Assistant Camp Director

Position Title: Assistant Camp Director, Space Adventure Camp
Wallops Island, Virginia
Employment Dates: April-August, 2024

Overview: Join the Space Adventure Camp leadership team at the Virginia Space Flight Academy, located at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. We're dedicated to igniting the curiosity of future aerospace leaders through hands-on experiences in rocketry, drones, coding, and robotics, complemented by exclusive NASA facility tours.

Job Summary: As the Assistant Camp Director, you will embark on a journey to enrich your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. In this pivotal leadership role, you'll assist with the planning and execution of captivating activities centered around space exploration, ensuring the safety and holistic well-being of both campers and staff, all while nurturing a vibrant and inclusive camp community. We're seeking an individual with a knack for leadership and an unwavering enthusiasm for space science and education. This opportunity isn't just a job; it's a gateway to enhancing your resume and forging invaluable connections with industry aerospace experts. Immerse yourself in a dynamic environment where you'll mentor the next generation and glean insights into STEM careers and internships at NASA and our esteemed aerospace partners. Throughout this immersive camp experience, you'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals and mentors who share your passion for shaping the future. Join us in igniting the spark of curiosity and fostering the leaders of tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Development and Implementation:

• Assist with planning a comprehensive camp program that meets the needs and interests of the camp's target populations and ensures its delivery in a safe and high-quality manner.
• Provides staff and campers with a safe, secure, and quality experience that aligns with the camp goals and educational objectives by creating a positive, fun-filled environment while adhering to state, local, CDC, ACN, ACA, and the camp's administration's protocols and requirements for overnight camp operations.
• Coordinating daily camp schedules, including field trips, curriculum and activity time, meals, and behind-the-scenes tours with NASA, NOAA, Rocket Lab, and Virginia Spaceport Authority.
• Assist the Camp Director in facilitating a comprehensive staff training week in partnership with camp leadership that includes instruction and training of camp counselors on topics including safety, standard operating procedures, communicating disease protocols, medication management, and camp curriculum.
• Complete professional development training through the American Camp Association as assigned.

2. Staff Management and Supervision

• Assist with the supervision of camp staff.
• Create and manage staff schedules.
• Ensure staff follow camp protocols, guidelines, and requirements and meet the highest possible standards.
• Create a positive and supportive environment for camp staff by proactively identifying needs and facilitating solutions.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, creativity, and accountability.
• Participate enthusiastically in most camp activities, supporting and guiding those assigned as leaders.
• Maintain clear and positive written and verbal communication with camp staff.
• Provide ongoing support and feedback for team members.
• Observe staff behavior and work with the Camp Director to apply appropriate management techniques.
• Assist Camp Director with the facilitation of weekly pre and post-camp staff meetings.

3. Camper Safety and Well-Being

• Assist with updating camp procedures and safety protocols and refining crisis and risk management procedures per camp standards and regulations.
• Assist with organizing and overseeing camper profiles, forms, and waivers.
• Monitor camper health and well-being and coordinate with medical professionals as needed.
• Work with the Camp Director and staff to address camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply proper behavior management techniques.

4. Parent and Community Relations

• Be an exemplary role model by displaying a positive attitude, interest, and motivation while working with staff, campers, other team members, and community partners.
• Serve as the secondary point of contact for parents, guardians, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with family communications by providing updates on activities, policies, and procedures before and during camp operations.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with all partnering organizations, including NASA, NOAA, Rocket Lab, Virginia Spaceport Authority, and various community and business partners.
• Build positive relationships to promote the camp.

5. Facilities and Resource Management

• Assist with the management of inventory and procurement of supplies and materials.
• Assist with coordinating camp facilities use and resources, including accommodations, equipment, and scheduling transportation.
• Facilitate the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in all program areas.
• Ensure all camp supplies and materials are stocked, maintained, and organized by staff throughout camp operations.
• Ensure that all facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained and program areas are kept free of hazards.
• Implement risk management procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (in progress) in education, STEM, recreation management, or a related field.
• Previous experience in a camp setting, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of space sciences with a passion for STEM education.
• Works as a member of a team and completes tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ensuring the health and safety of the campers and staff is a priority.
• Display maturity of judgment and behavior.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the strength and endurance needed to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment in hot/humid conditions.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be able to pass a NASA and criminal background investigation.
• Must pass drug and alcohol screen.
• During pre-camp season work, must be able to work independently and remotely and travel to Wallops Island 2-3 times for inventory and camp planning (travel reimbursement provided).
• Must work the entire 5-month summer camp operation, including the pre and post-camp season.
• Work full-time during the summer camp season; other work-related activities are not permitted during summer camp operations as maximum flexibility is required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Maintain appropriate interpersonal and personal boundaries.
• Adheres to VASFA safety protocols and requirements.
• Upholds in a highly professional manner.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
• Impactful role in shaping the future of aerospace education.
• A collaborative, supportive, and dynamic work environment focused on innovation and creativity.
• Room and board (lodging and meals provided) during summer camp operations.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 30 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• Hybrid work

Application Question(s):

• Do you have previous experience working in a camp leadership position?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Experience with Children: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wallops Island, VA 23337