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Camp Director

Programming Journeys LLC, Chula Vista, CA, United States


Programming Journeys is a STEM education company based in Chula Vista, California, on a mission to deliver authentic, hands‑on technology education to the next generation. We offer robotics and coding camps for youth ages 8–14, built on the belief that kids learn best when they're doing the real thing — not following a kit or watching a simulation, but building, coding, and engineering.

Led by Professor Denis Núñez — Computer Science instructor at Southwestern College and Computer Engineering lecturer at SDSU, and Test & Evaluation Team Lead for unmanned naval systems — Programming Journeys brings genuine real‑world expertise into every session. This summer, we're looking for a Camp Director who shares that same commitment to excellence.

Role Summary
We are looking for a high‑energy, organized, and passionate Camp Director to lead Programming Journeys Summer Camp 2026. You will be the heartbeat of the camp — the person who sets the tone every morning, keeps the day running smoothly, supports the instructors, and makes sure every student goes home excited to come back.

This is a two‑phase temporary position: a part‑time preparation phase starting immediately, followed by full‑time on‑site leadership during the camp. The Camp Director is the operational lead — responsible for staff coordination, schedule management, parent communication, safety compliance, and delivering an exceptional experience for every student.

Position Phases & Compensation
Phase 1 — Pre‑Camp Preparation (Now – June 7, 2026)

Hours: ~20 hours/week

Work Mode: Remote / Hybrid

Pay Rate: $25–$30 per hour

Focus: Planning, logistics, staff hiring support, and parent communication setup

Phase 2 — Summer Camp (June 8 – July 24, 2026)

Hours: Full‑time, Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Schedule: Camp: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Late Pick‑Up supervision: 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Work Mode: On‑site — Chula Vista, CA (SWC area)

Pay Rate: $35–$40 per hour

Focus: Daily camp operations, student supervision, staff management

Key Responsibilities
Pre‑Camp Phase

Coordinate logistics for camp setup: schedule, materials, facility walkthrough

Support recruitment and onboarding of camp instructors and assistants

Develop a daily camp schedule in collaboration with Professor Núñez

Prepare parent communication templates and welcome packets

Ensure all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and compliance requirements are in place

Assist with registration tracking and camper roster management

Camp Phase

Arrive on‑site by 8:30 AM daily to prepare for camp operations and lead the staff briefing; remain on‑site until 5:00 PM to manage late pick‑up and end‑of‑day closeout

Supervise and manage instructors and campers, ensuring instructional quality, engagement, and adherence to the daily program plan

Ensure the safe setup, operation, and supervision of all hands‑on activities, equipment, and tools

Serve as the primary on‑site point of contact between staff, students, parents, and program leadership

Oversee daily operations: check‑in/check‑out, attendance, and schedule adherence

Maintain a positive, energetic, and inclusive camp culture throughout the program

Handle parent inquiries, concerns, and daily communications with professionalism

Respond to incidents, emergencies, or behavioral issues calmly and effectively

Conduct daily staff briefings before camp start and end‑of‑day debriefs after late pick‑up

Maintain accurate records: attendance, incident reports, and daily logs

Identify and resolve operational issues quickly to keep the camp running smoothly

Requirements

3+ years of experience working with children (camps, schools, or after‑school programs)

2+ years in a supervisory, leadership, or director role

Proven ability to manage a structured, high‑energy environment with youth

Strong communication skills — with children, parents, and team members

Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to make decisions quickly under pressure

Valid First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to obtain before June 8, 2026)

Must successfully pass a background check (required for all staff working with minors)

Available to work on‑site Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, June 8 – July 24, 2026

Must reside in or be able to commute reliably to the Chula Vista / Southwestern College area

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience directing or coordinating STEM, technology, or academic youth programs

Familiarity with robotics, coding, or engineering education for children

Experience using student registration platforms or camp management tools

Bilingual: English / Spanish (a plus, not required)

What We Offer

Competitive hourly compensation based on current San Diego market rates

A meaningful leadership role at a real STEM program built around hands‑on engineering — not a generic summer job

Direct collaboration with Professor Denis Núñez, an industry‑experienced educator, engineer, and program founder

A focused, mission‑driven team committed to delivering quality education

The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on youth ages 8–14 in the Chula Vista community

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