Summer Camp Lead Educator (previous Bell camp staff only)

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks camp staff for Bell Museum programs, focusing on delivering STEAM-centered experiences for K-8 campers. You will implement curriculum, supervise assistants, and foster a safe, engaging learning environment.

Two years of college-level study in education or science plus teaching experience are required, with a commitment to safety and inclusion. Positions start Dec 15, 2026 and may extend through Dec 31, 2027, based at the Bell Museum in St Paul.

Qualifications

• Worked at Bell camps in previous summers.
• Minimum of two years in college studying education, science, or other related subjects plus two years of experience teaching youth.
• A minimum of two years experience leading children and carrying out curriculum in a formal or informal educational setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic science concepts, including astronomy and natural sciences.
• Experience working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.

Responsibilities

• Camp Content and Instruction (70%) — Implement engaging week-long camps for up to twenty children per class using a provided curriculum that includes scientific experiments and interactive activities involving earth science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, art, games, and more.
• Camp Prep and Administrative Tasks (20%) — Regular check-ins with the Youth & Family Programs Coordinator, manage setup and cleanup of camp activities, write bios for guardian communications, conduct reflections/evaluations, communicate curriculum plans.

Skills

Experience teaching youth

Education

Two years in college studying education or related subject

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 376878

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 0006

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

This position is for previous camp staff at the Bell Museum. This position is responsible for facilitating educational experiences centered on environmental science, natural history, engineering, and astronomy. Responsibilities include implementing the existing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) curriculum, working in a team environment, mentoring assistants, and creating a safe, engaging, age-appropriate and positive learning environment for campers.

Campers range from grades K-8 with camp sizes ranging from 12 (K) to 21. Winter camp is for grades 1-5.

This position includes following all Safety of Minors policies.

Working location: In-person based out of Bell Museum, St Paul Campus

Position start date: December 15, 2026

Position end date: December 31, 2027

Duties:

Camp Content and Instruction (70%)

• Implement engaging week-long camps for up to twenty children per class using a provided curriculum that includes scientific experiments and interactive activities involving earth science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, art, games, and more.
• Follow safety guidelines and practices to ensure that campers are safe at all times, with ongoing supervision. Includes frequent handwashing and daily cleaning.
• Develop a personal teaching style to accommodate camper learning style(s).
• Provide direction and work collaboratively with camp assistant educators.
• Interact with campers, guardians, other staff, and the general public in a safe, respectful, and professional manner.
• Camp staff are required to follow all safety-related policies and procedures at all times.

Camp Prep and Administrative Tasks (20%)

• Regular check-ins with the Youth & Family Programs Coordinator.
• Manage set up, take down, and cleaning of camp activities, as well as maintain classroom facilities.
• Write a short bio to include in camp guardian communications.
• Conduct regular reflections/evaluations of the program and experiences.
• Communicating curriculum plans, feedback, and tasks to the camp assistant educators.

Other duties (10%)

• Complete other additional tasks as assigned by the Youth & Family Programs Coordinator and/or Education Programs Manager.
• Step in to facilitate PESL events if available.
• Other duties as assigned

Hours

Winter Camp: 32 hours for Dec 28-29 and 30-31. 5 hours from Dec 15-23 for curriculum review and winter camp orientation.

Summer Camp (optional): 40 hours/week, for 7-9 weeks in the weeks of June 14, 2027, to August 25, 2027, time period. Approximately 30-40 hours June 14-18 for training week, and 8 hours during the week of June 7-11 to review curriculum.

Required staff training days: 5 days (30-40 hours) of training to be scheduled between June 14-18. Times will vary.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Worked at Bell camps in previous summers.
• Minimum of two years in college studying education, science, or other related subjects plus two years of experience teaching youth.
• A minimum of two years experience leading children and carrying out curriculum in a formal or informal educational setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic science concepts, including astronomy and natural sciences.
• Experience working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.A./B.S. in education, science, or other related programs.
• Master's degree in education, science or related field.
• Training or experience working in camps as a summer camp leader.
• Previous classroom teaching experience and/or possessing a teaching license.
• Experience working with youth and adults in a team environment.
• Experience in working with youth with special needs, (e.g. on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or have anxiety and/or depression).
• CPR and First Aid certified.

About the Department

The Bell ignites and sustains curiosity for nature and the universe.

The Bell Museum is Minnesota's official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state's rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond.

We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position, even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.