Camp Educator

Description

Start Date:

March 11th End Date:
March 20th

Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. We believe that innovative, play-based, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning experiences are a powerful way for children to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and curiosity about the world around them. Our exhibits and programs encourage children—alongside their caregivers—to solve creative challenges, explore a variety of materials, and to develop new ways to complete unfamiliar projects.

Through these activities, children gain the tools and confidence to develop and grow into enthusiastic, creative, lifelong STEAM learners and thinkers.

As a Camp Educator, you will bring your enthusiasm for play-based, inclusive STEAM learning to life by guiding socially and emotionally engaged campers through hands-on, inquiry-rich experiences. You will facilitate Thinkery’s curriculum in a culturally responsive way, helping campers see STEAM as a connected process while exploring problem-solving, technology, and creativity. Working alongside 1–2 fellow educators, you’ll support groups of up to 20 campers in grades K–3, creating a fun, safe, and memorable spring break experience.

• Implement and deliver Thinkery’s STEAM learning curriculum, adapting it as needed to improve the camper experience or accommodate individual campers.
• Follow all health and safety protocols.
• Read, review, and be prepared to deliver camp content.
• Model hands-on, inquiry-based facilitation techniques for entire staff.
• Lead a joyful camp experience for children ages 5-9.
• Provide leadership, energy and camp spirit, constantly assessing group dynamics and the needs of individual campers.
• Interact with and ensure safety of kids on-site and on field trips. Communicating with supervisor as challenges arise.
• Support camper check-in and check-out processes. Providing excellent customer service to parents by communicating with them about their camper’s experience.
• Assist with daily set-up and clean-up of camp.
• Problem solve on the fly and handle day to day issues.
• Represent Thinkery’s mission and core values.
• Support a culture of cross organization communication, collaboration and information sharing.

• Adaptability to problem-solve and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn hands-on STEAM activities such as: coding, tinkering, soldering, circuitry, working with power tools, sewing, robotics, etc.
• Must be able to reliably arrive to job site by 8:00AM and leave by 4:00PM.
• Must be CPR/First Aid certified or become certified prior to start date (Thinkery will provide training).
• Must undergo criminal background check.

• Steward a culture of cross-department communication, collaboration, and support work.
• Represent Thinkery’s core values of playfulness, belonging, innovation, and collaboration.
• Commitment to support Thinkery’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.

• Ensures Accountability:
  Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Values Differences:
  Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization and Thinkery's work.
• Creates Connection:
  Builds engagement and belonging in relationships across teams and with guests, promoting a welcome environment for all.
• Instills Trust:
  Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience
• Joy for learning, education, and/or STEAM practices
• Works well in a fast-paced and changing work environment
• Experience working with children
• Experience providing behavior management for learners age 5-9
• Ability to facilitate activities within a large group of learners
• Ability to schedule activities based on changing individual and group needs
• Ability to adapt and pivot when faced with obstacles
• Some college or college degree is a plus
• Bi-lingual Spanish or American…