What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Assistant Director position at The Discovery School?
Company Description
The Discovery School Day Camp is a special place for children to have fun, grow new friendships, discover nature, and have the freedom to be themselves! We strive to inspire a culture of kindness, curiosity, and connection to one another as well as the world around us.
Our Discovery kids spend their days exploring our 7 acre nature campus - climbing in our nature playground, building forts in the woods, relaxing by the pond, creating art, playing group games, and having water fun!
Job Description
PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Assistant Director supports the daily operations and programming of camp, including supervising Before Care, leading Foxes’ FirePit, supporting camper groups, and assisting the Director with daily tasks (i.e. setting up/breaking down daily specials, restocking supplies, taking photos, helping with early dismissals, etc.). Additionally, this role is responsible for acting as the point person for our Playful Pollinator licensing process, including the annual site visit.
PROFESSIONALISM:
● Report to work well rested and on time, maintaining consistent attendance.
● Communicate necessary absences with as much advance notice as possible.
● Establishes positive and professional relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
● Support and uphold The Discovery School Day Camp philosophy and policies.
● Show initiative in problem solving and be open to new ideas.
● Approach challenges with imagination and a sense of humor.
● Maintain confidentiality about issues regarding children and families.
● Respect and appreciate individual learning styles, culture and point of views.
● Model conflict resolution by communicating directly with individuals involved and collaborating to develop solutions.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
● Ensure the safety and general well being of all campers
● Document incidents and notify parents in a timely fashion.
● Understand and follow The Discovery School Health and Safety guidelines
● Follow state regulations regarding incidents of abuse or neglect.
● Be able to remain calm and follow the Emergency Plan in the event of an emergency.
● Be able to lift, move or hold children with a weight of up to 50 pounds or more if necessary.
● Familiarize yourself weekly with camper names, approved pick-ups, allergy information, lunch choices and any other information parents provide.
OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Help train staff on Foxes’ FirePit programming during the orientation week.
● Be familiar with licensing documentation and act as DHS point person for the annual site visit.
● Supervise Before Care in the gym daily.
● Welcome families to camp and direct them to their animal group room.
● Lead counselors in facilitating Foxes’ FirePit activities daily
● Maintain a well-organized, safe and clean camp environment.
● Assist the Director with daily tasks (i.e. breaking down daily specials, taking photos, restocking supplies, etc.)
● Support counselors and camper groups as needed throughout the camp day
● Welcome late arriving campers and support early dismissals during the camp day.
● Assist the director with camp operations to make the day run more smoothly.
● Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem.
● Follow our positive discipline approach and Code of Conduct. Outlined in our family handbook.
● Report any signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance or other disorder to the director.
● Implement the daily program of activities with safety and fun in mind.
● Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family.
● Be inclusive of children with disabilities and special needs. Modify activities and/or implement accommodations as outlined on an Individualized Camper Plan.
● Be willing to facilitate activities both indoors and outdoors in all weather throughout our 7-acre nature campus.
● Demonstrates a full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit or otherwise fully participate in activities.
● Have fun!
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Must be 18 years of age.
● Obtain all necessary clearances (see below)
● Educational requirements: Must have a BA degree in either early childhood, child development, special education, elementary education or human services.
● Must have a love and willingness to serve children and their families.
● Strongly support and execute The Discovery School Day Camp’s mission.
● Be able to manage multiple priorities and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
● Have the social skills necessary to relate to a variety of people in a highly collaborative environment, remaining positive even under stressful situations.
Clearances:
● PA Criminal Background Check
● PA Child Abuse Check
● FBI Criminal Background Check
● NSOR
● Act 31 Online Training
● Health Form
● Disclosure Statement
● Arrest or Conviction Form
● Required camp health and safety training
● Employment Verification Form(s): verification that you have had at least 2 years (2,500 hours) experience working with children.
● 2 non family reference letters
● A copy of your college transcripts
* Clearances and Act 31 training must be valid through August 2, 2025
Other Requirements:
● CPR/first-aid certified - included and paid for in summer camp sta training week
● Maintain consistent attendance for 8 weeks of camp
Additional Information
Position: Assistant Director
Reports to: Camp Director
Time Commitment: M-F, 8am - 4pm (40 hrs/week), 6/2/25-8/1/25
Compensation: $20/hour
Salary : $20