Keystone Science School

Current Job dates:

Currently recruiting for the season that runs from May 26th, 2025 to August 17th, 2025.

Adventure Instructor

$800.00 / week

Keystone

Job Title: Adventure Instructor

Dates of Employment: May 12, 2025 or May 19, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Reports To: Adventure Programs Manager

Housing Available: Yes

Compensation: $800 per week base rate, 10% increase for Spanish speakers, 3% increase for returning staff.  

*$30 dollars a week differential if hired as a rock climbing site manager, site manager training is attended from May 12-16th, and the rock climbing site manager check-off is successfully completed.*

 

Position Overview

Keystone Science School’s Adventures are designed to build a novice’s skill and excitement to explore the outdoors. Adventures are either 6-day to 12-day programs designed to build competency in outdoor living and leadership skills. Our adventure programs are each their own unique combination of front and back country camping/activities ranging car camping to backpacking. The unique locations for our Adventures cater well to place-based environmental education as students explore beautiful landscapes and ecosystems. We believe that students can utilize lessons learned on an Adventure in their future including: relationships with friends, projects at school, and future work opportunities.  

Adventure Instructors are responsible for planning and facilitating curriculum and activities during field-based programs. Adventure Instructors are familiar with the daily schedule, risk management practices, emergency action plans, and the overall energy of Adventure programs. They are responsible for guiding students in their personal growth and daily living skills. Adventure Instructors also manage logistics and packing for off-site programs on a rotating basis.  

The job duties of this position are performed personally, in cooperation with your supervisor, and/or in coordination with other staff. Additional work functions and duties may be assigned.

 

Main Areas of Focus:

• 65% Teaching and facilitating programming/activities;  
• 10% Lesson planning and curriculum development;  
• 25% Support duties (e.g. facilitation of meals, set up/clean up, transportation, student free time). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise up to 13 students in the front and backcountry on 6-12 day programs with other instructors;  
• You can expect to work 6-7 days per week with one to four days off in between trips. Expect regular 18-hour work days and responsibility to respond to student needs 24 hours a day while on a trip. 
• Teach students outdoor living skills such as packing, camp set-up/take-down, outdoor cooking, orienteering, and risk management;  
• Maintain organization of storage areas and upkeep, clean, repair, and inventory gear as needed.
• Teach students basic rock climbing safety and skills.
• Plan, prepare, and teach age appropriate curricula and leadership.
• Document course progression/student concerns, participate in self and peer feedback system, and engage in a post trip debrief.
• Able to carry pack weights of up to 60 pounds.
• Commitment to own professional growth as well as improving technical and interpersonal skills.
• Implement Adventure logistics including schedules, trip routes, emergency action plans, menus, etc.;  
• Supervise and maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow Risk Management policies by engaging with incident prevention and response;  
• Attend and help facilitate wilderness trainings for Instructors, and attend all staff meetings and trainings as assigned;  
• Administer client medications, perform student health screens, and utilize first aid skills;  
• Gather and submit pictures and videos to reflect the experience children have during KSS programs;  
• Provide an electronics-aware experience for all children;  
• Drive a 15-passenger van with a trailer and successfully complete Van Driver and Trailer Training;  
• Abide by and uphold the policies and procedures set forth by KSS;  

 

Professional Performance  

• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the organization.
• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the organization.
• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.
• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with organization policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.
• Maintain an awareness of the organization’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.
• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the organization for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of organization business.
• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.
• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, justice-centered and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Other duties may be assigned

 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Minimum Requirements

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children in a backcountry setting;  
• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, abilities, and experience;  
• Proven ability to develop and facilitate science, diversity & inclusion, leadership, and risk management lessons;  
• 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;  
• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete;  
• Growth oriented mindset and willingness to give and receive feedback;  
• 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, with 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;  
• Write incident reports and lesson plans with attention to detail.  

