Performing Arts Lead Camp Counselor

Join to apply for the Performing Arts Lead Camp Counselor role at DEAN Adventure Camps

Lead ‘You’ve Got Talent’ 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. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.

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 Performance Arts Counselor for the You’ve Got Talent program, you’ll lead campers ages 6–15 through playful, confidence‑building performance experiences. You’ve Got Talent blends performance, character work, movement, and creative design – introducing campers to stage presence, self‑expression, and age‑appropriate visual storytelling. This role supports sites where one Lead teaches different age groups in separate weeks, requiring thoughtful adaptation of activities and group management.

• Facilitating performance‑based activities such as face paint or SFX makeup, improv games, movement and dance, character creation, simple magic, and performance challenges.
• Adjusting instruction so younger campers focus on imaginative play and participation, while older campers explore performance structure, stage presence, and collaboration.
• Creating a supportive, low‑pressure environment where campers feel safe taking creative risks and expressing themselves.
• Leading rehearsals and preparation for weekly showcases or Friday Finales, adapted to each age group’s comfort level.
• Teaching foundational performance skills such as projection, movement, expression, and teamwork in age‑appropriate ways.
• Modeling encouragement, confidence, and respect, reinforcing that performance is about effort and expression—not perfection.
• Managing transitions, energy levels, and group dynamics across varied ages.
• Supporting assistants and CITs in maintaining a positive, inclusive group experience.

This role is ideal for an energetic leader who loves performance arts and can engage both younger children and teens with confidence and care. You are:

• Experienced or interested in performance arts, such as face paint or SFX makeup, theater, improv, dance, music, or creative movement.
• Comfortable working with ages 6–15, adapting tone, structure, and expectations to meet developmental needs.
• Strong in group management, able to lead energetic activities while maintaining emotional safety and inclusion.
• An encouraging communicator, helping campers build confidence and celebrate one another’s efforts.
• Flexible and creative, able to modify activities for different comfort levels, abilities, and group sizes.
• A positive role model, modeling courage, kindness, and collaboration.
• A team‑oriented leader, supporting assistants and helping maintain a joyful, organized program flow.

• Full on‑site availability during the summer:
  June–August, Monday–Friday (8:30 am–3:30 pm daily, 8:00 am on Mondays).
• Flexibility to commute to both 1301 Potomac School Rd, McLean, VA 22101 and 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042.
• 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 lb, respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active, outdoor environment.
• Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification.

• Pay range: $21–24 /hr – exact rate determined by state minimum and experience.
• FLSA Status:
  This is a seasonal full‑time, exempt position under the FLSA.
• Paid training: remote training on safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in‑person staff training the weekend prior to camp; training is paid at state minimum wage or $12 /hr, whichever is higher.
• All required…