Staff

Why Work at PIC?

Inspire the Next Generation

Our staff spend their summers with us because they enjoy working with young people. They understand the impact they have on campers as role models, and the joy that comes from sharing their skills, time, and energy.

Join a Community That Needs You

At Pine Island, every staff member and camper contributes to the community. Everyone’s participation is needed, and the talents and personality of each person shape our summer.

Hone Your Soft Skills

Pine Island staff become adept in a variety of valuable skills, including creative problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability, to name just a few. The importance of these skills cannot be overstated. They are in short supply and are needed now more than ever.

Live Simply in a Rustic and Beautiful Lakefront Setting

Fall asleep to the call of the loons, watch the osprey dive for fish, and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets from your tent or cabin.

Unplug Your Life

Enjoy a summer without the constant distraction of screens. Appreciate focusing on the people around you; entertaining each other with skits, songs, and games; and the simplicity of living on a beautiful island in the middle of a lake.

Make Life-Long Friends from Around the World

A typical summer includes staff from 15 states and five countries. That’s quite a network of new friends!

Hike, Fish, and Paddle New England's Iconic Wilderness

While leading trips, staff backpack through Baxter State Park, traverse the Presidential Range, fish iconic rivers, and paddle quiet waterways. They maintain a section of the Appalachian Trail, explore tide pools while living on a coastal island, and follow Thoreau’s journey on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Earn National Certifications

We offer Wilderness First Responder, ACA Level II Canoeing, and Lifeguard training. These are valuable certifications that you take with you beyond camp.

Set Yourself Up for Success After College

Pine Island enjoys a diverse network of alumni. Pine Island alums are employed in high-level careers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. These alums understand the abundant talents required to work at Pine Island, and frequently offer Pine Island staff mentorships, internships, and jobs. Pine Island asks a lot of our staff. As a result, staff develop substantial skills, and after a successful summer, receive a reference letter with tangible examples of their character and abilities.

“Pine Island is the best job I’ve ever had. It taught me leadership skills I use every day. It was where I formed some of my closest friendships that I still keep close to my heart. As I look back, I treasure the opportunity to mentor young men and have an impact on their lives.”

“My experiences as a staff member at Pine Island Camp were foundational to who I am today in every aspect of my life. From the lifelong friends I made to the skills I developed, living and working on Pine Island provided a truly unique experience. Every challenge and its solution seamlessly translated into my college readiness, my post-college job search, and all my personal relationships.”

“The time I spent at Pine Island Camp was never just a summer job; it was a life-changing experience that equipped me with the tools to excel as a leader, a team member, a confident communicator, and a lifelong adventurer.”

Summer Positions

Thank you for your interest! Currently we’re fully staffed, and applications for summer 2025 are closed. We’ll open applications for summer 2026 in the fall.

Assistant Director

Our Assistant Directors play a crucial role in the success of camp, working closely with the Director to ensure a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for campers and staff. This position involves overseeing daily operations, supporting summer staff in their roles, and managing logistics for trips and activities. The Assistant Director is a mentor and resource for counselors, helping to foster a positive and inclusive camp culture. They handle a range of responsibilities, from planning and supervising activities to addressing camper and staff needs and coordinating schedules. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a passion for youth development in an outdoor setting. The Assistant Director position is a dynamic and rewarding opportunity, providing experience in program management, staff leadership, and community building.

Program Director

The Program Director at Pine Island Camp is a key leadership role responsible for planning, organizing, and executing all camp programs and events. This includes managing signature activities like Saturday Night Shows, the Regatta, Club Honk, the King’s Game, the Farewell Feed, and ensuring nightly Campfires are engaging and impactful. The Program Director must demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, flexibility, and adaptability to maintain Pine Island Camp’s high standards for creativity and tradition. This Assistant Director-level position requires a proactive and responsible individual who can balance meticulous planning with the spontaneity of camp life, fostering an unforgettable summer experience for all.