 

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Experience leading/guiding participants in a wilderness/backcountry setting (minimum of 5 overnight trips);  
• Prior experience working with school-age children: at least three (3) months (460 hours) of full-time or equivalent part-time satisfactory and verifiable experience with school-age children;  
• Experience with risk management practices of the outdoor education industry;   
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment;  
• Age 21+ with a minimum of 5 years driving experience, excellent driving record, and a valid driver's license;  
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check; 

Preferred Skills

• Lifeguard certification from approved vendor
• Paddleboarding certifications from approved vendors
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and hike steep terrain with climbing equipment. 
• Ability to communicate verbally and teach in Spanish; 
• Previous experience driving with a trailer; 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Adobe;  
• Extensive experience on personal backcountry trips; 

Rock Climbing Minimum and Preferred Skills

KSS is looking for staff with a strong background in outdoor sport climbing. Our rock climbing program functions with scaffolded responsibilities based on training and demonstrated competencies. 

All adventure staff will be trained as rock climbing instructors and training will include group management, the knowledge to demonstrate, teach and supervise top rope belaying, ability to lead belay, and teach students fundamental climbing skills as well as fit, inspect, and maintain climbing gear. Applicants should have a demonstrated history of top rope climbing, and preferably sport climbing. Lack of extensive experience with rock climbing does not disqualify applicants from this position. 

Some adventure staff will be hired as rock climbing site managers. Please see the salary section of this job description. Rock climbing site managers will be required to attend the site manager training from May 12th-16th and successfully pass the KSS site manager check-off. Site managers will be the primary person responsible for sport climbing, setting up and cleaning top rope climbs, institutional rappels, managing the crag and, in collaboration with the co-instructor, holding high standards of safety and risk management. Applicants should have a demonstrated history of sport climbing and be confident and knowledgeable to guide outdoor climbing trips for participants ages 5-17. Professional experience and industry specific current certifications are a plus.  

Minimum:

• Teach students basic rock climbing safety and skills.
• Ability to properly inspect software and hardware used for outdoor sport climbing. 
• Familiarity with tying knots and hitches related to sport climbing. 
• Strong ability to manage groups of youth in climbing situations is a requirement for this position.  
• Attend in-house required rock climbing training and, after training, demonstrate the ability to safely teach students how to belay, manage a rock top rope climbing site, lead belay, and coach students on fundamentals of climbing. 
• Not having a strong background in climbing does not disqualify you from this position. All skills will be reviewed during training week prior to the start of programming.  

 

Preferred:

• Demonstrated awareness of safety practices associated with outdoor climbing crags. 
• Demonstrated background in working with youth in an outdoor climbing setting. 
• Equipment familiarity with all aspects of outdoor sport climbing 
  • This includes, but is not limited to: 
    •   i.  Harnesses 
    •  ii.  Helmets 
    • iii.  Dynamic and static rope 
    • iv.  Belay devices 
    • v.  Slings and webbing 
    • Quickdraws

• Prior experience sport and/or trad climbing 5.8+, ability to lead climb 5.10 and above is preferred
• Prior experience leading institutional rock climbing and setting up/cleaning top rope climbs
• Familiarity with safe rappel practices. 
• Familiarity, or ability to learn, basic rescue techniques such as belay transfers. 
• Familiarity with climbing crags associated with the KSS climbing program is a plus but not required. 
• Attend in-house required rock climbing training and, after training, demonstrate necessary skills
• Climbing certifications such as an SPI are a strong addition to any application. 

 

Work Schedule

You can expect to work 6-7 days per week with one to four days off in between trips. Expect regular 18-hour work days and responsibility to respond to student needs 24 hours a day while on a trip.

 

Work Environment

This position requires the employee to work in close contact with their teammates. On programming, staff and students may experience inclement weather, and face physical challenges in a high alpine environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but varies seasonally due to programs and staffing on campus.  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. 

This position may require traveling to off-site programming locations. In most situations, KSS will provide transportation to off-site programming locations. However, staff may be asked to use personal vehicles to travel within Summit County. Any travel mileage in personal vehicles outside Summit County may be reimbursed.

