Who we are:
At DEAN Adventure Camps, we don’t just create summer memories—we create the next generation of resilient, curious, and confident kids. Our camps, designed for ages PreK to 15, blend hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and pure childhood joy to deliver transformative experiences that shape lasting character.
Our mission is simple: to Discover, Explore, Achieve, and Navigate together. Every day at DEAN is an adventure filled with opportunities to inspire curiosity, build essential life skills, and foster meaningful connections. From thrilling activities like skateboarding and parkour to creative pursuits like machine sewing and team-building challenges, we empower kids to explore their potential and navigate challenges with confidence.
With seven locations across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, DEAN Adventure Camps provide a safe, supportive environment where campers—and staff—can shine. As part of our team, you’ll play a vital role in creating a summer that campers and their families will cherish forever.
If you’re passionate about making an impact, love working with kids, and thrive in an environment that values growth, creativity, and connection, DEAN Adventure Camps is the place for you. Join us and make Summer 2025 unforgettable—for campers and your career!
Counselor Responsibilities:
- Provide a fun environment for campers to be challenged and learn. While able to maintain safety, and that all participants are meeting behavior and responsibility expectations.
- Perform basic maintenance and necessary care for all camp equipment. This may include some basic bike and skateboard maintenance with provided tools.
- Oversee supply organization, inventory management, restocking, and distribution to meet program-specific needs.
- Identify and quickly respond to emergencies.
Position Requirements:
- Implement a daily curriculum to up to 15-30 campers with your co-leaders.
- Able to ride a bike and or skateboard, and comfortable assisting new riders.
- Comfortable being in wilderness and outdoor settings for prolonged periods of time.
- Model proper safety procedures such as wearing helmets and other protective gear.
- Able to commit to the following schedule:
- From approx. mid-June to August
- Monday-Fridays, approx. 8:00a-4:00p
- Comfortable and capable of the following physical demands of this position with reasonable accommodation:
- Lift and carry 50 lbs, such as bikes, ramps, and other course equipment
- Comfortable working outdoors at least 7-8 hours per day during the months of June, July, and August as needed
- Able to successfully pass state-run background checks
- Certified or willing to become certified in First Aid and CPR for Adult and Children
A great Velocity Program Counselor is:
- Experienced or has a strong interest in biking, skateboarding, obstacle courses, and other outdoor sports
- Inspired by our mission and purpose. Experiential education, project-based learning, and creating safe, inclusive spaces all speak to the very core of who you are.
- An experienced creative, fun-loving leader in youth development with at least 1 year of demonstrated experience of working with kids (i.e. babysitting, summer camps, teaching, etc.)
- Comfortable resolving a parent concern, mentoring a Counselor in Training, working through a conflict between two campers, and donning a cape for superhero day!
- Flexible and resourceful. You are comfortable knowing that best-laid plans sometimes don’t pan out and you are willing to jump in to figure out solutions.
- Communicative. You have demonstrated the ability to work independently and manage your time to meet goals and deadlines but you also work well in a team environment.
- A problem-solver. You love figuring out solutions to ensure camp is a safe and fun experience for everyone.
- Growth-oriented. You know that true capability requires commitment, effort, being open and accepting of feedback, providing feedback, personal reflection, and implementing lessons learned.
- You believe that learning can happen anywhere at any time and that is exciting to you!
- Technologically proficient. You are comfortable using computers, tablets, and other online and software platforms, including but not limited to Google Workspace, Slack, etc.
- Organized. You can stay neat and organized in an open outdoor environment.
Comfortable and capable of the following physical demands of this position with reasonable accommodation:
- Vaccinated against COVID-19, up to date on all other immunizations, and willing to provide proof.
- Willing to submit a health form if a partnership location requires it.
- Lift and carry 30 lbs independently. With or without reasonable accommodation.
- Identify and quickly respond to emergencies.
- Stand, walk, run, and climb stairs to respond to various situations quickly.
- Sit for long periods and maintain mental and physical alertness.
- Ability to maintain high energy and tolerance to environments with high activity and noise levels.
- Ability to maintain composure, keep calm, and collect in high-energy environments.
- Withstand daily exposure to weather and the elements (especially June-August).
- Work 7-9 hour days during the months of June-August.
DEAN Adventure Camps Counselors Will Receive
- Comprehensive Training and Curriculum Provided:
- 18-20 hours of paid training.
- Leadership, classroom management, curriculum instruction, behavior management, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI).
- A fully developed curriculum.
- Full reimbursement for required background checks and certifications:
- This may include certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and FBI fingerprinting.
- Daily Perks:
- Breakfast is provided every Monday.
- Coffee, drinks, and snacks available daily.
- Free parking.
- Summer Commitment Bonus:
- Be eligible to earn an additional $50/ week for working six or more weeks of camp and fulfilling your contracted schedule with no lateness or absences.
- Referral Bonus Program:
- Earn $50 for every direct hire you recommend who successfully completes their contract. No referral limits!
- Employee Discounts:
- Free or deeply discounted camp rates for your immediate dependents.
- Pro-deal and industry discounts on outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.
- Career Growth:
- Gain resume-building skills, support for educational goals, and personalized letters of recommendation.
- Premiere locations:
- Work at top educational institutions, such as Sidwell Friends Schools, The Potomac School, The Key School, Haverford College, and the Lawrenceville School.
- Consistent Summer Schedule:
- Predictable workweek with hours set Monday through Friday and no evening shifts. Exact schedules vary by location, but most positions offer 36–40 hours per week.
DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law.