STEM Education Camper Support Lead - Summer Camps 2024 (Seasonal)

The Camper Support Lead is part of the STEM Education Department within the STEM Equity and Education Division (SEED). Work closely with summer camp leadership to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Support our summer camp program by providing small group and one-on-one support for youth participants, mentorship for youth staff, consultation for adult staff, communication with parents and primary caregivers regarding any incidents, and tracking of behavior reports.

Serve as an expert resource and key support for the delivery of learning experiences that translate STEM concepts that center equity into facilitated learning experiences that are inclusive, engaging, fun, and educational for a broad range of learners.

Job Duties and Responsibilities :

• Broaden and strengthen knowledge and application of behavior management techniques within the goals of the summer camp program.
• Attend to the emotional needs of program participants, engage in active listening, demonstrate empathy and communicate any issues to summer camp leadership.
• Encourage participants’ engagement and enthusiasm in program activities by modeling behavior expectations and helping to create a positive learning environment.
• Understand and use appropriate diversity, equity, access, and inclusion strategies when working with learners with special needs and from diverse backgrounds.

Work to ensure summer camp programs are reflective of SMM’s Equity Value and Equity and Inclusions Statement.

• Advocate for participants and provide small group and one-on-one care and supervision for youth who need extra assistance or accommodations, especially learners with special needs.
• Work with youth to develop their skills in organization, communication, emotional regulation, and problem solving.
• Using a holistic approach, respond to the emotions of a camper, help them de-escalate, and introduce behaviors and skills for the camper to use.
• Troubleshoot and handle any health, accident, or discipline problems or questions; serve as lead and first point of contact with internal partners, such as department staff and Museum Public Safety (MPS) to ensure positive outcomes for all.
• Collect, process, and monitor behavior incident and medical incident reports. Organize and share this data with summer camp leadership.
• Develop and implement proactive and preventative strategies where appropriate. Follow up with youth who need additional support.
• Communicate directly with parents and caregivers (in person, by phone, or online) about behavior, health, injuries, and other issues or concerns regarding program participants.
• Develop, nurture, and sustain internal relationships with STEM Education Staff. Provide peer mentoring and support on best practices for participant support.

Seek to provide a safe, predictable environment for youth.

• Understand and keep current on all safety and emergency procedures through established annual training. Follow and model all policies and procedures to ensure all safety precautions are adhered to.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Competencies :

• Communication : Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others and ensures that information is shared with others who should be informed.
• Collaboration : Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.
• Customer Service : Demonstrates an understanding of the SMM mission by ensuring that their own interactions with internal and external customers consistently support the mission.
• Fostering an Inclusive Community : Contributes to a museum environment, and people, that reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community (internal and external).
• Results Orientation : Focuses on providing a best in class visitor experience through work outcomes by meeting personal and organizational work objectives.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Education : Must be at least 18 years old. No formal education necessary.
• Experience : Experience providing one-on-one childcare and leading groups of children (preschool, school age, or young adult).

Experience working directly with parents and caregivers and providing excellent customer service.Demonstrated knowledge of age appropriate behavior management and conflict resolution for preschool, school age, and family audiences.

Cultural competency and experience working with staff and participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Experience working with special education students is preferred.

Demonstrated aptitude for creativity, curiosity, passion, enthusiasm, integrity, and a strong professional ethic. Ability to speak and write English clearly and fluently and convey information effectively.

Work Environment : Work both indoors in classroom settings and outdoors in all climate types, surrounded by more than 100+ children.

Support programming onsite at the Science Museum in Saint Paul, Monday through Friday.