Seeds of Peace

I remember nights when arguments about politics and land rights exploded, and everyone went to sleep upset, and nights when arguments turned into conversations about campers’ families, who they had lost, and how it felt to be here, living together beside a lake in Maine.

- Emma, Counselor

• Facilitator Position Description

Counselors at Seeds of Peace

Our unique summer program offers opportunities for intellectual and personal growth far beyond any ordinary job. As one camper described in an email to the counselors, "I decided to write this email to every counselor whom I felt influenced me. The main deal is you are the people who I love and helped me get through that unique experience."

Seeds of Peace brings together young leaders from regions of conflict each summer at our Camp in Maine. As a counselor at this Camp, you will supervise sports or arts activities, live in a bunk with eight to 10 teenagers and preside over lively meal tables. However, these duties are only secondary to your most important responsibility at Camp: to become a friend, parent, sibling, teacher and role model to the most intelligent, energetic and passionate teenagers you will ever meet. As the campers balance the excitement of camp with the challenges of addressing their regional conflicts, they look to their counselors for support and affection.

The uniqueness of Seeds of Peace requires counselors to create a safe and comforting atmosphere while encouraging the campers to address their personal and political issues with the conflict. Serving as a counselor at Seeds of Peace demands far more commitment, energy and emotion than another camp, but it is these demands that produce rewarding relationships. By the end of the summer, you will have the adoration of teenagers from around the world representing both sides of each conflict—and an inbox full of messages from them.

Seeds of Peace hires 40-45 counselors each summer, about half of whom are returning staff from previous years. We assemble a unique and talented group of individuals. Counselors must be team players as working together with the other staff is essential for the success of the program. On a daily basis, counselors will supervise life in the bunk, instruct an activity, eat all meals with an assigned table and engage in the other daily programs. Through these activities, the counselors help to create an unparalleled experience.

Read about Dartmouth College's pilot project to fund students as counselors at Camp »
Read about the personal experience of counselor Emma Sokoloff-Rubin »
Read an interview with counselor Ben Losman »

Each summer, Seeds of Peace runs a week-long staff orientation followed by two three-week sessions. Next summer, Seeds of Peace will host youth from the Middle East, South Asia, Maine and the United States. New staff are expected to work BOTH sessions, with a week-long break in between. Additionally, staff is given time off during each session.

Dates for 2012 Summer Camp Positions
Staff Orientation: June 18 to June 24
Session One: June 25 to July 18
Session Two: July 24 to August 7

Counselors receive a nominal salary, and all room and board expenses are covered by Seeds of Peace. Applicants are welcome from all over the world, however a valid work visa will be required. Please note that the hiring process at Seeds of Peace is an extremely competitive one, as we receive hundreds of applications each year and maintain at least a 50 percent returning staff rate.