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Camp Nurse (RN)

$1,300.00 / week

Keystone

Program Overview and Job Summary: 

The Camp Nurse supports the health and well-being of participants in our day, residential, and teen leadership programs. This role is responsible for planning, administering, and documenting all health-related situations involving participants. The Camp Nurse serves as a trusted resource for staff, children, and guardians, ensuring a safe and healthy camp community throughout the summer. This position requires strict adherence to evolving health guidelines and KSS risk management policies. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Registered Nurse who will provide care to campers and staff in day, residential, and adventure programming near and throughout Summit County Colorado 24/7 on the days you are scheduled; 

• Uphold health care provider rules and regulations as outlined by Colorado Office of Early Childhood licensing and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for operating a Colorado residential and day camp; 

• Manage and coach incidents in person and/or on-the-phone and coach staff trained in basic & wilderness first aid; 

• Store, administer, and delegate over-the-counter and prescription medications to program participants; 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of care; 

• Work with the KSS Customer Experience Team to screen and ensure accurate health information and documentation and communicate with guardians as necessary; 

• Work directly with program managers, Child Care Health Consultant, EMS, fire department, and hospital, as necessary; 

• Track and maintain all KSS medical supplies and first aid kits; 

• Attend and participate in camp programming when available, facilitate staff meetings as necessary and conduct trainings as assigned; 

• Other duties as assigned. 

  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Minimum Requirements: 

• Willingness to be ‘on call’ 24 hours a day while programs are in session; 

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children; 

• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete; 

• Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community; 

• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form; 

• Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment; 

• Superior customer service skills, with the ability to be creative and think 'outside the box'; 

• The ability to be flexible in a dynamic work environment and use critical thinking; 

• Strong command of communication, writing, and organizational skills; 

• Effectively interact with people of diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience; 

• Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions; 

• Write incident reports with attention to detail.

 

Summer Schedule: 

Keystone Science School will employ two registered nurses who will each work 4 days with Monday both nurses will work on that day. Shifts will be 24 hours starting Monday through Thursday and the other shift Friday through Monday.  

 

Qualifications

Required education, experience, and certifications:

• A licensed physician or a registered nurse.
• Excellent driving record and a valid driver's license; Candidates age 21+ with a minimum of 5 years driving experience will be required to participate in and pass Van Driver Training, and they will be required to drive a 15-passenger van.
• Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check;

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and Adobe;
• Comprehension of the Spanish language via written and/or verbal form;
• Excellent driving record and a valid driver's license.

• diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

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Camp Programs
Day Camp Counselor
$500.00 / week
Keystone
Job Title: Day Camp Counselor
Department: Camp Programs
Dates of Employment: May 27, 2025 - August 16, 2025
Reports To: Day Camp Manager
Housing Available: Yes
Compensation: $500 per week base rate, 10% boost for Spanish speakers, 3% boost for returning camp staff.
 
Position Overview
KSS offers day camp programming based out of the KSS campus for local and visiting children grades Kindergarten through 5th. Programming is age specific and full-day, offering educational and recreational activities with weekly science and adventure themes. Each week, campers will participate in hands-on activities, local hikes, arts and crafts, games, leadership, literacy, community building and much more! 
Day Camp Counselors are responsible for facilitating a wide variety of curricula and activities. They are the primary caregiver for each child attending programming, and are responsible for guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills. 
 
Job Duties
• 90% Teaching and facilitation; 10% Support staff duties (e.g. facilitation of meals, setup/clean up, transportation, student free time).

  • Supervise up to 13 children each day and actively interact with and engage children during KSS programs; 

  • Prepare, and teach age appropriate activities; 

  • Maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow Risk Management policies in all activities; 

  • Oversee the successful execution of logistic and operational tasks for Day Camp programs, which includes but is not limited to: taking photos, check-in/out, etc.;

  • Drive a 15-passenger van and successfully complete Van Driver Training; 

  • Set up before children arrive and clean up after children depart from program campus; 

  • Maintain storage of all KSS equipment;

  • Attend all staff meetings and trainings as assigned; 

  • Other duties as assigned. 
Professional Performance  
• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the organization.

• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the organization.

• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.

• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with organization policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.

• Maintain an awareness of the organization’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.

• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the organization for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of organization business.

• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.

• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, justice-centered and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.
Other duties may be assigned​​​​​​
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Minimum Requirements 
• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children;

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds;

• Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for students 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;

• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete;

• Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community;

• Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment;

• Superior customer service skills, with the ability to be creative and think 'outside the box';

• Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions;
 
Required Education, Experience, and Certifications
• Candidates will be asked to provide verification of 460 hours of experience working with school-age children;

• 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;
 
Preferred Skills 
• Ability to communicate verbally in Spanish; 

• Age 20+ with an excellent driving record and a valid driver's license;

• Proficiency with Google Drive and CampSite camp management software.
 
Work Schedule
This is a full-time, seasonal position.  The typical work schedule will require a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends. Day Camp counselors should expect to work 60+ hours a week including some evenings and overnights to support day camp meetings and programming. Day Camp counselors can expect to be off on weekends other than during staff training. 
 
Work Environment
This position requires the employee to work in close contact with their teammates.  The office space is small and the employee must have the ability to stay focused while others are working in close proximity.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but varies seasonally due to programs and staffing on campus.  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. 
This position may require traveling to off-site programming locations. In most situations, KSS will provide transportation to off-site programming locations. However, staff may be asked to use personal vehicles to travel within Summit County. Any travel mileage in personal vehicles outside Summit County may be reimbursed.
 
Room and Board 
Keystone Science School provides housing for this position. Day Camp staff housing is in offsite apartment style housing, managed by Keystone Resort. During the summer months KSS houses a large staff so employees can expect multiple roommates and shared living spaces (staff kitchen, bathrooms, showers, laundry, common spaces, etc.). Food is provided for this position, most meals will be eaten with campers, but the kitchen strives to have food options for all staff to meet dietary needs. Housing and food are provided at no additional cost.
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Junior High Adventure Day Camp Counselor

$550.00 / week

Keystone

Job Title: Pathfinders Day Camp Counselor

Dates of Employment: May 12, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Reports To: Day Camp Programs Manager

Housing Available: Yes

Compensation: $550 per week base rate, 10% differential (increase) for Spanish speakers, 3% increase for returning camp staff. 

 

Program Overview and Job Summary

KSS offers day camp programming based out of the KSS campus for local and visiting children grades Kindergarten through 5th. Programming is age specific and full-day, offering educational and recreational activities with weekly science and adventure themes. Each week, campers will participate in hands-on activities, local hikes, arts and crafts, games, leadership, literacy, community building and much more!

Pathfinders is an adventure day camp for middle school aged campers with 3 themes: Rock, Horse, and Water. Pathfinders counselors are responsible for facilitating a wide variety of curricula and activities. Pathfinders counselors are also required to go through KSS’s rock climbing training and must have prior rock climbing experience. Pathfinders counselors are the primary caregiver for each child attending programming, and are responsible for guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

 

Main areas of focus:

• 90% Teaching and facilitation

• 10% Support staff duties (e.g. facilitation of meals, setup/clean up, transportation, student free time).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise up to 13 children each day and actively interact with and engage children during KSS programs;

• Prepare, and teach age appropriate activities;

• Maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow Risk Management policies in all activities;

• Oversee the successful execution of logistic and operational tasks for Day Camp programs, which includes but is not limited to: taking photos, check-in/out, etc.;

• Drive a 15-passenger van and successfully complete Van Driver Training;

• Set up before children arrive and clean up after children depart from program campus;

• Maintain storage of all KSS equipment.

• Attend all staff meetings and trainings as assigned;

• Lead rock climbing program while maintaining all KSS climbing policies and risk management.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Minimum Requirements

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children;

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds;

• Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for students 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;

• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete;

• Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community;

• Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment;

• Superior customer service skills, with the ability to be creative and think 'outside the box';

• Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions.

 

 

 

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Candidates will be asked to provide verification of 460 hours of experience working with school-age children;

• 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 20+ with an excellent driving record and a valid driver's license.

Pathfinders Counselors will be required to attend the site manager training from May 12th-16th and successfully pass the KSS site manager check-off. Site managers will be the primary person responsible for sport climbing, setting up and cleaning top rope climbs, institutional rappels, managing the crag and, in collaboration with the co-instructor, holding high standards of safety and risk management. Applicants should have a demonstrated history of sport climbing and be confident and knowledgeable to guide outdoor climbing trips for participants ages 5-17. Professional experience and industry specific current certifications are a plus.  

 

Preferred:

• Demonstrated awareness of safety practices associated with outdoor climbing crags. 

• Demonstrated background in working with youth in an outdoor climbing setting. 

• Teach students basic rock climbing safety and skills.

• Ability to properly inspect software and hardware used for outdoor sport climbing. 

• Familiarity with tying knots and hitches related to sport climbing. 

• Strong ability to manage groups of youth in climbing situations is a requirement for this position.  

• Attend in-house required rock climbing training and, after training, demonstrate the ability to safely teach students how to belay, manage a rock top rope climbing site, lead belay, and coach students on fundamentals of climbing. 

• Equipment familiarity with all aspects of outdoor sport climbing 

• This includes, but is not limited to: 

  •   i.  Harnesses 

  •  ii.  Helmets 

  • iii.  Dynamic and static rope 

  • iv.  Belay devices 

  • v.  Slings and webbing 

  • Quickdraws

• Prior experience sport and/or trad climbing 5.8+, ability to lead climb 5.10 and above is preferred

• Prior experience leading institutional rock climbing and setting up/cleaning top rope climbs

• Familiarity with safe rappel practices. 

• Familiarity, or ability to learn, basic rescue techniques such as belay transfers. 

• Familiarity with climbing crags associated with the KSS climbing program is a plus but not required. 

• Attend in-house required rock climbing training and, after training, demonstrate necessary skills

• Climbing certifications such as an SPI are a strong addition to any application. 

 

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, seasonal position.  The typical work schedule will require a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends. Counselors should expect to work 60+ hours a week including some evenings and overnights to support day camp meetings and programming. Counselors can expect to be off on weekends other than during staff training. 

 

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 Requirements 

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations. 

• Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.

• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.

• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.

• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, clients on a daily basis.

• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and oftentimes crowded and noisy

 

Physical Requirements

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. 

 

Room and Board

During the summer months KSS houses a large staff so employees can expect multiple roommates and shared living spaces (staff kitchen, bathrooms, showers, laundry, common spaces, etc.). Food is provided for this position, most meals will be eaten with campers, but the kitchen strives to have food options for all staff to meet dietary needs. Housing and food are provided at no additional cost. 

 

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Overnight Camp Counselor

$550.00 / week

Keystone

Job Title: Discovery Overnight Camp Counselor

Dates of Employment: May 27, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Reports To: Discovery Camp Manager

Housing Available: Yes (staff are required to live on campus)

Compensation: $550 per week base rate, 10% boost for Spanish speakers, 3% boost for returning camp staff.

 

Position Overview

KSS offers a range of programs that balance hands-on science activities, field-based exploration, and adventure programming. Curriculum themes include but are not limited to: environmental science (aquatic ecology, forest ecology, earth science, snow studies, winter ecology, weather and climate), leadership, community building, STEM, outdoor skills, and health. Keystone Science School’s Overnight Camp programs combine weekly curriculum themes with traditional summer activities like hiking, camping, songs, skits, archery, and more! Students stay overnight in dorms or canvas tents.

Discovery Camp Counselors work with the Overnight program. This position is responsible for teaching and facilitating a wide variety of summer program activities. This position is the primary caregiver for each child. They are also responsible for guiding children in their personal growth and daily living skills. It is the responsibility of Discovery Overnight Camp Counselors to be completely familiar with the daily schedule and their camper’s individual and group needs. Discovery Camp Counselors can expect to work long summer camp days that are 16 hours or longer. 

