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Job Description / Duties

Summer Camp Leaders are responsible for facilitating educational experiences centered on environmental science, natural history, engineering, and astronomy for children entering first to eighth grade during the Bell Summer Camp season. Working with other camp staff, Summer Camp Leaders create a safe, engaging, age-appropriate and positive learning environment for campers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Camp Content and Instruction (70%)

Implement engaging week-long camps for up to fifteen children per class using a provided curriculum that includes scientific experiments and interactive activities involving earth science, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, art, games, and more.
Follow safety guidelines and practices to ensure that campers are safe at all times with on-going supervision. Includes frequent hand washing and daily sanitation/cleaning.
Develop a personal teaching style to accommodate camper learning style(s).
Provide direction and work collaboratively with Camp Assistants.
Interact with campers, guardians, other staff, and the general public in a safe, respectful, and professional manner.
Facilitate and troubleshoot using Zoom video software to virtually connect with special guests and programs for the campers.
Camp staff are required to follow all safety related policies and procedures at all times.
Camp Prep and Administrative Tasks (20%)

Regular check-ins with Youth & Family Programs Coordinator.
Manage set up, take down and cleaning of camp activities, as well as maintaining classroom facilities.
Write a short bio to include in camp guardian communications.
Conduct regular reflections/evaluations of the program and experiences.
Other duties as assigned (10%)

Complete other additional tasks as assigned by Youth & Family Programs Coordinator and/or Education Programs Manager.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Required Qualifications
A minimum of two years experience leading children in a formal or informal educational setting.
Demonstrated understanding of basic science concepts, including astronomy and natural sciences.
Experience working with persons from diverse backgrounds and learning styles.
Desired Qualifications
Training or experience working in camps as a summer camp leader.
Previous classroom teaching experience and/or possessing a teaching license.
Experience working with youth and adults in a team environment.
Experience in working with youth with special needs, (e.g. on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or have anxiety and/or depression).
Experience using and troubleshooting virtual technology, such as Zoom.
CPR and First Aid certified.

Additional Information

Hours, Pay, Other

Position start date: June 5, 2023
Position end date: September 1, 2023
Hours: 40 hours/week, for 7-10 weeks in the June 19, 2023 to September 1, 2023 time period
Monday-Friday
Camp Leaders will receive weeks they are scheduled to work prior to the beginning of Summer Camp season. Scheduled weeks are based on content expertise and availability.
Required staff training days:
Approximate 8 hours of training between June 5-9 to review curriculum
4-5 days (30-40 hours) of training to be scheduled between June 12 - 15. Times will vary
Pay rate: $19.00/hr
Other: Successfully passing a background check is a requirement for this position.

To learn more or apply, visit:

Summer Camp Leader
UMN Job Board ID: 353944
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Pay Rate: $19.00
Link: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/353944

Salary: 19.00

Contact Information

Questions about the position can be directed to Kate Sigurdson, ksigurds@umn.edu.

Employer Profile

The Bell ignites and sustains curiosity for nature and the universe. The Bell Museum envisions a hopeful future where all are inspired by nature and empowered by science.


The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s official natural history museum, established by the legislature in 1872 and held in trust by the University of Minnesota. For over a century, the museum has preserved and interpreted our state’s rich natural history and served learners of all ages. Additionally, our scientific collections contain over one million specimens, representing every county in Minnesota and various locales around the globe, and the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium expands the mission to the universe and points beyond.



We are looking for individuals to join our team who are inspired by our mission to ignite curiosity and wonder, explore our connections to nature and the universe, and create a better future for our evolving world. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.