Camp Director

About Programming Journeys

Programming Journeys is a STEM education company based in Chula Vista, California, on a mission to deliver authentic, hands-on technology education to the next generation. We offer robotics and coding camps for youth ages 8–14, built on the belief that kids learn best when they're doing the real thing — not following a kit or watching a simulation, but building, coding, and engineering.

Led by Professor Denis Núñez — Computer Science instructor at Southwestern College and Computer Engineering lecturer at SDSU, and Test & Evaluation Team Lead for unmanned naval systems — Programming Journeys brings genuine real-world expertise into every session. This summer, we're looking for a Camp Director who shares that same commitment to excellence.

Role Summary

We are looking for a high-energy, organized, and passionate Camp Director to lead Programming Journeys Summer Camp 2026. You will be the heartbeat of the camp — the person who sets the tone every morning, keeps the day running smoothly, supports the instructors, and makes sure every student goes home excited to come back.

This is a two-phase temporary position: a part-time preparation phase starting immediately, followed by full-time on-site leadership during the camp. The Camp Director is the operational lead — responsible for staff coordination, schedule management, parent communication, safety compliance, and delivering an exceptional experience for every student.

Position Phases & Compensation

Phase 1 — Pre-Camp Preparation (Now – June 7, 2026)

• Hours: ~20 hours/week
• Work Mode: Remote / Hybrid
• Pay Rate: $25–$30 per hour
• Focus: Planning, logistics, staff hiring support, and parent communication setup

Phase 2 — Summer Camp (June 8 – July 24, 2026)

• Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Schedule: Camp: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Late Pick-Up supervision: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
• Work Mode: On-site — Chula Vista, CA (SWC area)
• Pay Rate: $35–$40 per hour
• Focus: Daily camp operations, student supervision, staff management

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Camp Phase

• Coordinate logistics for camp setup: schedule, materials, facility walkthrough
• Support recruitment and onboarding of camp instructors and assistants
• Develop a daily camp schedule in collaboration with Professor Núñez
• Prepare parent communication templates and welcome packets
• Ensure all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and compliance requirements are in place
• Assist with registration tracking and camper roster management

Camp Phase

• Arrive on-site by 8:30 AM daily to prepare for camp operations and lead the staff briefing; remain on-site until 5:00 PM to manage late pick-up and end-of-day closeout
• Supervise and manage instructors and campers, ensuring instructional quality, engagement, and adherence to the daily program plan
• Ensure the safe setup, operation, and supervision of all hands-on activities, equipment, and tools
• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact between staff, students, parents, and program leadership
• Oversee daily operations: check-in/check-out, attendance, and schedule adherence
• Maintain a positive, energetic, and inclusive camp culture throughout the program
• Handle parent inquiries, concerns, and daily communications with professionalism
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, or behavioral issues calmly and effectively
• Conduct daily staff briefings before camp start and end-of-day debriefs after late pick-up
• Maintain accurate records: attendance, incident reports, and daily logs
• Identify and resolve operational issues quickly to keep the camp running smoothly

Requirements

• 3 years of experience working with children (camps, schools, or after-school programs)
• 2 years in a supervisory, leadership, or director role
• Proven ability to manage a structured, high-energy environment with youth
• Strong communication skills — with children, parents, and team members
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions quickly under pressure
• Valid First Aid & CPR certification (or willingness to obtain before June 8, 2026)
• Must successfully pass a background check (required for all staff working with minors)
• Available to work on-site Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, June 8 – July 24, 2026
• Must reside in or be able to commute reliably to the Chula Vista / Southwestern College area

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience directing or coordinating STEM, technology, or academic youth programs
• Familiarity with robotics, coding, or engineering education for children
• Experience using student registration platforms or camp management tools
• Bilingual: English / Spanish (a plus, not required)

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation based on current San Diego market rates
• A meaningful leadership role at a real STEM program built around hands-on engineering — not a generic summer job
• Direct collaboration with Professor Denis Núñez, an industry-experienced educator, engineer, and program founder
• A focused, mission-driven team committed to delivering quality education
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on youth ages 8–14 in the Chula Vista community

How to Apply

To apply, please email the following materials to: kjtovar@programmingjourneys.com

• Resume
• Brief cover letter describing your experience leading or directing youth programs
• Minimum 2 professional references from supervisors or employers in youth-related programs
• Confirmation of your availability for both phases (pre-camp preparation and June 8 – July 24 on-site)
• Copies of any relevant certifications (First Aid/CPR, etc.)

Use subject line: Camp Director Application — Summer 2026