Head Counselor

As Head Counselor, you’ll serve as both a tent counselor, providing guidance, encouragement, and support to the boys in your tent, and as a mentor to other tent counselors, supporting them in creating a positive tent environment for their own campers. In your tent, you’ll foster a fun, supportive, and welcoming space that strengthens the larger camp community. You’ll build strong connections with each camper, encouraging their personal growth, independence, and sense of community. In your role as Head Counselor, you’ll check in regularly with other counselors, sharing best practices, troubleshooting challenges, and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to succeed. You are also expected to form relationships with campers from across PIC, and step in when they need support. In your role, you will not teach an activity, but will be expected to be available for camper and staff support throughout the day, as well as advise the Director and Assistant Directors in their roles. This role is both demanding and deeply rewarding, offering you the chance to make a lasting impact on each camper’s experience while developing valuable leadership and mentorship skills.

Counselor

Our summers succeed because of dedicated counselors who genuinely enjoy working with young people and bring enthusiasm to the activities they teach and the trips they lead. As a counselor, you’ll provide guidance, encouragement, and support to the four boys in your tent and serve as a role model for the entire Pine Island Camp community. You’ll foster a fun, supportive, and positive tent environment that strengthens the larger camp environment. This role allows you to build strong connections with each camper, encouraging their personal growth, independence, and sense of community. Counselors also teach an activity throughout the summer, and have the opportunity to lead overnight camping trips. Being a counselor is demanding but incredibly rewarding and prepares you well for a range of professional fields. Note: this role is open to any and all sexes and genders. Depending on the individual and the camp’s needs, the counselor may or may not be assigned to a tent with campers.

Expedition Camp Counselor

Expedition Camp counselors are those who are excited to work closely with young people and bring enthusiasm to outdoor leadership and backcountry skills. As an Ex. Camp Counselor, you’ll guide and support campers through two extended camping trips, providing mentorship as they take on rotating leadership roles within the group. This means that you are away from camp, on the trail for most of the summer. You’ll facilitate daily debriefs to discuss each camper’s leadership style and choices, fostering a positive, growth-oriented experience. Ex. Camp counselors do not teach activities. This position requires excellent communication and leadership skills, as well as a commitment to helping campers build confidence, independence, and a sense of community. This role is demanding and rewarding, offering experience that translates well into many professional fields.

Head Cook

This role requires exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills. The Head Cook is the manager of the kitchen. They are responsible for designing, planning, and preparing healthy meals that easily accommodate the camp community’s dietary needs and preferences. They are tasked with ordering food, working with local farmers to secure fresh produce, and designing meals around fresh ingredients to ensure minimal food waste. The Head Cook sets a tone of professionalism and camaraderie among the kitchen staff. They lead and work in concert with the assistant cook and kitchen staff to produce high-quality meals while ensuring that all safety and health procedures are followed.

Assistant Head Cook

The Assistant Head Cook works with the Head Cook to produce three delicious meals a day. Strong organizational skills are required for this position. Although having a background in the food industry is not necessary, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in culinary arts.

Kitchen Crew

Kitchen Crew members assist the Head Cook and Assistant Head Cook in preparing three delicious meals a day. This role requires attention to detail to ensure a smooth and efficient kitchen. No prior food industry experience is necessary, making this a great opportunity for anyone interested in culinary arts and gaining hands-on experience in a supportive team setting.

Driver

Our drivers must have a clean driving record and be at least 21 years old. We’ve found that teachers and recent college graduates have enjoyed this role. The independent nature of the job, combined with the chance to see every corner of New England (including many of its long, bumpy dirt roads), are enticing.

