Job Information
Pennsylvania State University Summer Camp Program Assistant Director in University Park, Pennsylvania
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/EfiwgKReZ4VAjprFZPKWUm0Bq_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/Eeys15Xva4hFokHVtbP1eGIB5i1WFLc-J3k9KHgrFYZ7mg) Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf) .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/flexible-work-arrangements/out-of-state-notice?utm_source=workday&utm_medium=req&utm_campaign=Oct23&utm_id=out-of-state) .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Program Assistant (PA) for camp serves as a seasonal assistant director of Shaver’s Creek camp programs. This position is part of the leadership team that supports and creates the highest quality experience for everyone at camp. They will be involved in facilitating staff training, creating program materials, assisting with logistics associated with camp, developing programs, teaching if needed, and cultivating a positive, flexible atmosphere centered around learning and growth. During the camp season the majority of the program day is spent outdoors in the field with staff and campers.
All members of the leadership team float across the various day camps at Shaver’s Creek, including Wee Wonderers (ages 4-5), Discovery (ages 6-8), Explorer (ages 9-11), Investigators (ages 12-14) and Leaders In Training/LITs (ages 14-17). The camp week runs Monday through Saturday and this position will generally work 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. during staff training and while camp is in session for six to eight weeks from June to early-August. Friday has an overnight program that extends into Saturday morning. When camps are not in session, the position is generally a 40-hour work week. Full participation is required during all hours worked.
General responsibilities and requirements of this position include the following:
Prior camp and outdoor environmental education teaching experience; prior program administration experience preferred.
Abiding by requirements to keep everyone safe. This includes staying within eye shot/ear shot of another adult at all times while around minors and following all camp policies/expectations.
This position will be working with children and staff outdoors for up to 13 hours/day. Applicants must be physically able to work outdoors for long hours in all types of weather and potentially over rough terrain.
Preparing for Summer Camp (mid-spring through May)
Assist in logistical preparations for camp
Aid in physical site preparations
Prepare for the training sessions you will lead
Help facilitate any remaining interviews
Weekly/Daily Summer Camp Operations (June - mid-August)
Lead training sessions
Gather materials for training sessions
Assist with camper sign-in and sign out process
Assist in running AM and PM camp community circle
Assist with daily teaching observation and provide feedback to staff
Set out Camp Stamp Puzzler clues and assist in other areas of program as needed
Assist Friday during family program and as designated on Saturday mornings
Assist in emergency situations, group management situations, and any other situations in which a staff member is in need of help from a director
Spend time in field across all programs to the benefit/needs of staff, LITs, campers, and program
Assist in enacting staff recognition program
Help with other program or logistical parts required to run a smooth camp experience
A qualified candidate will have a passion for working with children, prior experience in a summer camp setting, patience, a plethora of flexibility, be enthusiastic, want to grow, work well with a team, and foster a desire to make the camp experience the best that it can be every single time for every single person. This is an hourly paid position ($14/hour), with all hours above 40 a week paid at time and a half. Applicants need to be able to commit to 40 hours/week on-site at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center from May 2 through the end of the camp season on August 7, 2025.
● A complete application includes a cover letter (explaining why you want to work at Shaver’s Creek summer camp and corresponding skills), resume ( containing past work history or related positions/experiences), and list of three references (their name, title, relationship to you, telephone number and email address). Please submit these via: https://hr.psu.edu/careers.
This job requires the following 3 publicly available clearances:
PA State Police Criminal Background Check
PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
FBI Criminal Background Check
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster (https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/files/2022/01/Federal-Contractors-Labor-Law-Poster.pdf)
PA State Labor Law Poster
Affirmative Action (https://policy.psu.edu/policies/hr11)
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information (https://www.psu.edu/copyright-information)
Hotlines
University Park, PA