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.

Overview

DEAN Adventure Camps seeks Curriculum Writers to develop and revise studio-based curriculum for the 2026 camp season. Curriculum Writers serve as subject-matter experts within assigned program areas (“studios”) and partner closely with the Curriculum Manager to ensure curriculum is developmentally aligned, counselor-ready, and grounded in DEAN’s Curriculum Framework. This scope focuses on curriculum design and documentation; implementation, staff training delivery, and material procurement are managed by DEAN unless otherwise specified. Curriculum Writers are referred to as “The Consultant.”

Scope of Work

The Consultant will be assigned one or more of the following, based on organizational priorities:

1. Existing programs requiring revision and alignment, such as:

   1. Machine Sewing
   2. Woodworking
   3. Fiber Arts
   4. Culinary

2. New programs requiring full development, such as:

   1. Performing Arts: You've Got Talent Programs
   2. STEM Educators: Innovation Lab Programs
   3. Trailblazers: K-4th Grade Generalist
   4. Create Academy: 5th-8th Grade Project Based Learning experience
   5. SEL/Behavior: development of routines across programs to support positive camp environments
   6. Instructional Design Specialist for K-8: development of streamlined planning guides and program alignment across to stated goals

All work must align with DEAN’s Curriculum Framework, Program Writer Guidance, and Quality Measurement Tool.

Curriculum Design

1. Develop curriculum as a coherent learning journey, not a collection of activities

2. Anchor each program to a defined age band, learner profile, and core capabilities

3. Include sustained challenge, reflection, and a culminating camper-created product

4. Follow DEAN’s weekly experience arc

Developmental & SEL Alignment

1. Design explicitly for assigned age bands using DEAN’s developmental continuum

2. Make social-emotional learning visible through named values, reflection, and growth language

Counselor-Ready Writing

1. Provide clear, step-by-step lesson flow and facilitation guidance

2. Anticipate camper challenges and support counselor decision-making

3. Include setup notes, materials lists, space/equipment needs, and optional extensions
   *Curriculum must be usable by a new counselor without additional training.

Supplies, Safety & Feasibility

1. Draft accurate supply lists with camper-to-material ratios

2. Document space, equipment, and safety requirements

3. Balance quality, safety, and cost in all recommendations

Collaboration & Revision

1. Participate in onboarding, check-ins, and benchmark reviews

2. Incorporate feedback from the Curriculum Manager

3. Submit all work through DEAN-designated systems (e.g., Airtable)

Deliverables

Each assigned program must include:

1. Program overview and learner profile

2. Fully developed weekly curriculum

3. Activity plans with instructional and SEL guidance

4. Materials and supply lists

5. Counselor-facing facilitation and setup notes

6. Reflection components tied to camper growth

7. Final revisions addressing feedback

Timeline

1. Draft Development: January–February

2. Final Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

Meeting deadlines and revision timelines is a required condition of this SOW.

Quality Standard

High-quality DEAN curriculum:

1. Feels like a learning journey, not a playlist

2. Shows clear progression and growth

3. Makes learning and SEL explicit

4. Protects counselor confidence through clarity

5. Leaves campers more capable and confident

Curriculum not meeting these standards will be returned for revision in alignment with the revision scope outlined above.

What Makes You a Great Fit

This role is ideal for an experienced curriculum designer who thrives in experiential, youth-centered learning environments and enjoys building thoughtful, developmentally aligned programs from the ground up. You are someone who understands how children learn through doing and can translate big ideas into clear, engaging, counselor-ready experiences that balance creativity with structure. You value progression, clarity, and usability, and you design with both campers and staff in mind. You’re a strong fit if you bring:

• Curriculum Design Expertise
  Experience designing age-appropriate curricula for camps, enrichment programs, schools, or informal learning environments, with a strong understanding of scope, sequence, and learning progression.
• Experiential Learning Mindset
  Ability to create hands-on, play-based, and project-driven learning experiences that prioritize curiosity, creativity, and confidence-building over rote instruction.
• Strong Written Communication
  Clear, concise writing skills that translate learning goals into counselor-friendly lesson plans, activity guides, and facilitation notes.
• Systems & Usability Thinking
  Comfort designing curriculum that is easy to implement, flexible across settings, and adaptable to different group dynamics, energy levels, and time constraints.
• Developmental Awareness
  Understanding of child development and the ability to adjust tone, pacing, and expectations across age groups.
• Independent, Reliable Work Style
  Ability to manage deadlines, incorporate feedback, and deliver polished work with minimal supervision in a contract-based role.
• Collaborative Orientation
  Openness to feedback and iteration, and comfort partnering with operations and program leaders to ensure curriculum aligns with DEAN’s values and real-world camp execution.

Schedule and Engagement Details

• Pay Range: $25/hour

• FLSA Status: Independent Contractor (1099)

• Reports to: Curriculum Manager

• Location and Schedule: Remote, self-managed schedule

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.