Camp Counselor, VASFA Space Adventure Camp

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking Camp Counselors to join Virginia Space Flight Academy's (VASFA) Space Adventure Camp on Wallops Island, VA this summer. Are you ready to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts at our Summer Residential Space Adventure Camp? If you're passionate about space science, aerospace, engineering, and mentoring youth, becoming a Camp Counselor at the Virginia Space Flight Academy is the perfect opportunity! We're dedicated to igniting the curiosity of future aerospace leaders through hands-on experiences in rocketry, drones, coding, and robotics, complemented by exclusive NASA facility tours. This position will be onsite at Wallops Island, VA from 6/9/25 through 8/2/2025 (Room and Board will be provided).

As a Camp Counselor, you'll embark on a thrilling journey, guiding young minds through immersive experiences in space exploration. This isn't just a summer job-it's a chance to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while forming lifelong connections with fellow mentors and future space pioneers. Your role goes beyond the ordinary; you'll be shaping the aspirations and dreams of tomorrow's aerospace professionals. This experience will enrich your resume and provide unique opportunities to meet experts and learn about STEM careers and internships at NASA and our partnering aerospace companies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire, and mentor space campers aged 11 - 16 during hands-on educational activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and field experiences, fostering teamwork and curiosity.
• Collaborate with Camp Instructors to deliver engaging instruction in model rocketry, robotics, coding, drones, astronomy, and other cutting-edge STEM subjects.
• Ensure campers' safety and well-being by adhering to all state, local, and industry-standard protocols, allowing them to explore and learn in a secure environment.
• Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere, infusing every moment with excitement and discovery while prioritizing time for rest and rejuvenation of staff and campers.
• Serve as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and a relentless passion for space exploration in every interaction.
• Support camp operations to ensure a smooth experience for all campers.

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuing or possessing a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Science, Physics, Mathematics, Education, or a related STEM field and Proven experience working with children or young adults in educational settings, coupled with hands-on involvement in rocketry, robotics, drone operation, and engineering challenges.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Genuine enthusiasm for space exploration and a drive to ignite that same passion in others.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic outdoor environment.
• Demonstrated maturity, judgment, and resilience, especially in challenging conditions.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment in hot/humid conditions.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours.
• Completion of assigned online training through the American Camp Association before the start of camp.
• U.S. Citizenship and clearance of NASA and criminal background investigations, as well as drug and alcohol screening.
• Full-time availability for the entire 7-week camp season, including a pre-camp training period.
• Possession of a valid driver's license or government-issued identification.

EOE, including disability/vets

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.