Summer Science Camp InstructorAt — Youth Science Institute
Youth Science Institute (YSI) is seeking enthusiastic and reliable Summer Camp Instructors to lead hands-on science and nature-based programs at Vasona Lake County Park. Instructors work with children in grades Pre-K through 6, guiding them through experiments, outdoor exploration, and inquiry-based learning experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and a lasting connection to the natural world.
Tasks:
As a Camp Instructor, the student will perform the following professional and pre-professional duties:
Curriculum delivery and facilitation: Lead structured, inquiry-based science and environmental education lessons for groups of campers (ages PreK–6th grade), adapting instructional strategies to developmental level and learning needs.
Lesson preparation and materials management: Review weekly curriculum guides, prepare materials and supplies for daily activities, and set up learning stations in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Student assessment and behavioral observation: Monitor camper engagement, assess comprehension through informal observation and guided questioning, and adjust instruction in real time to support diverse learners.
Classroom and group management: Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive learning environment; implement behavioral expectations; and manage transitions between activities for groups of up to 15 campers.
Health, safety, and risk management: Ensure physical safety during outdoor field activities, nature hikes, and hands-on science experiments; follow emergency protocols and maintain appropriate supervision ratios.
Communication with families and supervisors: Provide daily updates to parents/guardians at check-in and check-out, communicate camper needs or concerns to program leadership, and participate in staff debriefs.
Collaboration and team coordination: Work alongside fellow instructors and program staff to coordinate daily schedules, share resources, and problem-solve logistical or instructional challenges.
Professional development participation: Attend pre-camp training sessions covering pedagogy, safety protocols, inclusive practices, and environmental education methods; apply training to daily practice.
Training:
General employer orientation: All instructors participate in a multi-day pre-camp staff training prior to the start of the program. This orientation covers organizational mission and values, program structure, staff roles and expectations, emergency and safety protocols, mandatory reporting requirements, and an overview of the camp curriculum and instructional approach.
Pedagogy and instructional methods training: Staff receive hands-on training in inquiry-based and student-led teaching strategies specific to science and environmental education. This includes modeling of lessons, practice facilitation with peer feedback, and guidance on adapting activities across developmental levels (PreK through 6th grade).
Classroom and behavior management training: Instructors are trained in positive behavior support techniques, group management strategies, and inclusive practices for working with diverse learners, including campers with accommodations or special needs.
Safety and field skills training: Staff complete training on outdoor supervision, risk assessment for nature-based activities, first aid basics, and site-specific safety procedures for trail hikes and field lessons.
Daily staff briefings and debriefs: Instructors participate in daily team meetings to review the schedule, preview lesson content, discuss camper needs, and reflect on instructional successes and challenges from the day.
Ongoing mentorship and supervisory check-ins: Program leadership provides regular feedback and coaching throughout the summer, including informal observations during lessons and one-on-one check-ins to discuss professional growth, problem-solving, and performance.
Curriculum contextualization: Before each themed camp week, instructors receive an overview of the curriculum's educational goals, key concepts, and activity sequence, giving them the pedagogical context behind each assigned task.
Learning Outcomes:
Design and deliver age-appropriate, inquiry-based science lessons to groups of elementary-aged learners, selecting and adapting instructional strategies based on developmental level, group dynamics, and individual learner needs.
Manage a classroom and outdoor learning environment by establishing behavioral expectations, maintaining group safety, and facilitating smooth transitions — demonstrating competency in the practical skills required of professional educators and youth development practitioners.
Communicate effectively with families, supervisors, and team members in a professional setting, including providing clear updates on student progress, raising concerns through appropriate channels, and collaborating with colleagues to coordinate programming.
Reflect on and improve their own professional practice by incorporating feedback from supervisors and peers, identifying areas for growth, and applying new strategies learned through training and daily experience.
Apply foundational knowledge of environmental science and natural history in an educational context, translating content knowledge into accessible, engaging learning experiences for young audiences.