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Science Camp Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Summer Camp Director

Cotati, CA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Camp activities include games, crafts, science, cooking, drama, and sports with an emphasis on skill development, cooperation, and promoting enthusiasm in camp activities. Duties will include, but ...

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Science Camp information

What is a science camp?

A science camp is an educational program, usually held during school breaks, where children and teenagers engage in hands-on activities and experiments related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These camps are designed to make learning fun, encourage curiosity, and develop critical thinking skills. Participants often work on projects, conduct experiments, and interact with professionals in scientific fields. Science camps can be day camps or residential, and they cater to a range of ages and interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Science Camp Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Camp Instructor, you need a solid background in science education, hands-on experiment facilitation, and experience working with children, often supported by a degree in a STEM field or education. Familiarity with common lab equipment, safety protocols, and educational software is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and classroom management skills help engage students and foster a fun learning environment. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, educational, and inspiring science experiences that motivate young learners.

What are some typical challenges faced by Science Camp instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Science Camp instructors often face the challenge of engaging campers with varying levels of interest and scientific background. To address this, instructors use hands-on experiments and interactive activities tailored to different age groups, ensuring lessons remain accessible and fun. Managing group dynamics and maintaining safety during experiments are also key responsibilities, typically supported by established camp protocols and teamwork with fellow staff. Building rapport with campers and fostering a supportive environment helps create a positive learning experience for everyone.

What do you do in science camp?

In a science camp, staff typically organize and lead hands-on science activities, experiments, and demonstrations for children or teens. They ensure safety, facilitate learning, and promote curiosity about scientific concepts in an outdoor or classroom setting. Staff may also assist with camp logistics and supervise participants throughout the program.

Where can my 14 year old get a summer job?

A 14-year-old interested in a science camp or related roles can look for summer jobs such as camp counselor, assistant, or program aide at local community centers, science museums, or youth programs. These positions often require basic skills, a positive attitude, and sometimes a work permit, and they typically involve working with children or assisting with activities during the summer schedule.

What is the best job for science students?

Science students often pursue roles such as research assistants, laboratory technicians, or science educators, which utilize their knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory skills. These jobs typically require a relevant degree and may involve working in labs, educational settings, or research institutions.

How much do 16 year old camp counselors make?

The pay for 16-year-old camp counselors typically ranges from minimum wage to around $10 to $15 per hour, depending on the camp and location. Many camps require counselors to have basic first aid or CPR certifications and may offer additional stipends for specialized skills or responsibilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Science Camp jobs in California? The most popular types of Science Camp jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Science Camp jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Science Camp jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Science Camp job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 52% Part Time, and 15% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Camp Carmel Creek - Science Camp Specialist

San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA)

San Diego, CA

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Science Camp Specialist
Welcome to your job description!
Camp Carmel Creek is a program of The San Diego Jewish Academy. We create summer adventures filled with joy, growth, curiosity and intention through a unique model combining classic day-camp, the focus of a specialty camp, and the connection of a sleepaway camp. We believe life's most valuable lessons come from independent discovery and perpetual curiosity. That is why we built a summer camp that inspired curiosity by putting kids in charge of their own adventures.
Our 4 core values are Joy, Curiosity, Adventure and Community.
What you can expect to gain from this role.
We are committed to providing you with the skills to not just be successful at this camp, this summer, but rather we are providing you with skills that you can take into any career path in the future.
Leadership: As an activity specialist you are responsible for your program area. You design it, you plan it, you enact it, you own it. You have the opportunity to be creative and build the best program possible for our campers.
Communication: Good communication between you and your campers, between you and your supervisor, between you and your co-workers, is essential to a successful day at camp.
Organization: Following the schedule, being at activities on time, being creative, having your lesson plans ready and all supplies available to run your class effectively.
Problem Solving: Good problem-solvers are adaptable, resilient, collaborative, and open-minded. A camp day presents many opportunities to flex these muscles.
Teamwork: Camp is not about the individual. Success is not defined by what you do alone, it’s about what we do as a team. Learning to work together and rely on each other to achieve our goals is what’s most important.
Responsibilities
  • Design, plan, and lead hands-on, experiential science lessons for elementary-aged campers.
  • Create engaging science activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and critical thinking.
  • Teach science through interactive experiments, demonstrations, and real-world applications.
  • Foster a fun, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and trying new ideas.
  • Introduce basic concepts across various scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and environmental science.
  • Encourage creativity and problem-solving through project-based learning and collaborative activities.
  • Ensure all science activities are conducted safely and responsibly.
  • Prepare, organize, and maintain all materials and supplies needed for lessons.
  • Promote scientific curiosity and a love of learning through play, creativity, and exploration.
  • Collaborate with other camp staff to integrate science into camp-wide themes and special events.
  • Participate in pre-camp training and ongoing professional development.
  • Set up and break down activity spaces before and after each class session.
Qualifications
  • Experience working with children in educational, camp, or enrichment settings.
  • Passion for science and a strong interest in any scientific field (biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, etc.).
  • Experience with hands-on teaching, experiential learning, or project-based education (preferred).
  • Ability to adapt lessons for different learning styles and age groups.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Organized, responsible, and able to manage materials and lesson preparation.
  • Creative, energetic, and enthusiastic about teaching.
  • Background in science, education, or a related field (preferred but not required).
  • CPR and First Aid certification (preferred but not required).
  • Must be available for pre-camp staff training and the full camp season.
Term of employment Date:
June 15th - August 7th, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Full-time and part-time opportunities available.
4 staff training dates prior to June 15th. (30 hours of online and in person paid training prior to the start of camp)
Salary Range: $22-$30 per hour. Our pay scale is based on level of schooling and experience.
Employment Requirements
SDJA is unable to provide immigration sponsorships such as H1B Visas.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be willing to undergo both Live Scan background check (for age 18+) and TB screening as part of the hiring process.
California Compliance Notice
In accordance with California law (Education Code §44939.5, as amended by SB 848), applicants for all positions with SDJA are required to disclose all current and former employment with educational institutions. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the completion of required employment verifications.
Statement of Inclusivity and Non-discrimination
Camp Carmel Creek is a community of learners who value the rich diversity of its members. We welcome campers, and staff with differences based on (but not limited to) race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, family structure, and economic background.
Camp Carmel Creek is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. The Camp will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or an employee unless undue hardship would result. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on the employment application. If, however, you require reasonable accommodation in the application and/or interview process due to disability, requests must be made in a timely manner.