TITLE:   Summer Camp Counselor 

REPORTS TO: Director of Education

STATUS: Full-Time Temporary, Non-Exempt

HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm during our summer camp weeks

Summer Camp Staff Orientation: June 18-19, 2025

Summer STEAM Camp Weeks: July 7-August 15, 2025

OPPORTUNITY - About Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts

Join a team that is passionate about making a difference and helping our community thrive! Our mission is to serve as the center for scientific, artistic, cultural, and educational activities to enhance the region’s quality of life and economic vitality. 

About the Role

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to help deliver hands-on learning to our summer campers. The Camp Counselor assists the Lead Teacher with delivering educational programming for Summer Camps; assists children in having a safe, fun and educational experience; helps to present educational lessons, activities, and demonstrations; and facilitates science center exploration time. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as an assistant instructor and facilitator during the educational segments of the summer camp day assisting the STEAM Lead Teacher in the execution of camp curriculum. 
• Follow the directives of the Lead Teacher and the Director of  Education throughout the duration of the day including classroom set up and clean up. 
• Interact positively with the children, encouraging involvement  and supporting the individual needs.
• Proactively address logistical and/or behavioral concerns, making sure to involve the Lead Teacher and Director of Education (if necessary) for a productive resolution.
• Facilitate Science Center exploration, lunch time, and camp games.
• Assist with check-in and check-out of campers.
• Maintain familiarity with emergency procedures and assist in implementing them if/when necessary.
• Attend summer staff orientation, departmental meetings, and all-staff meetings as directed; staying informed of ongoing changes in department and overall organization.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Education in support of the organization’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

• High School Degree and beyond preferred. 
  • Experience in leading activities for students in Science, STEAM, or a STEAM field preferred.
  • Work in a summer camp or co-teaching environment is recommended.
• Ability to work Monday-Friday, full days for the 5-7 week period of summer camps between July and August.
• Ability to successfully complete a Pennsylvania State Police Clearance; a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance - obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; and a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information - obtained by submitting a full set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Attributes

• Enthusiastic and Collaborative Team Player
  • Ability to teach/lead a variety of age groups with enthusiasm, energy, and creativity.
  • Ability to work as part of a high performance team, and be a strong team player.
  • Poised, self-motivated, and a positive influence on team dynamics.
  • Ability to make appropriate decisions quickly.
  • Ability to work independently to a high standard of reliability and quality.
  • Ability to communicate professionally and positively with educators, staff, and children.
• Positive Community and Guest Service Skills
  • Must be a positive, professional representative of Whitaker Center to the community.
  • Must have excellent interpersonal and guest service skills, and enjoy working with groups of children.
  • Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to the general public, co-workers, and volunteers. Positive and friendly attitude at all times.
  • Must have good oral communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and project your voice on a daily basis.
  • Desire to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment, and be part of building the larger Whitaker Center culture and community; particularly with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for long periods, climb stairs frequently, and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to understand and obey safety rules and regulations related to all equipment, materials, and chemicals.
  • Must have a willingness to utilize the newest educational technologies available in all educational programs.
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with legal requirements.
  • Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is fundamentally committed to the principles of diversity, equal access, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations. This includes creating a welcoming, accessible environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve; and where our staff, volunteers, guests, and communities feel respected, welcomed, and valued.

Our goal is to empower our guests to improve our world through science, technology, and the arts. We believe every person deserves access to learning and exploring their creativity, regardless of background.