Lead Innovation Counselor - VA
DEAN Adventure Camps, Mc Lean, VA, United States
Lead Innovation Lab, STEAM, Counselor
At DEAN Adventure Camps, we create life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures—all while developing character and skills that last a lifetime.
Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all-inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families. Learn more:
DEAN Adventure Camps .
What You’ll Do
As a Lead Innovation Lab Counselor (Multi-Age), you’ll design and facilitate hands‑on
STEAM
experiences for campers across multiple age groups, adapting projects and instruction week‑to‑week to meet different developmental levels. This role requires strong planning, flexibility, and the ability to scaffold learning so all campers feel challenged, supported, and excited to create.
Responsibilities include:
Leading Innovation Lab programming for both younger and older elementary campers, teaching one age group per week depending on site needs
Facilitating project‑based learning experiences tied to weekly themes (e.g., Space Exploration, Eco‑Engineering, Inventor’s Workshop)
Adapting core projects so younger campers engage through guided exploration, while older campers take on more complex, multi‑step builds
Guiding campers through the full design cycle: imagining, planning, building, testing, iterating, and sharing
Teaching and monitoring safe use of age‑appropriate tools and materials, modeling curiosity, perseverance, and problem‑solving
Structuring projects so they fit the weekly camp arc while allowing room for creativity and camper ownership
Supporting collaboration and teamwork, helping campers articulate their ideas and reflect on their learning
Preparing materials, managing supplies, and keeping the Innovation Lab space organized and safe
Collaborating with Site Leadership and counselors to ensure smooth transitions and a positive camper experience
What Makes You a Great Fit
This role is ideal for an educator or maker who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys tailoring instruction to different developmental ages. You’re a strong fit if you are:
An adaptable teacher — confident working with a wide age range (typically Grades K–5), adjusting language, pacing, and expectations as needed
STEAM‑curious and hands‑on — experienced or interested in engineering, making, robotics, design‑based learning, or creative problem‑solving
Strong in classroom management — able to maintain structure, engagement, and safety across varying energy levels and skill sets
Comfortable with project‑based learning — you enjoy guiding campers through trial‑and‑error and celebrating effort over perfection
A clear communicator — patient, encouraging, and skilled at explaining concepts in multiple ways
Organized and proactive — able to plan ahead, prep materials efficiently, and adjust projects on the fly
A collaborative teammate — works well with co‑counselors and leadership to support camper growth and program success
Experience in makerspaces, STEAM programs, camps, or afterschool settings
Schedule and Requirements
Full on‑site availability during the summer: June–August, Monday–Friday
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:30pm daily, *8am Mondays
Ability to commute to both: 1301 Potomac School Rd, McLean, VA 22101 and 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042
Must be at least 21 years old
Must be up to date on all immunizations and willing to provide emergency health information upon hire
Ability to lift 50 lbs, respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active, outdoor environment
Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification
Perks and Benefits
Pay range: $21-24/hr – exact rate is determined by experience
FLSA Status: This is a seasonal full‑time, non‑exempt position under the FLSA
Paid training: remote training on safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in‑person staff training the weekend prior to camp; please note that training is paid at state minimum wage, or $12/hr, whichever is higher
All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed
Summer Bonus: Earn an additional $40 per week for working six or more weeks with no absences
Referral Bonus: Earn $50 per hired referral, with no referral limits
Daily perks: Free snacks, coffee, and parking + Monday breakfast
Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more
Career growth: Gain resume‑building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the position’s requirements and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.
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At DEAN Adventure Camps, we create life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures—all while developing character and skills that last a lifetime.
Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all-inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families. Learn more:
DEAN Adventure Camps .
What You’ll Do
As a Lead Innovation Lab Counselor (Multi-Age), you’ll design and facilitate hands‑on
STEAM
experiences for campers across multiple age groups, adapting projects and instruction week‑to‑week to meet different developmental levels. This role requires strong planning, flexibility, and the ability to scaffold learning so all campers feel challenged, supported, and excited to create.
Responsibilities include:
Leading Innovation Lab programming for both younger and older elementary campers, teaching one age group per week depending on site needs
Facilitating project‑based learning experiences tied to weekly themes (e.g., Space Exploration, Eco‑Engineering, Inventor’s Workshop)
Adapting core projects so younger campers engage through guided exploration, while older campers take on more complex, multi‑step builds
Guiding campers through the full design cycle: imagining, planning, building, testing, iterating, and sharing
Teaching and monitoring safe use of age‑appropriate tools and materials, modeling curiosity, perseverance, and problem‑solving
Structuring projects so they fit the weekly camp arc while allowing room for creativity and camper ownership
Supporting collaboration and teamwork, helping campers articulate their ideas and reflect on their learning
Preparing materials, managing supplies, and keeping the Innovation Lab space organized and safe
Collaborating with Site Leadership and counselors to ensure smooth transitions and a positive camper experience
What Makes You a Great Fit
This role is ideal for an educator or maker who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys tailoring instruction to different developmental ages. You’re a strong fit if you are:
An adaptable teacher — confident working with a wide age range (typically Grades K–5), adjusting language, pacing, and expectations as needed
STEAM‑curious and hands‑on — experienced or interested in engineering, making, robotics, design‑based learning, or creative problem‑solving
Strong in classroom management — able to maintain structure, engagement, and safety across varying energy levels and skill sets
Comfortable with project‑based learning — you enjoy guiding campers through trial‑and‑error and celebrating effort over perfection
A clear communicator — patient, encouraging, and skilled at explaining concepts in multiple ways
Organized and proactive — able to plan ahead, prep materials efficiently, and adjust projects on the fly
A collaborative teammate — works well with co‑counselors and leadership to support camper growth and program success
Experience in makerspaces, STEAM programs, camps, or afterschool settings
Schedule and Requirements
Full on‑site availability during the summer: June–August, Monday–Friday
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30am–3:30pm daily, *8am Mondays
Ability to commute to both: 1301 Potomac School Rd, McLean, VA 22101 and 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042
Must be at least 21 years old
Must be up to date on all immunizations and willing to provide emergency health information upon hire
Ability to lift 50 lbs, respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active, outdoor environment
Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification
Perks and Benefits
Pay range: $21-24/hr – exact rate is determined by experience
FLSA Status: This is a seasonal full‑time, non‑exempt position under the FLSA
Paid training: remote training on safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in‑person staff training the weekend prior to camp; please note that training is paid at state minimum wage, or $12/hr, whichever is higher
All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed
Summer Bonus: Earn an additional $40 per week for working six or more weeks with no absences
Referral Bonus: Earn $50 per hired referral, with no referral limits
Daily perks: Free snacks, coffee, and parking + Monday breakfast
Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more
Career growth: Gain resume‑building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the position’s requirements and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr