Science Camp Mentor

Headwaters Science Institute is hiring science mentors and educators for summer camps June-August 2024. These instructors will be working with a variety of age groups (5-13 years old). Our programs are located at different field sites around Lake Tahoe. 

We are hiring for our summer season June 24th-August 16th. Summer camp sessions run weekly and rotate among three locations: one day camp location near Kirkwood, CA and two day camp locations near Truckee, CA. Summer camps are a mix of hands-on science and fun activities. Mentors should be prepared to be with their group for the full day and carry out activities. A typical day runs from 8:00am-3:30pm with some variation. Camps are either 5 days/week or 4 days/week depending on location. Applicants do not need to be available for the entire summer but it is a plus if they are. 

Lead Mentor Qualifications: 

• a background in science is required: advanced undergraduate coursework or associate degree
• experience working with youth: formal or informal teaching/outreach, previous summer camp experience is a plus
• CPR certified and basic first aid training required
• Aligned with our mission to create informed citizens who positively impact society through engagement, curiosity, and applications of the scientific method.

Each day instructors will work with a cohort of ~10 students. Throughout the week they will help their group through the scientific process: create a testable research question, create a hypothesis, create a methods plan, collect data, and analyze and discuss data and results. Supplemental activities including group games and art projects. Lead mentors should feel comfortable instructing assistant mentors, guiding groups of students, and working with students in an outdoor setting as our camps occur fully outside. Rather than a wealth of knowledge around the specific project topic area, the most important attribute we are looking for is comfort building and executing scientific research projects as well as the ability to help students do the same.