Lead Woodworking Counselor

About DEAN Adventure Camps

DEAN Adventure Camps is dedicated to providing transformative experiences for young people, fostering their passions, exploring possibilities, achieving goals, and embarking on adventures. We aim to develop character and lifelong skills in an environment guided by compassion, trust, growth, and creativity. Our vision is to cultivate resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who positively impact their communities. We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering comprehensive summer programs.

About the Role

As a Lead Woodworking Counselor, you will be responsible for guiding campers aged 7 to 16 through woodworking activities in a shared studio. You will adapt instruction to suit different age groups, enabling younger campers to build foundational skills and older campers to tackle more complex projects. This role requires a strong emphasis on safety, creativity, and fostering camper independence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead woodworking projects tailored to different age groups, from simple builds for younger campers to advanced constructions for older ones.
• Instruct and enforce essential woodshop safety protocols, adjusting supervision based on camper age, skill level, and tool usage.
• Assist campers in the planning, measuring, construction, testing, and refinement of their projects at an age-appropriate pace.
• Promote self-reliance in older campers while offering close support and encouragement to younger participants.
• Cultivate an organized and calm workshop atmosphere conducive to focus, creativity, and teamwork.
• Contribute to general site operations, including managing attendance, organizing materials, and communicating with management.

What You Bring

• Proficiency in teaching woodworking skills, including hand-tool operation, measurement, cutting, sanding, assembly, and finishing, adaptable to various skill levels.
• Experience in differentiated instruction for mixed-age groups (7-16), adjusting projects and expectations accordingly.
• A strong commitment to safety, with a solid understanding of age-appropriate tool use, shop setup, and risk management.
• Patience and a structured approach to teaching, capable of breaking down complex skills and keeping younger campers engaged.
• Mentorship abilities, encouraging older campers to demonstrate safe practices, independence, and quality craftsmanship.
• A proactive and creative problem-solving approach to handle unexpected challenges or resource limitations.

Schedule and Requirements

• Full-time, on-site commitment from June to August, Monday to Friday.
• Working hours are typically 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with an earlier start of 8:00 am on Mondays.
• Must be able to commute to two locations: 1301 Potomac School Rd, McLean, VA 22101 and 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
• Must possess current First Aid & CPR certifications.
• Must be up-to-date on all immunizations and provide emergency health information.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Willingness to work in an active, outdoor environment.

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay ranging from $21 to $24, based on experience and state minimum wage.
• Paid training covering safety, DEI, classroom management, and more, with in-person sessions prior to camp. Training is compensated at the higher of state minimum wage or $12/hr.
• Reimbursement for all required background checks and certifications.
• A summer bonus of $20 per week for working six or more weeks without absences.
• A referral bonus of $50 for each successful hire referred, with no limit.
• Daily amenities include complimentary snacks, coffee, and parking, plus Monday breakfast.
• Employee discounts on camp rates for family members and on various products including outdoor gear, art supplies, and electronics.
• Opportunities for career advancement, including resume-building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking.

Equal Opportunity Employment

DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected category.