LTIP Wrangler

As the LTIP Wrangler, you’ll oversee the daily schedule and ensure LTIPs (our version of CITs) are effectively cross-trained in various roles. You’ll teach practical skills, reinforce safety protocols, and support LTIPs as they gain experience leading trips, teaching camp activities, and filling in for counselors when needed. In this position, you’ll foster a supportive environment that emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and leadership, helping LTIPs build confidence and a sense of responsibility. The LTIPs are also in charge of general maintenance and repairs around the island, with you as their supervisor. The ideal candidate is a highly-organized and patient and encouraging mentor who values hands-on learning and enjoys inspiring young adults to push their limits, develop their leadership skills, and become invaluable members of the camp community. The LTIP Wrangler should also have an above-average skillset in using, handling, and teaching power tools and carpentry.

PIC LTIP (Leadership Training Internship Program)

LTIP: the Leadership Training Internship Program (this is what we call CITs!). This program teaches rising high school juniors and seniors numerous skills, focusing on developing leadership skills. As an LTIP, you’ll learn how to drive motorboats, use power tools, and perform countless maintenance tasks around the island, most of which require ingenuity and many of which involve getting dirty. LTIPs should expect to be the hardest working staff members on the island. You will also fill in for counselors as needed, and learn how to lead trips and teach activities. As a result of these myriad chores and responsibilities, you will be cross-trained in a variety of roles. Please note: this role is different than the role of Whitehead LTIP.

Medic

The Camp Medic is essential to maintaining a safe, healthy environment for campers and staff. This role involves providing first aid and emergency care, managing the camp’s infirmary, administering medications, and responding to any medical concerns that arise. The Camp Medic works closely with the camp leadership team to implement safety protocols and educate staff on health and wellness practices. In addition to handling routine and emergency medical needs, the Camp Medic maintains detailed health records, communicates with parents as necessary, and coordinates with local medical providers when additional care is needed. This position requires a WFR certification and at least three years of nursing school. The Camp Medic plays a vital role in creating a positive, secure camp experience for everyone on site.

Caregiver

We hire a babysitter to care for the littlest members of our community, who are typically the children of staff members and aren’t old enough to go to camp yet. Creativity is a must, and the ideal candidate will be prepared with an arsenal of fun ideas ranging from creating scavenger hunts to curating rock art to performing improvised plays to building Duplo towers.

Skipper

At Pine Island, everyone and everything comes over on boats. Our Skipper keeps a watchful eye on the mainland signal and provides safe, reliable boat transportation for campers, staff, visitors and supplies to and from the island. As the primary boat operator, you’ll ensure that all travel across the lake is smooth, efficient, and safe. You will regularly inspect and maintain the boats, fuel levels, safety equipment, and other gear to ensure safe operation and readiness at all times. Our Skipper must take the Maine State Boat Safety Course (either before camp or at camp during staff week, when offered) in order to obtain their Maine boating license. They must also maintain knowledge of and comply with all relevant state and federal boating regulations. This role is ideal for someone who loves being on the water, is highly safety-conscious, and enjoys contributing to a positive camp experience.

Summer Manager

The Summer Manager is essential to the camp’s smooth operation, ensuring a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for campers, parents, and staff. This role demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of camp operations and customer service. Key responsibilities include serving as the primary point of contact for parents, coordinating reservations and trip logistics, ensuring compliance with all state and federal health, safety, and permitting regulations, managing inventory and vendor relationships, and overseeing summer finances. The Summer Manager is also a part of the admin leadership team and advises the Director in his role.

Whitehead Director

The Whitehead Director plays a crucial role in the success of camp, working closely with the Director to ensure a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for campers and staff on Pine Island Camp’s saltwater outpost at Whitehead Island (St. George, ME). This position involves overseeing daily operations, supporting Whitehead staff in their roles, and managing activities. The Whitehead Director is a mentor and resource for counselors, helping to foster a positive and inclusive camp culture. They handle a range of responsibilities, from planning and supervising activities to addressing camper and staff needs and coordinating schedules. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a passion for youth development in an outdoor setting. The Whitehead Director position is a dynamic and rewarding opportunity, providing experience in program management, staff leadership, and community building. It’s important to note two things about this role: one is that the Whitehead property is rustic and lacks electricity or running water; your environment is simple and rustic but overwhelmingly beautiful. The second is that the Whitehead program’s season is shorter than the PIC season, lasting from late June to late July.

