Summer Programs

Staff & Employment

Camp Season:
2027 Dates Will Be Announced Soon!

The foundation of our camp's success is the quality of our staff.  We pride ourselves on our ability to create a team of amazing staff who are kind, friendly, hard-working, and wonderful role models for our campers. Our staff team is composed of approximately 100 teaching professionals, college students and High School Seniors who work together to shape a community where kids (and staff) can create lasting friendships and memories.

Prior to working with campers, all staff members complete an extensive application and screening process, interview, Criminal Background and Sexual Offender checks (CORI and SORI), and attend all staff trainings. 

Staff Training Dates:
TBD
 
 
Flexible Contracts
 
We value the counselor to camper connection and relationship throughout the summer. Tenacre Day camp requires staff to commit to at least 6 weeks of the 8 week season. An 8 week commitment is highly encouraged. We will consider staff for less than 6 weeks on a case by case basis, and likely for floater positions only. Staff who require full weeks off during the summer for family vacations, or other reasons must include this request on the application and discuss the request prior to contract offers. 
 
We hire experienced staff who love being with kids! Here are some of our positions:
 
Junior Counselors
Counselors at least 16 years of age, are still in high school, or have not completed their first year of college. Junior counselors work in collaboration with Senior Counselors and Group Leaders to:
  • Provide a healthy, safe, and inclusive camp community.
  • Participate in all camp activities and events.
  • Be energetic and charismatic.
  • Provide for the physical and emotional safety of all children.
  • Work a minimum of 6 out of the 8 weeks of camp.
  • *** A 8 week commitment is highly encouraged.**

Senior Counselors
Must have completed at least 1 year of college but have not graduated from college or the equivalent. Senior counselors possess group management skills, and are the direct line of communication to the Summer Directors. Applicants with early childhood development or education interest are encouraged to apply. Senior counselors work in tandem with Group leaders and junior counselors to:
  • Provide a healthy, safe, and inclusive camp community.
  • Participate in all camp activities and events.
  • Be energetic and charismatic.
  • Provide for the physical and emotional safety of all children.
  • Work a minimum of 6 out of the 8 weeks of camp.
  • *** A 8 week commitment is highly encouraged.**

Group Leaders 
Must be college graduates or have equivalent experience. Group Leaders have experience leading exciting and engaging activities that are appropriate for elementary aged campers.
  • Possess classroom and/or team management experience.
  • Are teachers, Para professionals, Teaching assistants, Coaches.
  • Participate in all camp activities and events.
  • Be energetic and charismatic.
  • Provide for the physical and emotional safety of all children.
  • Work a minimum of 6 out of the 8 weeks of camp.
 
Activity Heads
Must be college graduates or have equivalent experience. Activity Heads have experience leading exciting and engaging activities that are appropriate for elementary aged campers. Activity Heads plan and provide Camp Director with curriculum for the Summer. Activity Heads must commit to a minimum of 7 out of the 8 weeks of camp for program consistency. 
  • Arts & Crafts, Sports & Games, Dramatics, Movement & Music, Science, Exploration, Archery, STEM, Digital Arts etc.

Floaters
This position is reserved for returning staff who demonstrate exceptional skills but individuals with extensive experience with youth (especially experience with behavior management or special needs) maybe also be hired as a floater.


Summer Directors
Must be 21+ with extensive experience with youth and experience with peer leadership. Our summer directors support our staff and are a liaison between staff and parents.


Lifeguards
Swim staff members are a minimum of 16 years old.  All swim instructors are lifeguard certified. Water Safety Instructor preferred. You do not have to be certified for either when you apply.  


Nurse/Health Supervisor
We hire 1 to 2 health care supervisors: a Massachusetts licensed physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or other person specially trained in first aid. 

List of 2 items.

  • Camp Programs

    Our camp is divided into a few different divisions:

    TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP
    Traditional day camp campers enjoy a series of rotating activities led by Activity Heads. Offered activities vary by the age group but typically include swimming, sports, crafts, yoga, dance, science/nature, archery, ropes course, and clay. 

    • THE THREES - This is for campers who are three years old. Groups are composed of approximately 15 children, 2 camp counselors, and 1 lead teacher.
    • THE FOURS - This is for campers who are four years old. Groups are composed of approximately 15 - 20 campers, 2-3 counselors and 1 head counselor.
    • FULL DAY - This is for campers entering K-6th grade. Generally speaking, groups are 20 campers with 4 camp counselors.

    SPECIALTY CAMP
    Campers in the specialty camp programs are those who want a more focused approach to their camp experience. Campers spend most of their time in their selected specialty, but also enjoy daily swimming and one or two traditional Camp activities. We have different programs each session ranging from art to science.  Groups are up to 20 campers with up to 3 counselors and 1 specialty instructor.
  • Camper Profile

    We typically have 250 - 300 campers a day. Our campers are 3 - 12 years old, and most come from Wellesley and neighboring towns.  In any given season, approximately 500 children will participate in our camp and specialty weeks.  Tenacre Day Camp has a highly regarded swim program with outdoor heated pools. For many campers, Tenacre is the first place they learn to swim. Tenacre is dedicated to helping campers build independence and confidence. Our staff is motivated to help kids learn new things about themselves and the world around them.

Interested in working this summer?

Please contact Joe Jean-Mary at JJeanMary@TenacreCDS.org
Disclaimer
The Tenacre Country Day School and Tenacre Day Camp considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Tenacre Day Camp complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the local board of health (105 CMR 430.190,C).

We Are Accredited

Tenacre Day Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), and is celebrating more than 40 years of providing a safe, fun, wonderful day camp experience for children.  Learn why choosing an accredited camp is important. 

Learn More About the Tenacre Summer Program