Overview
Job Title: Discovery Overnight Camp Head Counselor
Compensation: $600 per week base rate, 10% increase for Spanish speakers
Housing: Yes
Dates of Employment: May 19, 2025 – August 16, 2025
Reporting to: Overnight Camp Manager
Direct Reports: None
Position Summary:
As a Head Counselor at Keystone Science School, you’ll be at the heart of creating an unforgettable Discovery Overnight camp experience. You’ll lead daily programming, mentor counselors, and foster a positive, supportive environment while guiding campers in personal growth and daily living skills.
This role demands strong leadership, adaptability, and enthusiasm for an immersive overnight setting. You’ll be responsible for knowing the daily schedule, cabin and tent assignments, and maintaining the overall culture of the program. From leading activities and managing logistics to mentoring staff, you’ll play a key role in shaping a fun, safe, and enriching experience for campers and counselors alike.
The wage for this position is $600.00 weekly, with a 10% increase for those fluent in English and Spanish.
Our Discovery Overnight Head Counselors are assigned one of three units – a dorm near the Dining Hall or a group of canvas tent near the Snake River! We have two dorms and one group of canvas tents. Head Counselors live in their assigned unit for the duration of each session and in another location during time off.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Facilitation & Camper Experience
Facilitate engaging and age-appropriate programming that aligns with KSS curriculum themes.
Teach daily camp activities, ensuring a fun and educational experience for campers.
Oversee the health, safety, and well-being of campers in collaboration with Discovery Overnight staff.
Supervise up to 13 children on overnight camping trips and challenge hikes.
Run meetings and communicate rules and guidelines for residential life in cabins and tents.
Staff Mentorship & Support
Mentor, train, and evaluate camp counselors alongside the Discovery Camp Lead and Overnight Camp Programs Manager.
Provide learning opportunities, constructive feedback, and evaluations for Counselor Assistant Program (CAP) participants.
Responsible for overnight camping packing sessions with co-counselors.
Logistics & Risk Management
Assist in operational and logistical tasks, including weekly scheduling and group/cabin assignments.
Oversee and maintain high standards of health, safety, and risk management in all activities.
Ensure smooth facilitation of meals, setup/cleanup, transportation, and camper free time.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
460 hours of experience working with school- age children (verification of hours required).
Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment (KSS does offer an on-site WFA course before staff training in May at the expense of the individual).
Be over the age of 18 by the start date of employment.
Preferred - Age 20+ with an excellent driving record and a valid driver’s license.
Required Skills:
Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds.
Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for campers from a wide range of backgrounds.
Experience with risk management practices of the outdoor and environmental education industry.
Ability to be creative, adaptable, and flexible while managing children in a variety of situations.
Experience leading employees and managing administrative tasks in a professional environment.
Outdoor recreation experience in
About Keystone Science School
With the outdoors as a backdrop for learning, Keystone Science School inspires curiosity and critical thinking through the lens of science to change lives and strengthen communities. KSS offers a variety of adventure and traditional camp activities within a structured environment designed to allow each camper and participant to understand their potential. In all programs, campers and participants will create lifelong friendships, explore and learn about the natural world, and gain leadership and wilderness skills. For more information go to keystonescienceschool.org
With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with raised consciousness in order to impact how we work with clients, as well as how we work together as a team.
