Lead Design & Style Counselor (ages 6-15)

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 Design & Style Counselor – Multi-Age, you’ll guide campers ages 6–15 through creative design experiences that blend fashion, accessories, visual storytelling, and self-expression. This role is designed for smaller sites where one Lead teaches different age groups in separate weeks, requiring flexibility in pacing, supervision, and instructional depth. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading hands-on design projects such as jewelry-making, fabric art, fashion illustration, styling challenges, knitting, and embroidery, adapting complexity by age group.
• Scaffolding instruction so younger campers build fine motor skills and creative confidence, while older campers explore more detailed design concepts, techniques, and personal style.
• Teaching safe and age-appropriate use of tools and materials (beads, wire, clay, fabric, adhesives, sketching tools).
• Encouraging creativity, experimentation, and positive self-expression through personalization and collaborative sharing.
• Structuring projects so younger campers complete work within a week, while older campers may engage in multi-step or multi-day builds.
• Maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment that celebrates creativity, identity, and individuality.
• Supporting site operations as needed, including transitions, setup, cleanup, and collaboration with assistant counselors.

What Makes You a Great Fit

This role is ideal for a creative educator who thrives working across a wide developmental range and can adjust instruction week-to-week. You are:

• Skilled in Design & Style disciplines, including jewelry-making, clay work, fabric art, fashion illustration, knitting, embroidery, and basic styling concepts.
• Comfortable teaching ages 6–15, adjusting supervision, expectations, and creative freedom based on developmental needs.
• Strong at scaffolding instruction, offering clear structure for younger campers while empowering older campers with independence and choice.
• Safety-minded, with confidence managing tools and materials appropriate for varied ages.
• Creative and adaptable, able to pivot projects based on camper interest, skill level, or time constraints.
• A positive role model, bringing enthusiasm, patience, and professionalism to every interaction.
• A collaborative team member, supporting assistants and CITs while modeling strong leadership.

Schedule and Requirements

• Full on-site availability during the summer: June–August, Monday–Friday
  • Hours: camp operates 8:30am–3:30pm daily *8am Mondays
  • Ability to commute to: 5100 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814
• 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: $21-24/hr – exact rate is determined by state minimum and experience.
• FLSA Status: This is a seasonal full-time, exempt position under the FLSA.

• Paid training: remote training on: including safety, DEI, classroom management, and more + in-person staff training the weekend prior to camp; please note that training is paid at state minimum wage, or $12/hr, whichever is higher.

• All required background checks and certifications fully reimbursed.
• Summer Bonus: Earn an additional $40 per week for working six or more weeks with no absences.
• Referral Bonus: Earn $50 per hired referral, with no referral limits.
• Daily perks: Free snacks, coffee, and parking + Monday breakfast
• Employee discounts on camp rates for family members, 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 opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the position’s requirements 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.

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