Overview
Summer Camp Counselor
Penikese Island School
Seasonal | Full-Time | $1,000–$1,200/week
Spend your summer on a remote 75-acre island off Cape Cod, empowering middle school girls in science and nature! Penikese Island School hosts a series of week-long residential Science + Nature Camps for middle-school girls on Penikese Island’s 75-acre preserve. The goal of these camp sessions is to empower girls in the sciences by providing them with role models of women in STEM in an effort to help end gender imbalance in the sciences. Campers will learn about the ecology and natural history of the Elizabeth Islands, and the varied history of Penikese Island. The cornerstone of this experience is the opportunity to engage with female scientists from nearby, world-renowned Woods Hole scientific institutions. Each week visiting scientists and artists will share hands-on activities and artistic endeavors with campers.
Each 5-day/4-night session is focused on STEAM activities and outdoor educational programming for 12 middle school-aged girls (entering 7th and 8th grade). Campers and staff reside together on a remotely located island/wildlife sanctuary 15 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. During camp sessions, the 2 Island Stewards and 3 Camp Counselors live together with 12 female campers in rustic accommodations on Penikese Island.
Counselors will assist guest scientist and guest artist activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and run additional science, art, and recreational activities on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Mondays, Counselors will help campers to become acquainted with the island and settle into their accommodations. On Fridays after lunch, Counselors will assist campers in preparing to leave the island. Counselors will participate in a rotation of chores as coordinated by the Stewards, which may include helping with meals and dishes as well as overseeing camper chores. Counselors are responsible for running recreational games. On a rotating basis, counselors serve as chaperones and proctors during camper free time. Together with the Stewards, Counselors will assist in monitoring the wellbeing of campers.
Dates:
Staff Orientation: June 30–July 3
Camp Sessions: July 7–August 8
Optional Alumni Event: August 11–13
Role Overview:
Lead and assist STEAM activities, recreational games, and camper free time.
Support visiting female scientists and artists during hands-on lessons.
Help with camper supervision, chores, and daily community meetings.
Live and work in rustic, off-the-grid conditions with a team of 5 staff and 12 campers each week.
Ideal Candidates:
Age 18+, with a passion for outdoor education and working with middle school youth.
Previous experience in education, camps, or outdoor programming.
Comfortable with rustic living and physically active work.
Preferred Skills:
STEAM or outdoor education background.
CPR/First Aid (required before camp); Lifeguard/WFR certifications are a plus.
Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years of age and eligible for legal employment in the United States.
High school diploma or equivalent required; undergraduate degree preferred (in science or education).
Current CPR and First Aid certification required (may be acquired after applying for the job, but before camp begins).
Required Skills:
Must enjoy spending time outdoors and be comfortable living in rustic conditions in a remote setting.
Must be able to work outside daily and in a variety of weather conditions.
Must enjoy working flexibly and collaboratively with others.
Must enjoy interacting with middle-school age youth.
Previous experience in youth education and/or outdoor programming required (at least four weeks previous experience as a counselor or junior counselor, have participated in structured group camping, or have at least four
Preferred Skills:
STEAM background or outdoor education background preferred.
Previous experience working with middle school-aged students is highly desirable.
Previous residential camp experience preferred.
Wilderness First-Responder certification is desirable.
Lifeguard certification is desirable.
About Penikese Island School
Science and environmental education on a 75-acre island/bird sanctuary off Cape Cod.