievements made during their time at Starfish. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “We make camp a safe place.”

Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Communications Director, ensuring that Starfish is able to reach a wide audience of potential campers and staff each year to further the Starfish mission. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers during the summer.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Sarah Scott-Sandagato

Sarah Scott-Sandagato is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”