Discovery Overnight Head Camp Counselor

Description

Job Title: Discovery Overnight Camp Head Counselor

Compensation: $600 per week base rate, 10% increase for Spanish speakers

Housing: Yes

Exemption Status: Exempt

Employee Classification: Temporary Full-time

Dates of Employment: May 19, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Reporting to: Overnight Camp Manager

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary:

As a Head Counselor at Keystone Science School, you’ll be at the heart of creating an unforgettable Discovery Overnight camp experience. You’ll lead daily programming, mentor counselors, and foster a positive, supportive environment while guiding campers in personal growth and daily living skills.

This role demands strong leadership, adaptability, and enthusiasm for an immersive overnight setting. You’ll be responsible for knowing the daily schedule, cabin and tent assignments, and maintaining the overall culture of the program. From leading activities and managing logistics to mentoring staff, you’ll play a key role in shaping a fun, safe, and enriching experience for campers and counselors alike.

The wage for this position is $600.00 weekly, with a 10% increase for those fluent in English and Spanish.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Facilitation & Camper Experience

• Facilitate engaging and age-appropriate programming that aligns with KSS curriculum themes.
• Teach daily camp activities, ensuring a fun and educational experience for campers.
• Oversee the health, safety, and well-being of campers in collaboration with Discovery Overnight staff.
• Supervise up to 13 children on overnight camping trips and challenge hikes.
• Run meetings and communicate rules and guidelines for residential life in cabins and tents.

Staff Mentorship & Support

• Mentor, train, and evaluate camp counselors alongside the Discovery Camp Lead and Overnight Camp Programs Manager.
• Provide learning opportunities, constructive feedback, and evaluations for Counselor Assistant Program (CAP) participants.
• Responsible for overnight camping packing sessions with co-counselors.

Logistics & Risk Management

• Assist in operational and logistical tasks, including weekly scheduling and group/cabin assignments.
• Oversee and maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management in all activities.
• Ensure smooth facilitation of meals, setup/cleanup, transportation, and camper free time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About Keystone Science School 
With the outdoors as a backdrop for learning, Keystone Science School inspires curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science to change lives and strengthen communities. KSS offers a variety of adventure and traditional camp activities within a structured environment designed to allow each camper and participant to understand their potential. In all programs, campers and participants will create lifelong friendships, explore and learn about the natural world, and gain leadership and wilderness skills.  For more information go to keystonescienceschool.org.

With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness in order to impact how we work with clients, as well as how we work together as a team. 

Program Overview and Job Summary

KSS offers a range of programs that balance hands-on science activities, field-based exploration, and adventure programming. Curriculum themes include but are not limited to: environmental science (aquatic ecology, forest ecology, earth science, snow studies, winter ecology, weather and climate), leadership, community building, STEM, outdoor skills, and health. Keystone Science School’s Overnight Camp programs combine weekly curriculum themes with traditional summer activities like hiking, camping, songs, skits, archery, and more! Campers stay overnight in dorms or canvas tents.

The Discovery Camp Head Counselor works with the Overnight camp program. This position is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and facilitating a wide variety of summer program activities in conjunction with the other Discovery Camp Head Counselors and the Discovery Overnight Camp Leads. This position is the primary caregiver for each child in their assigned living space. They are also responsible for guiding children in their personal growth and daily living skills. Head Counselors will also coach, mentor and provide constructive feedback to Discovery Camp counselors. It is the responsibility of the Discovery Overnight Camp Head Counselor to be completely familiar with the daily schedule, the client room, cabin and tent assignments, and the overall energy of the Overnight program. 

Main areas of focus:

• 80% Teaching and Facilitation

• 10% Support staff duties (e.g. facilitation of meals, setup/clean up, transportation, student free time).

• 10% Staff coaching and mentorship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and teach age-appropriate activities;

• Maintain quality programming by focusing on program development, delegation, implementation, training, and evaluation;

• Oversee up to 32 children in one dormitory or tents during each 4-12 day session – the maximum capacity of students in the overnight programs is 90;

• Oversee up to 13 children on one overnight camping trip and challenge hike session;

• Oversee, mentor, train, and evaluate counselors in conjunction with the Discovery Camp Lead and Overnight Camp Programs Manager;

• Plan, oversee, and support a wide variety of KSS programs and activities, which includes but is not limited to: camper choice activities/freeplay, evening programming, special events;

• Implement all logistical and operational tasks for Overnight programs, which includes but is not limited to: fulfilling weekly schedules, overseeing group and dorm/tent assignments, etc.;

• Oversee and maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow Risk Management policies in all activities;

• Actively interact with and engage children during KSS programs;

• Participate as a mentor in the Counselor Assistant Program (CAP) by providing learning opportunities, constructive feedback, and writing final letters and evaluations to each overseen CAP;

• Provide an electronics-aware experience for all children and enforce an electronics-aware environment with counselors;

• Set up before children arrive and clean up after children depart from KSS campus;

• Maintain storage of all KSS equipment, including teaching materials, gear, keys, toys, etc.;

• Attend all staff meetings as assigned;

• Lead overnight camping packing sessions;

• Lead meetings and go over rules and guidelines of resident life in the cabins;

• Candidates age 20 with a minimum of 4 years driving experience will be required to participate in and pass Van Driver Training, and they will be required to drive a 15-passenger van;

• Abide by and uphold the policies and procedures set forth by KSS;

• Other duties as assigned.

Professional Performance  

• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the organization.

• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the organization.

• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.

• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with organization policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.

• Maintain an awareness of the organization’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.

• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the organization for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of the organization's business.

• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.

• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, justice-centered and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Qualifications

Skills 

• 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.
• Experience with risk management practices of the outdoor and environmental education industry.
• Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations.
• Experience leading employees and managing administrative tasks in a professional environment.
• Outdoor recreation experience in hiking, camping, backpacking or rock climbing.
• Knowledge of science based curriculum (e.g. forest ecology, geology, biology).
• Desire to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community.

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. 

• Free meals and housing may be provided depending on position.
• Up to 32 paid sick hours. 
• Paid holidays.
• Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits after four months of employment.
• Eligibility for a 401K after 1,000 hours worked annually.
• 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 : $600