Summer Camp Coordinator

SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR

Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery

Part-time / Seasonal (May–August) | $25–$27/hour depending on experience

Who We Are

The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery (MOD) is a nonprofit children's museum offering playful, open-ended learning experiences for children ages 0–8. Located in the Capitola Mall, MOD is grounded in exploration, curiosity, kindness, and community connection. Our summer program, Wonder Weeks: Summer Care Enrichment for Young Learners, brings these values to a full- and half-day camp setting for 4- and 5-year-olds.

Role Overview

The Summer Camp Coordinator partners with the Program Specialist to deliver Wonder Weeks, sharing responsibility for creating a safe, engaging, and joyful camp experience. This role combines operational leadership, including registration, family communication, supplies, and safety protocols, with hands-on work alongside children each day. The Camp Coordinator leads select programming such as story time, group games, and afternoon activities, while also managing logistics and serving as the primary point of contact for families. This position begins in May for pre-camp preparation and continues through the summer camp season.

Key Dates

Camp Weeks: 

June 8–12, 

June 15–19, 

June 22–26, 

July 13–17, 

July 20–24, 

July 27–31, 

August 3–7

This seasonal, part-time role reports to MOD's Programs & Outreach and collaborates with the Camp Program Specialist, Museum Manager, and Executive Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-Camp Operations & Logistics 

• Work with the Program Specialist to organize and inventory all camp supplies and materials.
• Develop and distribute family communications: welcome packets, schedules, policies, and what-to-bring lists.
• Ensure all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and required documentation are in place.
• Coordinate logistics for park visits, including route planning and safety considerations.

Family Communication & Support

Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding logistics, schedules, and questions.

• Communicate warmly with caregivers at drop-off and pick-up, providing updates, reassurance, and connection.
• Send weekly family updates and respond promptly to parent inquiries.
• Collect and organize family feedback throughout the camp season.
• Handle scheduling changes, absences, and special accommodations.

Daily Operations, Programming Support & Camp Aide Duties

• Serve as 1 of 2 Camp Leaders for full- and half-day groups of 4–5-year-olds.
• Track daily attendance and maintain accurate camper records.
• Maintain accident/incident logs and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Support the Program Lead during activities, transitions, and outdoor walks.
• Lead select programming activities such as story time, quiet activities, group games, or afternoon enrichment.
• Engage directly with children, assisting with activities, providing supervision, and offering care.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized camp environment.
• Manage snack and lunch logistics.
• Restock and organize supplies as needed throughout the week.

Program Administration & Reporting

• Maintain organized records of registration, attendance, scholarships, and incidents.
• Compile family feedback and satisfaction data.
• Contribute to post-program feedback and planning.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

• High energy, enthusiastic personality: you bring the fun to everything you do and love making kids laugh and smile.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working with young children (ages 3–6) in an educational or care setting.
• Ability to lead engaging activities such as story time, games, or group activities for young children.
• Excellent communication skills: both written and verbal, especially with families.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, track details, and maintain accurate records.
• Experience with Gsuite 
• Ability to communicate effectively with caregivers, coworkers, and children.
• Willingness to provide emotional labor essential to playwork: presence, attunement, and responsiveness.
• Ability to represent MOD warmly and professionally in all interactions.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to move easily throughout the museum, bend, lift up to 45 pounds, and reset exhibits and play areas.
• Comfort walking to nearby parks daily with children.
• Ability to work full camp days (8 hours/day), including prep and cleanup.
• Ability to work outdoors, indoors, in sensory-rich environments, and in busy public spaces.
• Must submit to Livescan fingerprinting
• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification before camp begins.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.