Location & Travel: This is a seasonal, in-person role reporting to the Managers of Headfirst’s Youth Camp division.

This role involves frequent driving, travel, and work across Headfirst’s nine summer camp locations in Washington, DC; Bethesda, MD; and Oakton, VA, as well as our warehouse in Silver Spring, MD, with occasional visits to Headfirst Headquarters in NW Washington, DC. Some locations are not accessible via public transportation; reliable transportation is required.

Schedule:  

• In-season (late June through mid August): 1:00 pm – 6:15 pm Monday – Friday 
• Pre-season (May and early June): select weekends for training and site preparation 

Compensation: $19 / hour 

Afternoon Site Coverage & Leadership 

• Each afternoon during aftercare time (2:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.), serve as an on-call leader, traveling between camp locations to ensure high-quality programming. 

• Step into the PMX Program Leader and/or  PMX Coordinator roles as required when team members call out, ensuring consistency and quality in programming and operations. 

• Lead and support a team of counselors in implementing pre-written curriculum for extended day programming, ensuring a fun and safe environment for campers. 

• Act as a first responder to any on-site camper behavior, first aid, or operational concerns. 

• Travel between site locations to handle escalated customer concerns and ensure that each situation is being handled with care. 

• Provide coaching and support to counselors, modeling best practices in camper engagement and leadership. 

• Re-train on and uphold Headfirst’s safety protocols, including active supervision, bathroom procedures, emergency medications, and behavior management strategies.  

Day-Time Program Support 

• Travel between locations to step into day-time programming support roles as needed. 

• Support with coordination and supervision of off-site field trips and on-site Expert Workshops as needed. 

• Monitor and maintain site inventory of key aftercare supplies, including first aid kits, program materials, and camper take-homes.  

• Assist with afternoon carpool, ensuring smooth pick-up experiences for families. 

• Provide top-tier customer service, communicating professionally with families and assisting with camper-specific concerns. 

Flexibility & Problem-Solving 

• Adapt quickly to different camp environments, filling in seamlessly at different sites and adjusting to their specific needs. 

• Proactively identify and address operational challenges to ensure the best possible camper experience. 

• Collaborate with the Headfirst Headquarters team and on-site leadership to ensure smooth transitions and support across sites. 

Must be at least 20 years old with at least (2) years at an undergraduate institution or equivalent professional experience.  

• Experience:  

• Majors in education and child development viewed favorably. 

• Must be able to: 

• Commute to all nine locations across DC, MD, and VA. 

• Work around small children including, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs for the full day. 

• Work in hot and outdoor environments while actively supervising campers and participating in dynamic activities for extended periods of time.  

• Lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.  

• Committed to adhering to the Cell-Phone Free policy, powering down and putting away cell phones in a locked pouch for the duration of your shift. 

• Required Certification 

• First Aid & CPR Certification and Medication Administration Training (MAT) required, or the ability to complete these prior to May 31, 2026. 

Headfirst Companies are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We value diversity and inclusivity across our Headfirst community, and we strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Headfirst delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality summer and youth experiences built to elevate potential and exceed expectations. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families, schools, and organizations to create environments where kids feel supported, challenged, and confident trying new things.

What makes Headfirst different is intentionality. We don’t wait and hope growth happens - we design for it. Our programs are carefully structured, and our staff are trained to spot, create, and celebrate breakthrough moments. These Headfirst Moments - when a camper pushes past fear, tries something new, or surprises themselves - are built into every day.

We believe great experiences are built on relationships. Our teams prioritize genuine connection, creating welcoming environments where campers feel seen and known, staff feel supported, and families trust that every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Behind the scenes, a professional, year-round Headquarters team supports our seasonal staff with training, systems, and clear expectations so camps run smoothly and consistently.

When you join Headfirst, you’re joining a team that takes pride in doing things well. We care deeply about the experience we deliver, the people we work with, and the impact we have on kids and families. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the summers are unforgettable.