Science Camp Coordinator

A science camp coordinator develops and leads STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) educational programs for children and preteens. They are responsible for crafting engaging science activities that are both informative and fun. Through their guidance, coordinators significantly impact young learners by nurturing an interest in science and encouraging them to pursue STEM fields.

At a Glance

Imagine you are the environmental education program manager at a local environmental education center, tasked with designing STEM curricula for the upcoming year. With a Master of Education focusing on STEM and a specialization in recreation and leisure studies, you're well-equipped for the challenge. You aim to create programs that meet educational standards and engage children of various ages and learning abilities.

As you delve into the project, you encounter a significant problem: your potential campers' diverse learning abilities and interests. You realize that a one-size-fits-all approach won't work; you must develop a customized curriculum to fit different needs while covering essential STEM concepts.

You decide to implement a modular curriculum design based on your expertise and educational background. This design type allows for flexibility in topics and difficulty levels, making it easier to tailor activities to individual or group needs. You incorporate hands-on experiments, outdoor activities, and interactive technology to cater to different learning styles, ensuring every child can find something that sparks their interest in STEM.

Your solution proves to be a success. The modular approach facilitates a more inclusive and engaging learning environment where children feel valued and motivated. Feedback from campers and parents is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound interest in science and technology. Through your innovative curriculum design, you've addressed the initial challenge and significantly fostered a love for STEM among young learners, aligning perfectly with your mission as an environmental education program manager.

Job Duties

Job duties vary from one position to the next, but in general, science camp coordinators are involved in the following activities:

Design engaging and educational STEM curriculum and activities tailored to children and preteens.

Recruit, train, and supervise camp staff, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver high-quality educational content and support.
Implement and monitor safety guidelines to ensure a secure environment for all camp participants.
Serve as the primary contact for parents and guardians, providing updates and addressing concerns about camp activities and participant welfare.
Manage the camp's budget, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently for resources, staff, and program activities.
Acquire materials and resources to support engaging and effective STEM learning experiences.
Assess program success and gather participants', staff's, and parents' feedback to inform future improvements.
Organize the camp schedule, balancing educational sessions with recreational activities to maintain participant engagement and enjoyment.
Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and industry professionals to enhance the camp's program and resources.
Stay current on the latest STEM education trends and continually incorporate innovative teaching methods to enhance the camp's curriculum.

The role of a science camp coordinator varies with the seasons, particularly in areas where camps operate primarily during school vacations or summer. This seasonal nature leads to fluctuating workloads and responsibilities throughout the year, with the busiest periods requiring extensive planning, staff management, and coordination of outdoor activities.

Adjust planning to the season with summer outdoor explorations and winter indoor experiments.
Organize and lead outdoor activities, ensuring they are engaging, safe, and weather-appropriate.
Enforce safety and environmental protocols for outdoor activities, monitoring weather and hazards.
Strategically manage resources for the season, including staff scheduling, equipment procurement, and budgeting.
Stay flexible and ready to alter plans to meet camp objectives due to unforeseen weather or challenges.
Keep parents and the community informed about activity plans, safety protocols, and weather-related adjustments.

Work Environment

Science camp coordinators operate within the office, field, and laboratory. In each of these settings, individuals in this occupation carry out various duties.

The office:

Develop STEM curricula and activities that meet educational standards and accommodate diverse age groups and learning abilities.
Oversee the hiring process by posting job advertisements, interviewing candidates, and training new employees to ensure competence.
Manage the camp's budget, forecast supplies, equipment, and salaries costs, and control expenses to ensure financial efficiency and sustainability.
Communicate with parents, staff, and partners through newsletters, emails, and updates to maintain transparency and engagement.
Create and use evaluation tools, such as surveys and feedback forms, to assess the camp's effectiveness and identify improvement areas based on campers, parents, and staff feedback.
Work with vendors to obtain necessary supplies, equipment, and services for camp activities, focusing on quality and cost-effectiveness.