Whitehead Assistant Director

The Whitehead Assistant Director is essential to the success of our island outpost program, collaborating closely with the Whitehead Director to provide a safe, engaging, and unforgettable experience for campers and staff. This role involves supporting the Whitehead Director with daily operations, offering programming to Pine Island Camp staff and campers, and overseeing logistics. The Assistant Director serves as a mentor and resource for the Whitehead LTIPs, fostering a positive and inclusive culture. Responsibilities range from planning and supervising activities to addressing camper and staff needs and managing schedules. This position calls for strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for youth development in an outdoor setting. It’s a dynamic and rewarding role, providing valuable experience in program management and community building. It’s important to note two aspects of this position: first, the Whitehead property is rustic, with no electricity or running water; the environment is simple yet stunningly beautiful. Second, the Whitehead program season runs shorter than the Pine Island Camp season, lasting from late June to late July.

Whitehead Cook

The Whitehead Cook is responsible for designing, planning, and preparing healthy meals that easily accommodate the camp community’s dietary needs and preferences out on our rustic coastal island property on Whitehead Island (St. George, ME). They are tasked with ordering food and designing meals around fresh ingredients to ensure minimal food waste. Although having a background in the food industry is not necessary, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in culinary arts. It’s important to note two things about this role: one is that the Whitehead kitchen is barebones and lacks electricity or running water; your artist’s canvas will be a robust propane stove and oven. The second is that the Whitehead program’s season is shorter than the PIC season, lasting from late June to late July.

Whitehead LTIP

The Whitehead LTIP role is avalable to rising high school juniors or seniors who are interested in spending four weeks learning and working on Pine Island Camp’s saltwater outpost at Whitehead Island. You will be tasked with daily maintenance (cleaning, light landscaping, routine repairs), program support, and helping the Assistant Director run the boats. There will be multiple opportunities to gain leadership skills and learn how to work with kids. It’s important to note two things about this role: one is that the Whitehead property is rustic and lacks electricity or running water; your environment is simple and rustic but overwhelmingly beautiful. The second is that the Whitehead program’s season is shorter than the PIC season, lasting from late June to late July. However, the Whitehead LTIPs have the option of joining the PIC LTIPs at camp to finish out the summer season.

Leadership

Director

Alex Toole

atoole@pineisland.org

Alex first came to Pine Island as a camper in 2006, returning as an Expedition Camper, an LTIP, a kayaking instructor, and a driver across a total of six summers. His favorite parts of camp were…

Alex Toole

Alex first came to Pine Island as a camper in 2006, returning as an Expedition Camper, an LTIP, a kayaking instructor, and a driver across a total of six summers. His favorite parts of camp were trips, loud and boisterous dining hall chants, quiet afternoons reading on the steps of Honk Hall, kayaking during Boats Out, and the King’s Game–and he could always be found strumming a tune on the guitar during Campfire. He returned to Pine Island’s year-round team as Director in 2025.

During his time away from PIC, Alex worked at Camp Uncommon, a Change Summer organization that specializes in expanding camp access to children from under-resourced communities. Over seven summers, he was an Outdoor Adventure counselor, a Head Counselor, an Assistant Director, and a Director Fellow. Alex was also an educator for nearly ten years, teaching the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades in Baltimore and Boston before transitioning to instructional leadership and teacher coaching in Freeport, Maine.

Alex studied at Dickinson College, earning B.A. degrees in Political Science and French and serving as the president of the men’s a cappella group, The Octals (a skill that translates nicely to PIC campfires). He also has an M.S. in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Alex currently resides in Portland, Maine during the off-season with his wife, Emily, their dog, Scout, and their cat, Bean.

