Lead Summer Camp Counselor

The Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver is an exemplary program designed for gifted children. We provide nationally recognized gifted education to approximately 250 students ranging from ages three years old through eighth grade, who demonstrate exceptional, differentiated abilities and learning needs. Our mission is to provide a dynamic and challenging educational environment that anticipates and responds to gifted children's individual, intellectual, social, emotional, physical, aesthetic, and cognitive needs.

We are seeking qualified individuals to lead and assist with our summer programming Ricks Center for Gifted Children. We are looking for energetic people willing to work full-time and part-time shifts. 

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement a weekly project-based/play-based curriculum and schedule for your group based on the assigned theme.
• Organize and lead various small and large group learning activities that balance academics, music, sports, art, and technology on the theme.
• Identify and respond to camper behavior issues following the Ricks Center discipline policy.
• Communicate with parents about participants' experiences and behaviors, and report concerns to extended day leadership.
• Assist in maintaining accurate program records, including incident reports, logbook documentation, and daily attendance.
• Ensure that the site is kept clean and organized, prepare all areas for learning, and order supplies as needed within an allotted budget.
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program and uphold all teacher and parent handbooks policies.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers' safety and their whereabouts at all times.
• Know, enforce, and follow all licensing requirements associated with the camp and all program areas. 

Required Qualifications (must have one of the following to work the Early Childhood Camp)

• Education classes or experience leading camp, youth programs, recreation, or working with children in a related field.
• Have at least three (3) months (or 460 hours) of satisfactory and verifiable work experience with school-age children -OR a college degree in Psychology, Sociology, Education, or a related field.
• Current early childhood professional credential level II or higher in version 3.0 as determined by the Department.
• Completion of a course of training approved by the Department and published on the Department’s approval list; and nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual.
• Three (3) months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual; and the completion of eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, with one (1) course as:
  • Introduction to Early Childhood Professions; or
  • Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field. 
• Valid teaching degree and/or license, or working toward teaching degree/license

Trainings

• Upon hire, complete the provided First Aid and CPR certification or provide a copy of the current certification.
• Ability to become familiar with Colorado Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations and complete required training.
• Must complete at least 15 hours of training 30 days from the start date and all additional trainings as assigned.

Physical Activities

• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities, which include, but are not limited to, hiking, swimming, team building initiatives, physical games, lifting, and sports / physical activities.

Work Schedule

The duration of this position is from June 4, 2025 to August 11, 2025. 

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) June 30, 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through