Woodshop Lead & Bunk Counselor – Camp Mah-Kee-Nac (Massachusetts, USA)
Spend your summer teaching hands-on skills and creating meaningful experiences while working at one of the premier overnight camps in the United States.
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, located in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, is looking for a Woodshop Lead & Bunk Counselor to join our team for Summer 2026. This role is perfect for someone with experience or interest in woodworking, craftsmanship, design, or hands-on building, and who enjoys working with young people in a fun, active, and supportive environment.
Throughout the summer, you will lead engaging woodshop sessions while also living in a cabin and helping guide a group of campers through their day-to-day camp experience.
Dates: June 18 – August 11, 2027
Location: Lenox, Massachusetts, USA
Role Overview
The Woodshop Lead & Bunk Counselor is responsible for planning and delivering safe, engaging, and creative woodshop sessions for campers of varying ages and skill levels. You will help campers learn practical woodworking skills while encouraging creativity, confidence, and problem-solving.
In addition to leading woodshop, you will also serve as a bunk counselor, supporting campers in their daily routines, helping build a positive cabin environment, and contributing to the overall camp community.
You will work closely with the program team and leadership staff while playing a key role in shaping both the creative and residential experience for campers.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and lead daily woodshop sessions for campers, introducing skills such as measuring, cutting, sanding, assembling, and finishing projects
Ensure a safe and well-organized woodshop environment, maintaining tools, equipment, and safety protocols at all times
Support campers in designing and completing individual and group woodworking projects
Adapt sessions to suit different ages and skill levels, ensuring all campers feel included and challenged
Supervise and live with a group of campers, helping guide them through daily routines and activities
Build strong relationships with campers, acting as a mentor, role model, and positive influence
Collaborate with other program staff to support transitions, activities, and camp-wide events
Assist with special events such as Olympics, tournaments, evening activities, and trips
Help maintain a positive, energetic, and inclusive camp environment
What We’re Looking For
Experience or strong interest in woodworking, carpentry, design, or hands-on building
Ability to teach and engage young people in a practical, creative setting
Confidence in managing tools and maintaining a safe working environment
Strong communication and leadership skills
Positive energy and enthusiasm working with children and young people
Ability to live and work as part of a team in a fast-paced camp environment
Prior experience working with youth, camps, or in educational settings is a plus but not required
Why Work at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Gain hands-on leadership and teaching experience
Develop skills in program planning, youth development, and outdoor education
Work in a beautiful outdoor environment in the Berkshires
Be part of a vibrant international staff community
Travel to and live in the United States for the summer
All meals and accommodation provided
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac has been creating unforgettable summer experiences for young people for over 90 years. Our staff play a huge role in shaping those experiences.
If you’re passionate about working with your hands, teaching new skills, and making a positive impact on young people, we’d love to hear from you.