Executive Director

Ben Swan

benswan@pineisland.org

Ben Swan was born during the 1955 camp season, and he has been connected with Pine Island in some capacity ever since. He spent his childhood at Pine Island, was a camper…

Ben Swan

Ben Swan was born during the 1955 camp season, and he has been connected with Pine Island in some capacity ever since. He spent his childhood at Pine Island, was a camper and then a counselor, and he ran the Pine Island Whitehead program for one summer. He continued as a member of Pine Island Camp’s board of directors, returning to the staff in 1988 as assistant director. He assumed the post of director in 1990 and served in that capacity for thirty years. Since handing the helm to Sumner Ford, Ben has become Pine Island’s executive director and continues to work on program development at Whitehead Light Station and fundraising.

Ben’s family’s involvement with Pine Island Camp dates to 1908, when his grandfather purchased the fledgling institution, and he was the third generation of his family to serve as Pine Island’s director. Ben has a B.A. in English from Washington & Lee University and an M.A. in English from the University of Virginia. He was a teacher at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia for several years before returning to Maine to work for Pine Island.

Director of Operations

Sarah Hunter

shunter@pineisland.org

Sarah joined Pine Island Camp in 2009 and has been an essential presence ever since. She coordinates the behind-the-scenes work that keeps camp strong year after year and supports…

Sarah Hunter

Sarah joined Pine Island Camp in 2009 and has been an essential presence ever since. She coordinates the behind-the-scenes work that keeps camp strong year after year and supports families with the care and insight of a longtime camp parent.

A registered Maine Guide, Sarah shares her passion for wild places by leading backpacking, bikepacking, and Nordic ski trips for the Appalachian Mountain Club. She also writes about her adventures for a range of outdoor publications.

Sarah earned her B.A. from the University of New England in 1998. Before joining Pine Island, she worked in software development and later managed the Meals on Wheels program across several Maine counties. She lives in Durham, Maine, with her husband, Jason, where they raised their sons—Pine Island alums Caleb and Silas.

Associate Director

Hannah Gordon

hgordon@pineisland.org

Hannah first joined Pine Island Camp in 2021 and has been a vital part of the community ever since. Over the years, she has stepped into…

Hannah Gordon

Hannah first joined Pine Island Camp in 2021 and has been a vital part of the community ever since. Over the years, she has stepped into a range of roles—including Caregiver, LTIP Wrangler, Fall Crew Member, Driver, Medic, Skipper, KC, and Officer of the Day—earning the trust and admiration of campers and staff alike. Her reliability, adaptability, and deep commitment to Pine Island’s mission have made her an indispensable member of the team.

Hannah is a regular contributor to volunteer weekends and off-season projects, and she brings a steady, compassionate presence to island life each summer. She lives on the island during the summer with her two cats, Wednesday and Sonny, and works with Alex and Sarah in the Brunswick office during the off-season.

Director of Facilities

Peter Thompson

pthompson@pineisland.org

Peter Thompson

Peter grew up submerged in different cultures from Africa to Europe as the son of an American diplomat. It was during his experience attending College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor when he fell in love with Maine’s raw, natural beauty. The fact that Maine has such pronounced seasons throughout the year was another reason to stay and enjoy a very special way to experience life. Peter and his wife Liz raised their three children in Cornville, Maine before purchasing 85 acres in New Sharon where they presently reside with two dogs, three cats and ten laying hens.

Prior to accepting the Facility Manager position at Pine Island Camp, Peter managed large, production fish hatcheries in Maine, New Mexico and bush Alaska. It was in New Mexico that Peter also operated a public drinking water system for the local ranching community which had its source from springs behind the Los Ojos Hatchery. In between these aquaculture experiences Peter became an accomplished furniture maker after working for Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers in Auburn, Maine. Peter is passionate when it comes to designing and building chairs and stools. Some of his designs have been juried into Taunton Press Fine Woodworking publications.

In July of 2017, Peter and Liz returned home to their property in New Sharon after he had managed a pink salmon hatchery in a small native Alaskan village located on the Western tip of the Kenai Peninsula. They lived in a tent on their land for three weeks while they built a small 14 by 20 off-grid cabin. Since then two more tiny houses have sprung up on the “homestead” and they are presently working on completing the main house, which was started in 2021.

