At Keystone Science School, we believe that the power of inspiring curiosity and critical thinking, through the lens of science, changes lives and strengthens communities. We create future leaders who can problem solve and work together in an ever-evolving world and workplace environment.

Located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Keystone Science School’s historic campus serves as base camp for our diverse suite of inquiry-based learning programs. We combine hands-on science education with outdoor adventure to create engaging experiences for our students. At KSS, we change lives, we bring fun and laughter to everything we do, we care about each other and those we serve, we strive for excellence, we offer competitive compensation and generous benefits, and we are committed to serving students from diverse backgrounds. We’re proud to be Summit County’s #1 Best Non-Profit and #2 Best Place to Work (2019)! Visit KeystoneScienceSchool.org to learn more!

Program Overview and Job Summary
KSS offers overnight programs on the Keystone Science School campus and at satellite camping locations around Summit County. Overnight programs are age-specific, full-week programs offering education, adventure and recreational activities based upon weekly science and adventure themes. Each week campers will participate in hands-on science activities, hikes, arts and crafts, games, leadership, community building, and much more! Residential camps are offered to campers entering 2nd grade through 8th grade.

The Overnight Camp Lead Instructor works as the lead staff for one living area with the Discovery Camp program. This position is responsible for planning and facilitating a wide variety of summer program activities in conjunction with the other Overnight Camp Lead Instructors. This position is the primary caregiver for each child, and the primary point of contact for the living area. They are also responsible for guiding children in their personal growth and daily living skills. It is the responsibility of the Overnight Camp Lead Instructor to be familiar with the daily schedule, the camper room and cabin/tent assignments, and the logistics of the Overnight program. Overnight Camp Instructors will be expected to adhere to dynamic health guidance and policy set forth by KSS while working with children during a global pandemic, which may include living with other Instructors in a communal living environment.
 

Main areas of focus:
●    75% Teaching/Facilitating;
●    10% Lesson planning and curriculum development;
●    15% Support staff duties (e.g. taking photos of campers, facilitation of meals, set up/clean up, transportation, student free time).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
•    Lead a group of instructors and serve as the point of contact for one of the dorms or the tents;
•    Supervise up to 32 children with other instructors in one dormitory during each 4-12-day session;
•    Supervise up to 13 children with another instructor on daily activities, an overnight wilderness camping trip, and challenge hikes each session;
•    Plan, prepare, and teach age appropriate activities;
•    Provide a fun and memorable experience for campers (songs, skits, costumes, etc.);
•    Supervise and support a wide variety of KSS programs and activities, which includes but is not limited to: camper choice activities/free play, meals, evening programming, special events, the end of season celebration, etc.;
•    Participate as a mentor in the Counselor Assistant Program (CAP), and write a letter and evaluation for each CAP;
•    Lead in camper behavior management;
•    Maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow Risk Management policies in all activities;
•    Actively interact with and engage children during KSS programs;
•    Provide an electronics-free experience for all children and enforce an electronics-aware environment with Instructors;
•    Gather and submit pictures and videos to reflect the experience children have during KSS programs;
•    Set up before children arrive and clean up after children depart from program campus;
•    Maintain storage of all KSS equipment, including teaching materials, gear, keys, toys, etc.;
•    Attend and help facilitate all staff meetings and trainings as assigned;
•    Drive a 15-passenger van and successfully complete Van Driver Training;
•    Facilitate and complete set up/take down projects at the end of every Day Camp session as assigned;
•    Abide by and uphold the policies and procedures set forth by KSS;
•    Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Minimum Requirements
•    Willingness to be ‘on call’ 24 hours a day while working Discovery Camp programs;
•    Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children in a residential setting;
•    Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, abilities, and experience;
•    Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete;
•    Ability to adapt instruction and lessons to meet a wide variety of learners utilizing different educational philosophies;
•    Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations;
•    Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community;
•    Interpret a variety of instructions provided in written or verbal form;
•    Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment;
•    Superior customer service skills;
•    Demonstrate the ability to be creative and think ‘outside the box’;
•    Strong command of communication, writing, and organizational skills;
•    Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions;

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications
●    Candidates will be asked to provide verification of one of the following: (A) 4 year college degree with a major such as recreation, education with a specialty in art, elementary education or early childhood education, or a subject in the human services field; (B) 2 years of college training + 6 months (910 hours) of experience in the care and supervision of 4 or more children since attaining the age of 18;
●    Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment;
●    Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check;
●    Age 21+ with a minimum of 5 years driving experience, excellent driving record, and a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Skills
•    Ability to communicate verbally and teach in Spanish;
•    Proficiency with Google Drive and CampSite camp management software;
•    Waterfront Lifeguard certificate.

Travel Expectations
In many situations, KSS will provide transportation to satellite programming locations. However, staff may be asked to use personal vehicles to travel within Summit County. Any travel mileage outside Summit County may be reimbursed.

Physical Demands of this Position
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or hold objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee often stands for up to 16 hours per day but may be required to stand longer in emergency situations. The employee must be able to lift and carry at least 40 pounds for an extended duration. The employee is frequently required to travel for extended periods over rugged terrain. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
 
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the employee to work in close contact with their teammates and children. Staff will be expected to adhere to dynamic health guidance and policy set forth by KSS while working with children during a global pandemic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but varies seasonally due to programs and staffing on campus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee often works outside and drives vehicles in various weather conditions.

Accommodations
Housing and food are provided at no additional cost. A housing deposit may be collected.