ROLE SUMMARY: SAM Camp Counselors are a critical part of the SAM Camp experience each summer! Counselors assist Teaching Artists and Camp program staff to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences for children and families. They will facilitate art experiences and provide creative guidance, classroom management, and mentorship for children entering grades 1 – 6 during SAM’s annual 3 week summer camp, held at the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. There are 4 Counselor positions each year – two Jr. Counselors and 2 Sr. Counselors. Interviews will take place in early May.
FIXED EMPLOYMENT TERM: June 30th – July 25th, 2025
SCHEDULE:
SAM Camp Training: Monday, June 30, 9am – 5pm (attendance required)
SAM Camp: July 7 – July 25, Monday – Friday, 30 – 40 hrs a week
DEPARTMENT: Teen & Family Educational Programs
SUPERVISOR: Manager of Teen and Family Programs & Museum Educator for Family Programs
COMPENSATION: Counselors: $21.50/hour, Senior Counselors: $22.50/hour
FSLA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Fixed Employment Term
BENEFITS: Temporary SAM Staff have access to an onsite fitness facility at our Downtown location, and to SAM’s museum libraries. They can also access a no-cost Employee Assistance Program resource, enjoy a 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop and a 10% discount at SAM’s MARKET cafe, receive 2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked, have a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums, can access 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year, and accrue paid sick leave at a rate of .0385 per hour worked.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all SAM campers and promote positive social interactions
- Lead, create, and facilitate age-appropriate activities and games for elementary aged children in collaboration with SAM Camp counselors and staff
- Provide developmentally appropriate guidance and support to campers as issues arise, maintaining open communication with co-counselor and camp leadership
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and positive attitude towards campers, co-workers, and the Museum, serving as a positive role model for children
- Work directly with teaching artists and a team of camp counselors to prepare all materials and studio spaces, which includes ensuring that studio spaces are organized, clean, and ready for the day
- Support Teaching Artists with classroom management and during workshop instruction as needed and lead smooth transitions between scheduled activities
- Support campers with art projects as needed and provide encouraging dialogue with open ended questions and constructive feedback
- Respond to behavioral issues proactively and report them to SAM Camp Senior Counselor and SAM Education staff
WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- Must be at least 16 years old for Jr. Counselor position and 18 years old for Senior Counselor position
- Experience working with children in an educational setting
- Interest in elementary education, art, camp, social work, developmental psychology, youth mentorship, and/or museums
- Experience with a variety of visual art mediums preferred, but not required
- Ability to work efficiently and prioritize tasks
- Ability to problem solve and respond to behavioral issues proactively, with the support of SAM Camp staff
- Ability to represent the Museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism
- Ability to adhere to Museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner
WORKING CONDITIONS
Exposure: Work areas are both indoors (85%) and outdoors (25%) with moderate background noise.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Standing/Sitting/Moving: Approximately 90% of time is spent moving around the work area. Extended periods of standing may be required when working camp events. Work will involve bending, stooping, climbing up a variety of inclines, and accessing outdoor areas on surfaces such as asphalt, cement, soil, and rough or uneven terrain.
Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with volunteers, donors, members, the public, and co-workers is necessary.
Vision: Corrected vision close to 20/20 is necessary to effectively use the computer screens and interpret printed materials, memos and other appropriate paperwork.
Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling: The ability to transport up to twenty (20) pounds on occasion is necessary for moving files, equipment, and supplies.
Reaching/Handling: Good manual dexterity is necessary for computer keyboard use and for retrieving and working with appropriate paperwork, equipment, and supplies.
Stooping/Kneeling: Ability to stoop and kneel to access files/stock supplies in low cabinets and shelves.
Office Work: Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare, and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.