The field:

Oversee the execution of STEM activities and experiments, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Adapt activities based on participant engagement and learning outcomes.
Perform regular safety checks on equipment and outdoor areas to prevent accidents. Lead emergency response drills to prepare staff and campers for any situation.
Provide leadership and support to camp staff with daily briefings, issue resolution, and fostering a positive team environment.
Create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for campers, addressing their needs and concerns to guarantee a positive camp experience.
Coordinate special events or field trips, handling logistics, transportation, and supervision to enrich the educational experience and build community among participants.
Manage the setup and upkeep of camp facilities and activity areas, ensuring readiness for daily activities and compliance with safety standards.

The laboratory:

Coordinators work in school, university, or science center labs equipped for safe, hands-on science learning.
Manage mobile labs providing science education in underserved areas, using portable equipment for experiments.
In outdoor field settings, coordinators lead environmental, ecology, or geology studies, emphasizing hands-on, real-world inquiry.
Collaborate with research institutions, giving campers access to cutting-edge science and research experiences.
Facilitate experiences in industry-specific labs, allowing biotechnology, chemistry, or robotics exploration, highlighting science's practical applications.
Access non-traditional labs, such as maker spaces and innovation hubs, for STEM creativity and problem-solving, leveraging tools like 3D printers and robotics kits.

Where to Work

Environmental education centers
National, provincial, and territorial parks
Museums with science programs
Community recreation centres
Zoos and aquariums
Botanical gardens
Universities and colleges
Private STEM educational companies
Non-profit organizations
Outdoor adventure camps

Search for jobs on the ECO Canada Job Board.

Education and Skills

Education

If you are a high school student considering a career as a science camp coordinator, you should have a keen interest in:

STEM advocacy
Environmental stewardship
Educational creativity
Youth development
Leadership and communication

If you are a post-secondary student considering a career as a science camp coordinator, the following programs are most applicable:

Environmental Science
Education with a focus on STEM
Recreation and Leisure Studies
Child and Youth Studies
Outdoor Education

Although not required, professional certifications provide science camp coordinators with essential skills that uphold the highest standards of safety, education, and enjoyment for campers. These qualifications enhance a coordinator's competitiveness in the job market and contribute to the success and longevity of the camp programs they oversee.

CPR and First Aid Certification
Wilderness First Responder
Certified Interpretive Guide
National Coaching Certification Program

Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.

Skills

Technical Skills

Curriculum development
Safety and First Aid certification
Environmental education
Child development and psychology
Project management.
STEM pedagogy
Outdoor leadership and survival skills
Scientific research methods
Digital literacy
Behavior management

Personal and Professional Skills

Leadership
Communication
Creativity
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Teamwork
Interpersonal skills
Organizational skills
Patience
Empathy

Environmental employers look for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with soft skills. Watch our free webinar “Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry” or  take our Essential Skills courses.

Role Models

Your Impact

A science camp coordinator guides young individuals toward becoming stewards of the environment. They achieve this by teaching the importance of sustainability, conservation, and the scientific principles that underpin our world. This role significantly influences the environment through the creation and execution of programs that cultivate respect for nature and promote environmentally responsible behaviours in children and preteens.

The job is fundamentally environmental, with coordinators organizing hands-on activities that delve into ecosystems, renewable energy, and waste reduction. Such initiatives are pivotal in embedding lifelong environmental values in participants, which can shape their future choices toward sustainability.

From an economic perspective, this position aids in community development by steering educational focus towards science as a route to eco-friendly jobs and careers, thus fueling the growth of the green economy. Socially, it enhances community consciousness of environmental matters, spurring collective efforts for conservation.

Through educational initiatives and active engagement, science camp coordinators play a significant role in both safeguarding the environment and fostering a society that is more knowledgeable, conscientious, and committed to sustainable living.

Occupational Classification

Science camp coordinators are classified into the following occupational groupings:

NOC Code: 54100 – Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

What is an NOC Code?

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians in the labour market. It gives statisticians, labour market analysts, career counsellors, employers, and individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of work within different occupations.

Science Camp Coordinator

At a Glance

Job Duties

Work Environment

Where to Work

Education and Skills

Education

Skills

Role Models

Your Impact

Occupational Classification

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