 

Main Areas of Focus:

• 90% Teaching and facilitation

• 10% Support staff duties (e.g. facilitation of meals, setup/clean up, transportation, student free time).

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and teach age appropriate activities;

• Maintain quality programming;

• Oversee up to 13 children in a field group;

• Oversee up to 13 children on one overnight camping trip and challenge hike session;

• Oversee and support a wide variety of KSS programs and activities, which includes but is not limited to: camper choice activities/freeplay, evening programming, special events, the end of season celebration, etc.;

• Oversee and maintain high standards of health and safety, and follow Risk Management policies in all activities;

• Actively interact with and engage children during KSS programs;

• Participate as a mentor in the Counselor Assistant Program (CAP), by providing learning opportunities, constructive feedback and writing final letters and evaluations to each overseen CAP

• Provide an electronics-aware experience for all children and enforce an electronics-aware environment with counselors;

• Set up before children arrive and clean up after children depart from KSS campus;

• Maintain storage of all KSS equipment, including teaching materials, gear, keys, toys, etc.;

• Attend all staff meetings as assigned;

• Live with other counselors;

• Support overnight camping packing sessions;

• Support meetings and go over rules and guidelines of resident life in the cabins;

• Lead and support the "Candle Chat" program each night;

• Candidates age 20+ with a minimum of 4 years driving experience will be required to participate in and pass Van Driver Training, and they will be required to drive a 15-passenger van;

• Abide by and uphold the policies and procedures set forth by KSS;

• Other duties as assigned.

 

Professional Performance  

• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the organization.

• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the organization.

• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks.

• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with organization policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program.

• Maintain an awareness of the organization’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies.

• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the organization for the care and welfare of the clients; act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of organization business.

• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience.

• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, justice-centered and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity, socio-economic and cultural differences and that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Minimum Requirements

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children

• Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with people with diverse backgrounds

• Ability to create an inclusive learning environment for students 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

• Strong work ethic and will work until the job is complete

• Motivation to contribute positively to the KSS at-large community

• Multi-task efficiently while managing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment

• Superior customer service skills, with the ability to be creative and think 'outside the box'

• Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions

 

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Candidates will be asked to provide verification of 460 hours of experience working with school-age children;

• 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.

 

 

Preferred Skill Sets

• Ability to communicate verbally and teach in Spanish.

• Age 20+ with an excellent driving record and a valid driver's license;

• Proficiency with Google Drive and CampSite camp management software. 

 

 

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, seasonal position.  The typical work schedule will require a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends. Discovery Overnight Camp Counselors should expect to work 85+ hours a week including evenings, overnights, and weekends to support programming. 


 

Work Environment

This position requires the employee to work in close contact with their teammates.  The office space is small and the employee must have the ability to stay focused while others are working in close proximity.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but varies seasonally due to programs and staffing on campus.  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. 

This position may require traveling to off-site programming locations. In most situations, KSS will provide transportation to off-site programming locations. However, staff may be asked to use personal vehicles to travel within Summit County. Any travel mileage in personal vehicles outside Summit County may be reimbursed.

 

Room and Board 

Keystone Science School provides housing for this position. When working with campers counselors will stay in the dorms or canvas tents, but separate from campers. When off or working support staff housing is in rustic cabins, some of which are over 100 years old. Some staff housing will also be in canvas tents. During the summer months KSS houses a large staff so employees can expect multiple roommates and shared living spaces (staff kitchen, bathrooms, showers, laundry, common spaces, etc.). Food is provided for this position, most meals will be eaten with campers, but the kitchen strives to have food options for all staff to meet dietary needs. Housing and food are provided at no additional cost. 

 

Physical Requirements 

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations. 

• Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.

• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.

• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.

• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, clients on a daily basis.

• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment

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