Day Camp Apprentice Counselor - Summer 2025

Keystone Science School Inc; Colorado; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as an Apprentice Day Camp Counselor, where you'll inspire curiosity and confidence in campers from Kindergarten to 5th grade. This seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to lead hands-on science activities, outdoor adventures, and arts and crafts, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. With a focus on personal growth and teamwork, you'll be a mentor and role model, creating unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors. If you're enthusiastic and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Free meals

Housing provided

Paid sick hours

Paid holidays

Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits

Discounts to outdoor retailers

Discounted ski pass opportunities

Qualifications

• Interest in working with children and diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to create an inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead age-appropriate activities including science experiments and outdoor exploration.
• Supervise and engage with up to 13 campers daily.

Skills

Working with children

Inclusivity

Creativity and adaptability

Strong work ethic

Group management

Knowledge of science-based curriculum

Education

Wilderness First Aid certification

CPR certification

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: KEYSTONE SCIENCE SCHOOL - KEYSTONE, CO

Position Type: Seasonal/Temporary

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Description

Job Title: Apprentice Day Camp Counselor

Compensation: $450.00 per week base rate, 10% boost for Spanish speakers

Housing: Yes

Exemption Status: Exempt

Employee Classification: Temporary, Full-time

Dates of Employment: May 27, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Reporting to: Day Camp Manager

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

As an Apprentice Day Camp Counselor at Keystone Science School, you’ll bring adventure, learning, and fun to life for campers in Kindergarten through 5th grade! Each week is packed with hands-on science activities, outdoor exploration, arts and crafts, games, and team-building. With a new science and adventure theme every week, you’ll inspire curiosity and confidence while creating unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors.

You’ll be more than just a counselor—you’ll be a mentor, leader, and role model, guiding campers through exciting activities and personal growth. From leading hikes to organizing engaging lessons, you’ll help foster a supportive and inclusive camp environment. No prior childcare experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn! Get ready to make a difference, build lifelong memories, and have an absolute blast doing it!

The wage for this position is $450.00 weekly with a 10% increase for those fluent in English and Spanish.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Camper Experience

• Lead and facilitate age-appropriate activities including science experiments, outdoor exploration, arts and crafts, and games.
• Supervise and actively engage with up to 13 campers daily, ensuring a fun and supportive environment.
• Foster teamwork, leadership, and personal growth in campers through hands-on learning and outdoor adventures.
• Promote positive behavior and conflict resolution, creating an inclusive space for all campers.

Safety & Supervision

• Maintain high health and safety standards, following all Risk Management policies.
• Ensure proper supervision and well-being of campers throughout the day.
• Assist with check-in and check-out procedures, ensuring a smooth transition for families.
• Monitor and manage camper behavior and group dynamics, providing guidance as needed.

Logistics & Operations

• Set up and clean up before and after daily activities.
• Support the Tuesday Day Camp Sleepover on a rotating basis.
• Support camp operations by completing logistical tasks such as taking photos, organizing materials, and maintaining program spaces.
• Drive a 15-passenger van (for staff 20+ with 4+ years of driving experience) to transport campers safely.
• Maintain and properly store all KSS equipment used during camp activities.

Qualifications

Skills

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children.
• 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.
• Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations.
• Strong work ethic and personal motivation.
• Desire to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community.
• Preferred - experience in hiking, lesson and activity facilitation, or group management of elementary aged youth.
• Preferred - Knowledge of science based curriculum (e.g. forest ecology, geology, biology).

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Optional - 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.
• 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. Day Camp programs run five days a week, from Monday through Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays off. Additional hours are required on Tuesday evenings for the camp sleepover and on Thursdays for the weekly campus reset. Programming takes place both on campus and at 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.