When there is talk of the first snowstorm of the season, cars are parked at the top of the driveway and a “self-imposed bush life” begins. Items are walked in and out by sled down the quarter of a mile driveway and most meals are cooked on a small woodstove. As the snow piles up the cabin stays cozy and warm…..a true Pine Island experience!

Summer Manager

Lindsay Clarke

Long-time Pine Islander Lindsay Clarke took the reins of the Summer Manager position in 2021, a role previously filled by Emily Swan. Lindsay first joined the Pine Island community as a…

Lindsay Clarke

Long-time Pine Islander Lindsay Clarke took the reins of the Summer Manager position in 2021, a role previously filled by Emily Swan. Lindsay first joined the Pine Island community as a high schooler in Whitehead’s Light Keeper program in 1999 and then by filling in on the PIC kitchen crew during the 2000 season. After that, she was hooked and spent the next five summers from 2001-2005 as the head swimming instructor and a leader on hiking and canoeing trips. After serving as Assistant Director in 2007, Lindsay stepped away from the Pine Island community to focus on developing her career as a nonprofit leader and educator. For several years, she ran a nonprofit organization that partnered with local communities to promote education and economic development in Cameroon, and from 2007-2023 she taught middle and high school history at Waynflete School in Portland, Maine. Lindsay now works as a consultant for Bernuth & Williamson offering services in nonprofit management, growth, funding and impact. Lindsay, her daughter Sagan, her son Silas, and even their elderly cat Moxie all spend their falls, winters, and springs anxiously awaiting the return of the Pine Island season. When not at Pine Island, they live in Yarmouth, Maine.

Director of Whitehead Island Program

Sam Hecklau

Following his graduation from St. Lawrence and inspiration from Sumner, Sam spent his first summer at Pine Island in 2016. He returned in 2018 as the assistant director of Pine Island’s…

Sam Hecklau

Sam Hecklau grew up in the small town of Clinton in Upstate New York, where he spent much of his free time playing in the woods and creeks that ran behind his house – swimming, building forts, climbing trees, fishing, and generally enjoying what nature had to offer. Sam’s enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors developed into a passion for activities such as hiking, camping, photography, sculpture, fly fishing, and skiing. It was also one of the factors that led him to attend St. Lawrence University. While at St. Lawrence, Sam studied geology and visual art and became a certified guide for the school’s Outdoor Program and a trip leader for the Outing Club. St. Lawrence is also where Sam met a fine gentleman from Woodstock, VT who shared his sense of adventure, a quick wit, and a love for pursuing creative ideas. Over the course of many shared skiing, fishing, canoeing, and camping outings with Sumner Ford, a lasting friendship developed.

Following his graduation from St. Lawrence and inspiration from Sumner, Sam spent his first summer at Pine Island in 2016. He returned in 2018 as the assistant director of Pine Island’s program at Whitehead Island. There he worked alongside 22-year veteran director Anne Stires, learning the details of the Whitehead program and skills of an outdoor educator. The winds and water of the Maine coast pulled Sam back to Whitehead in 2021, where he worked directly with Anne as the co-director of the program. That summer marked the transfer of decades of Whitehead knowledge and directorship from Anne to Sam.

During the rest of the year, Sam works as a place-based educator in Richmond, Vermont, where he spreads PIC values by imparting students with the importance of independence coupled with a concern for others, honesty, generosity, a sense of humor, and the ability to find all the joy life has to offer. His free time is spent recreating and traveling among the mountains, rivers, and lakes of the Northeast.

Board of Directors

Bianca Bell
Nick Bellamy
Charlie Boutwell
Ben Hincks
Woody Hoyt

Matt Kennard
Will Sahlman
Kate Skogen
Emily Swan
Rip Swan

Directors Emeritus:
Roe Baldwin
Rex Bates
Ned Bishop
Jim Breeden
Henry Clauson
Pope Ward
Tom Yoder