Camp Taconic is home to approximately 500 campers ages 7 to 15 and close to 300 staff. We are located in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. With over 100 acres of woods, fields and lakefront, Taconic offers a true haven from city living and a real camping experience. The majority of our campers stay for the full 7 weeks and keep returning summer after summer. Many campers never leave and progress from camper to Leader-In-Training to Junior Counselor to Counselor.
Our staff comes from all over the United States as well as Canada and abroad. Our community thrives on the diverse backgrounds and cultures which our counselors bring. We are all bound by one common thread: our passion to work with children.
In order to accomplish the goals we set for our campers; building self-esteem, confidence as well as everlasting friendships; we rely on a staff of enthusiastic, motivated and skilled men and women who love the outdoors, enjoy working with children and have knowledge they want to share.
At Taconic, we have a full program of activities ranging from athletics, water sports, creative and theater arts to alternative activities like adventure, horseback riding and circus. Our facilities are among the best in the industry. Please refer to our interactive map to learn more.
Housing at Camp Taconic is simple but very comfortable. We have wood frame cabins with indoor plumbing, showers and electricity. Each camper and staff person has their own bed and cubby. Approximately 10 campers and 3 counselors live community style. Staff is crucial to the creation of a ‘summer home’ atmosphere in our cabins.
All staff members participate in an 8 day orientation prior to the campers’ arrival. Staff orientation is a wonderful opportunity for staff to ‘play camp’, understand our philosophy and program, get to know each other, and feel comfortable at camp before the campers arrive. By opening day, our staff; both diverse in background and experience, with a wide range of interests and personalities; has come together as a community dedicated to the growth and development of our campers.
Being a counselor at Camp Taconic is a demanding job. You live and work with children 24 hours a day. The directors, parents and campers have high expectations of all of our staff members. For camp to function well everyone has to work hard. One thing our staff knows is that the more you put into the experience, the more rewards you will get out of it.
We know that our staff is the key ingredient to a successful summer and happy campers. We will do a lot to make sure your needs are being met and to ensure you have plenty of time to relax and recharge your batteries. Staff usually receives one period off per day plus evenings free from about 10:00pm until curfew, at 1:00am, 4 nights per week. Staff also receives 5 days off over the course of the 7 week season. Our staff can relax at camp in the “Admin”, the “Rec Hall” or Staff Lounge where there is internet access and TV. We also offer some late night recreational activities for staff. Our weight room may be used during leisure time, as well as any of the camp facilities when properly supervised. At Taconic, we make our best efforts to help staff receive enough time to stay healthy, happy and energized.
