Summer Camp Counselor

Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp dedicated to empowering young innovators to change the world! Since 2002, we’ve inspired hundreds of thousands of kids across 70+ diverse communities, becoming a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.

At Galileo, innovation, purpose, and personal growth come together to create an environment where your unique talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. We’re committed to fostering a culture that champions inclusion for all, continually innovating to ensure every voice is heard. We have been named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation four times, including in 2024, and we’ve made the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list over 12 times.

Come join us for a joy-filled summer in a mission-driven environment where you'll be part of something truly special!

Job Description

As a Summer Camp Counselor (or Team Leaders as we like to call them at Galileo), you’ll be the core presence for each camper, guiding them through an impactful, safe, and engaging summer experience. Staying with the same group all week, you’ll create a supportive environment that prioritizes both physical and emotional safety. This is a seasonal role; Summer Camp Counselors work full-time Monday - Friday (5 days per week).

Core Responsibilities

Lead and Supervise Campers: 

• Supervise groups of 15+ campers weekly, creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging camp experience.
• Foster group connection through team activities, games, and daily interactions.
• Ensure a positive, supportive environment, manage camper behavior through restorative practices, and provide individual support based on campers' diverse needs.
• Collaborated with instructors to deliver Galileo’s innovative, project-based curriculum, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Support instructors by preparing materials and ensuring learning spaces are ready for each activity.
• Support and participate in extended care programming before and after standard camp hours

Engage in All Camp Activities:

• Collaborate with teammates to plan, set up, and run daily activities.
• Lead campers during ceremonies, activities, snack, and lunch, ensuring safety and a positive camp spirit.
• Lead and participate in camp songs, chants, and skits, bringing energy to opening and closing ceremonies.
• Work as part of a team to make camp experiences joyful and memorable.

Provide Exceptional Customer Service:

• Greet campers and families with enthusiasm, ensuring a welcoming environment.
• Follow check-in/check-out procedures for efficient attendance and safety.
• Communicate with families about campers’ experiences as needed, ensuring a positive start and end to each day.

Build Your Skills with Ongoing Training and Support!

• Complete paid online training on innovation education, Galileo policies, and best practices before camp starts.
• Attend two in-person setup and training days to prepare your camp and meet your team.
• Develop professionally through feedback, supplemental training, and hands-on learning guided by camp leaders.

Compensation

We anticipate the compensation for this position to be $17.50 per hour for new (first-year) camp staff. Your exact pay rate will be determined based on a variety of factors, including work location and tenure. Our pay practices are guided by a commitment to equity and informed by market benchmarking.

Perks

• One free week of camp for your own child!
• %15 Friends and Family Discount
• Priority scholarship nominations
• Membership in the Galileo Alumni Community of over 20,000 inspiring changemakers!

Qualifications

• Experience supervising groups of 10+ children
• At least 1 year (or camp season) experience working in summer camp, school, childcare, tutoring, coaching kids, after-school programs, or related fields
• College coursework in Education or Child Development is a plus but not required
• Ability to balance multiple tasks while working with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus, but not required
• Ability to complete all pre-camp tasks, including background checks, state-mandated certifications, electronic onboarding paperwork, and online training prior to the start of camp.
• Availability to work 8-hour shifts daily, Monday - Friday, for the duration of camp. 
  • Required to be available to work a minimum of 4 continuous weeks overlapping with the dates of camp operation
  • Priority is given to those who are able to commit to working for the full duration of camp (4-8 continuous weeks, depending on the camp location).
• Must be at least 18 years of age by  May 12th, 2025

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.

SCHEDULE

All camps operate Monday - Friday. Shifts vary by position and location and can start as early as 7:00 a.m. and end as late as 6:30 p.m.

Staff must complete online training and attend two pre-camp set-up days before camp opens. Set-up days may be scheduled on weekends.

Camp set-up dates, start dates, and duration vary by location -  find your location on our Camp Finder page to view site-specific dates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that our job descriptions are a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, contact our Human Resources team.

During the onboarding process, in accordance with applicable local and state requirements, you may be required to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, background check(s), and state-mandated training(s). More details will be provided during your onboarding process.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift and carry up to 60 lbs.
• operate a computer (including typing, reading)
• Seeing, hearing, and speaking, both nearby and at a distance
• Use hand and fingers to help with classroom supplies and operate equipment
• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, and sitting

Equal Opportunity Employer

Galileo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.