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We’re Hiring for Summer 2024!

Summer Job Opportunities

Discover Earth Camp is an earth and environmental science STEM day camp. To learn more about Discover Earth Camp, visit www.discoverearthcamp.com. We are hiring for our summer camp programming in Charles County, MD through the Charles County Parks and Recreation program, learn more by visiting our camps’ page. We are looking to hire a Lead Camp Counselor (and possible assistant) for five (5) one-week STEM-themed summer camps. We are also looking to hire a Junior Counselor(s).

Position Descriptions

The Lead Camp Counselor is the most consistent presence in the experience of each camper. You will spend the entire camp day supporting the campers and providing instruction for fun, engaging projects and activities. This responsibility requires partnering with Junior Counselors, the Camp Director and Site Administration to bring careful attention to the physical and emotional safety of each and every camper within a team, and to the overall development and formation of the group as a whole.

Camp Counselors come from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Great counselors are: elementary and middle school teachers drawn to STEM/STE(a)M; college students looking for education-oriented professional development opportunities and classroom experience; youth development specialists and counselors seeking mission-driven work with students; informal educators, coaches, artists, scientists and makers who are excited to share their passions with kids. We welcome your application, even if you do not feel you meet all of the requirements listed.

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The Junior Camp Counselor assists Camp Counselors and other camp staff members as they plan and oversee activities for campers. Junior camp counselors are usually teenagers (14 - 17 years old). Your duties and responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of the Camp Counselor. You may be responsible for planning specific activities like ice breakers or crafts; or monitoring a smaller group of campers within the larger group. The details listed below are specific to Camp Counselors, but it is a definite plus if you, as a Junior Counselor meet some or all.

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SHARED VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS 

  • Commit to building a safe, child-focused community

  • Respond to camper, family member, and colleague needs

  • Maintain a high standard of ethics, integrity, and confidentiality

REQUIREMENTS

  • Commitment to educational programming for children

  • Strong organization skills and attention to detail

  • Ability to communicate clearly, maturely, and compassionately with families

  • Ability to maintain an excellent work ethic, a high level of energy, and exceptional enthusiasm all day, every day, for the duration of the summer

  • Able to pass a Maryland State Background Investigation

EXPERIENCE

  • Experience working with kids in grades K-5

  • Experience in a summer camp setting a plus

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Read and learn the earth and environmental science curriculum prior to the start of camp.

  • Counselors must prepare for and teach a group of up to 30 campers.

  • Counselors must implement the curriculum and adapt it as needed to improve the camper experience or accommodate individual campers.

  • Provide leadership, energy, and camp spirit, constantly assessing engagement and group dynamics, as well as the needs of individual campers

  • Provide excellent customer service and support to the center and families by communicating with them as needed about their camper’s experience.

  • Set-up prior to the start of camp and break-down at the end of the camp.

General Camp Staff Hours Information:

  • 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • The camp day is 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

COMPENSATION AND PERKS

We are committed to competitively compensating staff. Regarding compensation: 

  • Regular pay rate is listed in the offer letter, and is determined based on experience and enrollment. Camp Counselors earn $18 - $20 per hour depending on experience. Junior Counselors (14 - 17 years old) earn a $300 stipend per week.

  • Summer staff positions are temporary, seasonal positions and do not include health benefits or paid vacation time.

  • Payroll is processed weekly; payments will be issued and paystubs made available the following Wednesday.

SUPERVISION GIVEN/RECEIVED 

General supervision, ongoing observation and evaluation are provided by Site Administration.

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To apply for summer 2024: Please e-mail a resume including contact information detailing your education, certifications (teaching, CPR/First-Aid, etc.), training, experience and two (2) references to hello@discoverearthcamp.com. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail or call: 202.455.6250.

E-mail Your Resume