Discovery Overnight Camp Counselor

Description

Job Title: Discovery Overnight Camp Counselor

Compensation: $550.00 per week base rate, 10% boost for Spanish speakers

Housing: Yes

Exemption Status: Exempt

Employee Classification:  Temporary, Full-time

Dates of Employment: May 27, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Reporting to: Discovery Overnight Camp Manager

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

As a Discovery Overnight Camp Counselor at Keystone Science School, you'll lead campers through an unforgettable summer of adventure, exploration, and personal growth. Our Overnight Camp blends hands-on science with classic summer camp traditions like hiking, camping, archery, skits, and songs, creating a dynamic experience for campers in 1st–8th grade. In this role, you'll serve as a mentor, teacher, and role model, fostering a safe, inclusive, and exciting environment where campers can build confidence, teamwork, and outdoor skills. You'll live alongside campers in dorms or our canvas tent village, fully immersing yourself in the camp community.  

Whether you're guiding a challenge hike, mentoring teens in our Counselor Assistant Program, or leading an evening "Candle Chat" reflection, you'll help shape a summer full of learning, growth, and unforgettable memories!

The wage for this position is $550.00 weekly with a 10% increase for those fluent in English and Spanish.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Camper Experience

• Facilitate and teach camp programs, science activities, and adventure programming.
• Lead and supervise a field group of up to 13 campers during daily activities.
• Guide campers on overnight trips and challenge hikes, ensuring a safe and fun experience.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, fostering teamwork, confidence, and personal growth.
• Lead nightly “Candle Chat” discussions to reflect on the day's experiences.

Camper Supervision & Safety

• Live with campers in dormitories or the canvas tent village, providing round-the-clock support.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all campers.
• Follow and enforce risk management policies in all camp activities.
• Support meetings to review rules, guidelines, and expectations for camper living spaces.

Logistics & Operations

• Assist with opening and closing day procedures to ensure smooth transitions.
• Set up and clean up for meals, activities, and overnight camping trips.
• Help pack and prepare gear for overnight adventures.
• Drive a 15-passenger van (for staff 20 with 4 years of driving experience).
• Take on additional duties as assigned to support the camp’s success.

Qualifications

Skills 

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children.
• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for campers from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations.
• Strong work ethic and personal motivation.
• Desire to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community.
• Preferred - Outdoor recreation experience in hiking, camping, backpacking or rock climbing.
• Preferred - Knowledge of science based curriculum (e.g. forest ecology, geology, biology).

Education, Experience and Certifications

• 460 hours of experience working with school- age children (verification of hours required).
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment (KSS does offer an on-site WFA course before staff training in May at the expense of the individual).
• Be over the age of 18 by the start date of employment.
• Preferred - Age 20 with an excellent driving record and a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements 

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations. 
• Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.
• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, clients on a daily basis.
• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment.

Keystone Science School: Who We Are

Keystone Science School (KSS) ignites curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on, nature-based learning. Nestled at 9,200 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, our 23-acre campus serves as a hub for immersive, inquiry-driven experiences. Since 1976, we have combined outdoor adventure with STEM education, empowering students, teachers, and communities. Our programs—including summer camps, school-based learning, and outdoor education—promote scientific exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship. With log-style dorms, a dining hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and an observatory, KSS provides an inspiring setting for discovery.

Benefits for Seasonal Staff 

At KSS, our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below. 

• Room and board is provided.
• Up to 32 paid sick hours. 
• Paid holidays.
• Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits after four months of employment.
• Sick time, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) are offered.
• Discounts to outdoor retailers and discounted ski pass opportunities.

Work Schedule and Environment

This position primarily operates in a high-altitude outdoor environment. Discovery Overnight Camp runs six days a week, from Monday through Saturday, with Sundays off. Programming occurs both on-campus and in remote off-site locations. Employees will work closely with teammates and campers in this highly collaborative role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Keystone Science School is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $550