STEAM Lead Camp Counselor - PA

Lead Innovation Lab, STEAM, Counselor

At DEAN Adventure Camps we create life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures—all while developing character and skills that last a lifetime.

Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive.

We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all-inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families.

As a Lead Innovation Lab Counselor (Multi-Age), you’ll design and facilitate hands‑on STEAM experiences for campers across multiple age groups, adapting projects and instruction week‑to‑week to meet different developmental levels.

• Lead Innovation Lab programming for both younger and older elementary campers, teaching one age group per week depending on site needs.
• Facilitate project‑based learning experiences tied to weekly themes such as Space Exploration, Eco‑Engineering, Inventor’s Workshop.
• Adapt core projects so younger campers engage through guided exploration, while older campers take on more complex, multi‑step builds.
• Guide campers through the full design cycle: imagine, plan, build, test, iterate, and share.
• Teach and monitor safe use of age‑appropriate tools and materials, modeling curiosity, perseverance, and problem‑solving.
• Structure projects so they fit the weekly camp arc while allowing room for creativity and camper ownership.
• Support collaboration and teamwork, helping campers articulate ideas and reflect on learning.
• Prepare materials, manage supplies, and keep the Innovation Lab space organized and safe.
• Collaborate with Site Leadership and counselors to ensure smooth transitions and a positive camper experience.

This role is ideal for an educator or maker who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys tailoring instruction to different developmental ages.

• Adaptable teacher — confident working with a wide age range (K–5), adjusting language, pacing, and expectations as needed.
• STEAM‑curious and hands‑on — experienced or interested in engineering, making, robotics, design‑based learning, or creative problem‑solving.

• Strong classroom management — able to maintain structure, engagement, and safety across varying energy levels and skill sets.
• Comfortable with project‑based learning — enjoy guiding campers through trial‑and‑error and celebrating effort over perfection.
• Clear communicator — patient, encouraging, and skilled at explaining concepts in multiple ways.
• Organized and proactive — able to plan ahead, prep materials efficiently, and adjust projects on the fly.
• A collaborative teammate — works well with co‑counselors and leadership to support camper growth and program success.

• Experience in makerspaces, STEM programs, camps, or after school settings.

• Full on‑site availability during the summer:
  June–August, Monday–Friday.
• Hours:
  
  camp operates 7am–6pm, leads typically work 35 hours per week within this timeframe, generally 8am‑4pm.
• Ability to commute to 370 Lancaster Ave, Haverford, PA 19041.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be up to date on all immunizations and willing to provide emergency health information upon hire.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active, outdoor environment.
• Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification.

• Pay range: $20-25/h, exact rate determined by experience.
• FLSA Status: seasonal full‑time, non‑exempt under the FLSA.
• Paid training: remote safety, DEI, classroom management, and in‑person staff training the weekend prior to camp; training paid at state minimum wage or $12/hr, whichever is higher.
• All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed.
• Summer Bonus: $40 per week for working six or more weeks with no absences.
• Referral Bonus: $50 per hired referral, no referral limits.
• Daily perks: free snacks, coffee, parking, Monday breakfast.
• Employee discounts: camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.
• Career growth: resume‑building experience, letters of recommendation, networking opportunities.

DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the position’s requirements and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Join our team and make a difference this summer! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early to secure your spot.