Pay & Benefits

Smiling Camp Counselor and camper teen at Camp Starfish
2 Camper boys at Camp starfish
Campers and counselors White water rafting

All positions at Camp Starfish are paid, full-time, and seasonal with opportunities for advancement. Additionally, we provide Internship and Fellowship opportunities in collaboration with your college, along with various certifications for your career development.

Pay & Bonuses

Our pay scale is structured so you can see what you’ll be making, based on your qualifications, tenure at camp, skills, and even your ability to recruit friends to work with you (referral bonuses). To see our seasonal staff salaries for 2025, please click here.

Certifications

Completing the 2+ weeks of staff training makes you eligible for our Level I certification. As you work through the summer, you can also opt for the Level II Care Specialist certification, offering a bonus and opening doors to potential leadership roles on the team.

Depending on your summer position, you might be eligible for CPR and First Aid certification as well, amongst other certifications as well, including: wilderness first aid, lifeguard certification, or other camp skills.

Internships

At Camp Starfish, our internship program offers employees a valuable opportunity for personal growth or college credit while spending a rewarding summer with us. If the internship doesn’t suit your needs, alternative options like ‘field placements,’ ‘co-ops,’ and ‘independent studies’ can also earn you credits. We’ve collaborated with numerous schools, and our experienced team is here to explore tailored solutions, connecting you with school contacts or alumni for guidance based on their successful experiences.

Fellowship

Individuals who successfully complete the internship program can apply for the Camp Starfish Fellowship. The Fellowship course starts that Fall and ends after completing the following summer season. Selected individuals work on a self-directed project remotely or in person throughout the year to build a self-directed project to enhance an area of work at camp, known as a Community Contribution Project (CCP). Additionally, course credit for fieldwork and independent study are available depending on your school’s requirements. For details on requirements, click here.

Paid-time Off

You receive time off each day, as well as a portion of time each night after campers are in bed. You also receive days off, which you can use to relax and recharge or use camp transportation to visit local towns. There are a few staff-only areas on camp where you can take a nap, get WiFi access, have a snack, and just enjoy your downtime away from the hustle and bustle of camp.

All-around support

We prioritize the growth and well-being of our staff through a robust support system. From day one, each staff member becomes part of a mentoring ‘Torchgroup’ for community and guidance. Regular feedback and real-time problem-solving opportunities guarantee continuous improvement. Once a session chats with a Director cover topics chosen by the staff, fostering open communication. Our ‘One-Voice’ policy ensures consistency, and supervisors, always nearby, are trained to support the staff. Furthermore, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is available for the well-being of our staff. We are committed to taking care of you throughout your time with us!

Table of Contents
Summer Jobs

Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Interim Director of Operations, overseeing administrative aspects of camp and supporting a smooth registration process for campers and their families. 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.”

Photo of Danielle Lubbers

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!”

Staff photo of David

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.”

Staff photo of Joe

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.”

Staff photo of Rachel

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.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, responsible for ensuring that each camper receives a structured, supportive, and fun program during both summer and year-round weekends. 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.

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.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah York

Sarah York 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.”

Staff photo of Jamie

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.”