Lead MD Woodworker

About the Organization

DEAN Adventure Camps creates meaningful summer experiences for young people, helping them explore interests, build practical abilities, reach goals, and grow through adventure. The organization is guided by values of compassion, trust, growth, and creativity, with a mission to develop resilient, caring, and confident individuals who positively impact their communities. Programs are offered across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA in a format designed to be engaging for children and convenient for families.

Role Overview

The Lead Woodworking Counselor works with campers ages 7 to 16 in a shared studio setting, delivering woodworking activities that are matched to each age group and skill level. The role requires adapting projects so younger campers can build foundational abilities and confidence, while older campers are challenged with more detailed, multi-step builds.

Key Duties

• Plan and run tiered woodworking projects suited to different ages and abilities, ranging from simple items such as boxes and signs to more advanced pieces like stools, shelves, and keepsake boxes.
• Demonstrate and reinforce workshop safety, adjusting supervision according to the camper’s age, skill level, and tool usage.
• Help campers move through the full project process, including planning, measuring, building, testing, and improving their work.
• Create a supportive environment that encourages independence for older campers while offering hands-on guidance to younger ones.
• Keep the workshop orderly, focused, and collaborative so campers can work safely and creatively.
• Assist with general site needs such as attendance tracking, handling materials, and communicating with camp leadership.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The right candidate is comfortable teaching mixed-age groups and can adjust instruction so every camper feels supported and appropriately challenged. This person should be confident in woodworking techniques, safety-conscious, patient, and able to keep projects moving even when materials or plans change.

Schedule and Job Requirements

• Must be available on site throughout the summer season from June through August, Monday through Friday.
• Camp hours run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, with an 8:00 am start on Mondays.
• Work location is 5100 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• All immunizations must be current, and emergency health information must be provided after hire.
• The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, react quickly in emergencies, and work in an active outdoor environment.
• A valid First Aid and CPR certification is required.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay is $20 to $24 per hour, with the final rate based on state minimum wage rules and relevant experience. This is a seasonal full-time exempt FLSA role. Paid training is provided, including remote sessions covering safety, DEI, classroom management, and related topics, plus in-person staff training during the weekend before camp. Training is paid at the higher of state minimum wage or $12 per hour. Required background checks and certifications are reimbursed in full.

• Summer bonus: an extra $20 per week for working six or more weeks without absences.
• Referral bonus: $50 for each hired referral, with no limit on referrals.
• Daily benefits include free snacks, coffee, parking, and Monday breakfast.
• Discounts are available on camp fees for family members, outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.
• The position offers resume-building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities for future growth.

Equal Opportunity Statement

DEAN Adventure Camps welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and makes hiring decisions based on job-related qualifications only, in compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws.

Application Notes

Applications are reviewed continuously, so early submission is encouraged.