Summer Camp Lead

The Prince William Sound Science Center is a research and education-focused community  benefit organization. We strive to advance the understanding and sustainable use of ecosystems through relevant scientific research and hands-on, STEAM-based education. The Science Center’s environmental science summer camps offer campers the opportunity to experience the amazing landscape that surrounds us in an educational and exciting way. Through camp experiences, we’ll hike in the rainforest, observe glaciers up close, canoe through the wetlands, and explore the tide pools and ocean. We are dedicated to helping campers develop their understanding of the world and themselves through scientific inquiry, positive outdoor experiences, leadership development, and ecosystem stewardship.

H2O Mini-Camps are designed to introduce younger or newer campers, ages 6-9, to the summer camp experience. H2O Day camps are offered to campers aged 8-11. These camps are four days long, and each day of camp has a different theme based on a distinct, local ecosystem.

The Girls Exploring Marine Science camp introduces campers to various fields of marine science by participating in ongoing research projects conducted by our organization. H2O Overnight camps are for campers aged 10-13 and follow a similar layout to day camps, with campers staying overnight the entire week. The program incorporates service-learning and citizen-science activities into its schedule, featuring local experts. No matter the program, our campers go home knowing everything is connected, from the Headwaters to the Ocean. 

Description: The Summer Camp lead will be the main point of contact for our Headwaters to Ocean (H2O) summer camps. They will plan, prepare, and lead summer camp activities while prioritizing a safe and positive environment that balances education and exploration.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan and lead camp activities that are safe, fun, and educational.
• Carry out all camp logistics, including registration, meal planning and preparation, and administering first aid, among other tasks.
• Collaborate with PWSSC education staff to develop and implement camp programs.
• Work with PWSSC research staff, when appropriate, to participate in educational activities.
• Mentor support staff by scheduling regular check-ins, communicating logistical information or needs, and providing feedback.
• Set and maintain behavioral expectations that ensure a safe, fun, and positive environment for campers and leaders.
• Communicate with guardians about camp requirements, schedules, and camper concerns.
• Maintain camp supplies and perform daily cleaning of camp spaces and vehicles.
• Assist PWSSC education staff in other areas of summer programming, including festivals, community programs, and partner programs.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience working in a camp setting or a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to a broad audience
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• A strong interest in biology, ecology, marine biology, or a related field
• Desire to work with people, particularly youth
• Dependable and self-motivated
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to deal with logistical challenges and multitask
• Flexible, friendly, and patient
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends
• Basic outdoor skills; Must have current first aid and CPR certification, including child CPR, or obtain such certification
• Valid driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able and comfortable with leading groups in indoor and outdoor settings, including hiking on uneven trails, being in bear and moose country, and working in a temperate rainforest with sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• Sit, stand, grasp, lift (up to 40 pounds unassisted), carry, walk, push, and pull for short and extended periods of time