Discovery Overnight Camp Unit Leader - Summer 2025

Keystone, CO; Colorado; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in outdoor education seeks a passionate Head Counselor for their Discovery Overnight Camp. This seasonal role involves leading engaging programs, mentoring staff, and ensuring a safe, enriching environment for campers. With responsibilities spanning from activity facilitation to risk management, you'll play a crucial role in shaping memorable experiences. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in the stunning Rocky Mountains while fostering personal growth among campers. If you thrive in dynamic outdoor settings and have a knack for leadership, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Free meals

Housing provided

Paid sick hours

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401K eligibility

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts to outdoor retailers

Discounted ski pass opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse backgrounds and creating inclusive environments.
• Ability to manage children in various outdoor situations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate engaging programming and oversee camper safety.
• Mentor and evaluate camp counselors and assist in logistics.

Skills

Leadership

Adaptability

Risk Management

Outdoor Recreation

Communication

Creativity

Mentorship

Education

460 hours of experience with school-age children

Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: KEYSTONE SCIENCE SCHOOL - KEYSTONE, CO

Position Type: Seasonal/Temporary

Salary Range: $600.00

Description

Job Title: Discovery Overnight Camp Head Counselor
Compensation: $600 per week base rate, 10% increase for Spanish speakers
Housing: Yes
Dates of Employment: May 19, 2025 - August 16, 2025
Reporting to: Overnight Camp Manager
Direct Reports: None

Position Summary:

As a Head Counselor at Keystone Science School, you’ll be at the heart of creating an unforgettable Discovery Overnight camp experience. You’ll lead daily programming, mentor counselors, and foster a positive, supportive environment while guiding campers in personal growth and daily living skills.

This role demands strong leadership, adaptability, and enthusiasm for an immersive overnight setting. You’ll be responsible for knowing the daily schedule, cabin and tent assignments, and maintaining the overall culture of the program. From leading activities and managing logistics to mentoring staff, you’ll play a key role in shaping a fun, safe, and enriching experience for campers and counselors alike.

The wage for this position is $600.00 weekly, with a 10% increase for those fluent in English and Spanish.

Our Discovery Overnight Head Counselors are assigned one of three units - a dorm near the Dining Hall or a group of canvas tent near the Snake River! We have two dorms and one group of canvas tents. Head Counselors live in their assigned unit for the duration of each session and in another location during time off.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Facilitation & Camper Experience

• Facilitate engaging and age-appropriate programming that aligns with KSS curriculum themes.
• Teach daily camp activities, ensuring a fun and educational experience for campers.
• Oversee the health, safety, and well-being of campers in collaboration with Discovery Overnight staff.
• Supervise up to 13 children on overnight camping trips and challenge hikes.
• Run meetings and communicate rules and guidelines for residential life in cabins and tents.

Staff Mentorship & Support

• Mentor, train, and evaluate camp counselors alongside the Discovery Camp Lead and Overnight Camp Programs Manager.
• Provide learning opportunities, constructive feedback, and evaluations for Counselor Assistant Program (CAP) participants.
• Responsible for overnight camping packing sessions with co-counselors.

Logistics & Risk Management

• Assist in operational and logistical tasks, including weekly scheduling and group/cabin assignments.
• Oversee and maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management in all activities.
• Ensure smooth facilitation of meals, setup/cleanup, transportation, and camper free time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Skills

• 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.
• Experience with risk management practices of the outdoor and environmental education industry.
• Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations.
• Experience leading employees and managing administrative tasks in a professional environment.
• Outdoor recreation experience in hiking, camping, backpacking or rock climbing.
• Knowledge of science-based curriculum (e.g. forest ecology, geology, biology).
• Desire to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• 460 hours of experience working with school-age children (verification of hours required).
• 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 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.
• Eligibility for a 401K after 1,000 hours worked annually.
• 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. Discovery Overnight Camp runs six days a week, from Monday through Saturday, with Sundays off. Programming occurs both on-campus and in 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.