Job Description

Lead Woodworking JR Counselor

Ages 7-10 - Washington, DC

Who We Are

At DEAN Adventure Camps, we create life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate thrilling adventures, all while developing character and skills that last a lifetime.

Guided by our core values of Compassion, Trust, Growth, and Creativity, we foster an environment where learning, discovery, and personal development thrive. Our vision is to inspire generations of resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world.

We operate across DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA, offering all-inclusive programs that make summer exciting for children and easy for families. Learn more: DEAN Adventure Camps

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Woodworking JR Counselor, you'll teach woodworking skills and guide hands-on projects for campers ages 7–10. You'll lead and mentor assistant counselors, regardless of their woodworking experience, while creating a safe, engaging, FUN, and well-managed classroom environment using effective behavior management, e.g. positive reinforcement and instructional strategies. You'll supervise campers and staff in the proper use of hand and power tools (drills and sanders), ensuring safety remains the top priority. By adapting your teaching to different ages and skill levels, you'll help younger campers build confidence with foundational techniques while challenging older campers with more advanced, multi-step projects.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Teach from our diverse weekly woodworking catalog of projects and support in customized projects based on ages and abilities. Campers can select from our catalog of builds suited to their skill level, ranging from simple to advanced, such as small boxes, signage, toys and games, stools, benches, and keepsake boxes.
• Teach and reinforce woodshop safety practices for campers and assistant counselors, adjusting supervision levels based on age, skill, and tool use.
• Manage group behavior and classroom dynamics, especially during hands-on tool use, redirecting off-task or unsafe behavior and resolving conflicts between campers.
• Manage campers at a 1:7 to 1:8 counselor-to-camper ratio depending on age group, with support from assistant counselors when camper enrollment goes beyond 7.
• Support campers in planning, measuring, building, testing, and refining their projects at an age-appropriate pace.
• Foster independence in older campers while providing close guidance and encouragement for younger builders.
• Train, supervise, and support assistant counselors or junior staff assigned to the classroom.
• Successfully manage your schedule to ensure projects will be finished in a timely manner and up to the DEAN standard. We do not expect perfection but we do expect campers projects to stay together, nails are not exposed unsafely, boards do not have rough splintering edges, etc.
• Able to keep the classroom clean and organized on a daily basis: sweep sawdust, organize camper projects, teach campers how to leave a clean workspace at the end of each day, and return tools to their proper place.
• Maintain a calm, organized classroom that supports focus, creativity, and collaboration.
• Oversee the classroom operations, including attendance, recess, lunch, materials management, and communication with leadership.

What Makes You a Great Fit

You're confident teaching a wide age range and skilled at differentiating instruction so all campers feel challenged, supported, and successful.

• Teaching Experience – Minimum 4 years of experience (two prior camp seasons, school years, or equivalent) teaching or leading structured activities for groups of 15 or more children ages 7-10, in a camp, classroom, or similar youth program setting. Woodworking skill alone does not meet this requirement.
• Woodworking Expertise – Comfortable teaching hand-tool use, measuring, cutting, sanding, assembly, and finishing techniques across varying skill levels and able to demonstrate your skill through a portfolio, past work history, and/or a demonstration showing your woodworking skills.
• Differentiated Instruction – Experienced in working with mixed-age groups, adapting projects, expectations, and supervision for campers ages 7-10.
• Classroom & Behavior Management – Proven ability to set expectations, redirect off-task or unsafe behavior, and use classroom management techniques that minimize disruptions and maximize camper engagement, keeping a mixed-age group safely on task without constant additional adult support.
• Safety-First Mindset – Strong understanding of age-appropriate teaching approaches, proper tool use, classroom setup, and risk management.
• Patient & Structured Educator – Able to break complex skills into clear steps while keeping campers engaged and focused.
• Mentor-Style Leadership – Encourages older campers and assistant counselors to model safe practices, independence, and craftsmanship.
• Problem-Solver – Calm and creative when plans shift, materials run low, or projects need re-thinking.

Schedule and Requirements

• Full on-site availability Monday-Friday, for the weeks of July 20th - August 14th
  • Hours:
    • Monday: 8am-3:30pm
    • Tuesday – Friday: 8:30am-3:30pm
  • Ability to commute to:
    • Sidwell Friends School: 3825 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC
• Minimum 4 years of experience (four prior camp seasons, school years, or equivalent) teaching or leading structured activities for groups of 15 or more children ages 7-10, in a camp, classroom, youth program, or similar setting.
• Manage and supervise Assistant Counselors
• Classroom sessions run at a 1:7 to 1:8 camper-to-counselor ratio depending on age group, with assistant counselor support.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must be up to date on all immunizations and willing to provide emergency health information upon hire.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, respond quickly to emergencies, and work in an active, outdoor environment.
• Must have valid First Aid & CPR certification.

Perks and Benefits

• Pay range: $24-26/hr
• FLSA Status: This is a seasonal full-time, exempt position under the FLSA.
• All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed.
• Summer Bonus: Earn an additional $20 per week for working with no absences or lateness.
• Referral Bonus: Earn $50 per hired referral, with no referral limits.
• Daily perks: Free snacks, coffee, and parking, plus Monday breakfast.
• Employee discounts on outdoor gear, art supplies, electronics, and more.
• Career growth: Gain resume-building experience, letters of recommendation, and networking opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

DEAN Adventure Camps is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Hiring decisions are based on job-related qualifications and business needs and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Join our team and make a difference this summer! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early to secure your spot.