Summer 2026 STEM Camp Staff

Summer 2026 STEM Camp Staff

The Future Innovators Academy – Ann Arbor, MI

Do you love working with kids, geeking out over STEM, and turning “oops” moments into “aha!” moments? Come spend your summer helping kids build robots, design games, and create wild inventions at The Future Innovators Academy.

We’re hiring Instructors, Camp Counselors, Outdoor Rec Coordinators, and Jr. Camp Counselors for our 2026 summer camps.

Positions & Pay

Instructor – $16–$20/hr (based on experience) You help kids build and code awesome things. Some days you’ll be the primary instructor in the room; other days you’ll serve as a support instructor in someone else’s camp. Pay rate is based on your experience with kids + STEM.

Camp Counselor – $15/hr You focus on camper experience: building relationships, supporting behavior, helping with transitions, and keeping the vibe fun, welcoming, and organized. No deep tech background required (we’ll train you on basics).

Outdoor Rec Coordinator (High School Jr/Sr) – $15/hr You plan and run movement breaks and outdoor games so kids can reset between STEM sessions. You’re energetic, safety-minded, and great at including everyone.

Camp Topics You Might Teach/Support

Depending on your interests and experience, Instructors will typically teach, and Counselors/Rec staff will support, camps such as:

• Roblox Game Design (Lua scripting & game mechanics)
• Minecraft Modding (custom items, mobs, basic Java concepts)
• Arduino Programming (simple circuits, sensors, and coding)
• Scratch / Block Coding (animations, games, interactive stories)
• STEAM Activities (hands-on builds, crafts, and experiments)
• LEGO Robotics (building, sensors, and basic coding)
• Digital Arts & Making
• Canva graphics, digital comics
• DTF printing & simple logo/merch design
• 3D printing basics
• Laser cutting projects
• Stop-motion animation

You do not need to be an expert in all of these. Tell us your strengths and we’ll match you where possible.

Schedule & Commitment

• Camp dates: Weekly sessions running June 15 – August 28, 2026
• Days: Monday–Friday
• Hours: Camps operate between 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Full-time and part-time shifts available within this window
• Commitment:
• You must commit to full weeks at a time (Mon–Fri)
• You can select which weeks you’re available to work
• Location: The Future Innovators Academy, 4130 Varsity Dr., Ann Arbor, MI

What You’ll DoAll paid staff (Instructor / Counselor / Rec)

• Create a warm, welcoming, safe space where kids feel excited to try, fail, and try again.
• Be outgoing, fun, and engaging . You’re the camp energy.
• Support hands-on builds, coding projects, and team challenges (at your comfort level).
• Help kids troubleshoot (“debug”) code, circuits, and builds without just giving them the answers .
• Communicate clearly and kindly with campers, parents, and teammates.
• Jump in where needed : setup, cleanup, materials restock, and transitions.

Instructor (Technical) – Key Responsibilities

On any given week, you may be scheduled as the primary instructor for a camp or as a support instructor in another room.

• Lead or co-lead daily lessons, demos, and project blocks using FIA curriculum & materials.
• Translate complex STEM concepts into kid-friendly, hands-on activities .
• Manage classroom flow, behavior expectations, and safety when serving as the primary instructor.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support , helping campers debug code, troubleshoot electronics, and finish builds.
• Coordinate with Camp Counselors and the Outdoor Rec Coordinator to keep the day on schedule and transitions smooth.
• Track camper progress and adapt activities to meet different skill levels.
• Offer quick, friendly updates to parents/guardians at pickup when appropriate.

Your exact responsibilities shift week-to-week depending on your assignment, but you’re always part of the technical teaching team .

Camp Counselor (Non-Technical) – Key Responsibilities

• Get to know campers by name; help every kid feel seen, included, and supported .
• Lead/assist with icebreakers, group games, and transitions between activities.
• Supervise campers during arrival, snack/lunch, bathroom breaks, and pickup .
• Support instructors in the classroom as an extra set of eyes and hands (redirect off-task behavior, help with materials).
• Watch for early signs of conflict, homesickness, or exclusion and respond or escalate to the Instructor or Camp Director.

Outdoor Rec Coordinator (Great for High School Jr/Sr) – Key Responsibilities

• Plan and run movement breaks and outdoor games that are safe, inclusive, and age-appropriate.
• Check outdoor spaces for safety and adjust plans for weather/heat/air quality using camp guidelines.
• Coordinate with instructors so transitions in and out of outdoor time are smooth and on time.
• Supervise campers during outdoor blocks, maintaining clear boundaries and head counts .
• Reinforce FIA values—teamwork, fair play, resilience, and good sportsmanship.

We’re Looking for People Who:

• Enjoy working with kids in grades K–9 (exact ages vary by camp).
• Are outgoing, positive, and patient. You can redirect behavior with kindness.
• Are team players ready to help wherever the camp needs you that day.
• Communicate clearly and responsibly about scheduling and availability.
• Are comfortable learning new tech/tools (for Instructor roles, we’ll train you on our curriculum).

For Instructor (Technical) roles, it’s especially helpful if you:

• Have experience in teaching, tutoring, mentoring, camp counseling, or childcare .
• Have a background or strong interest in computer science, engineering, digital arts, or education .
• Are familiar with any of our tools (Roblox Studio, Minecraft, Arduino, Scratch, LEGO robotics, Canva, CAD, 3D printing, laser cutter, etc.).

For Camp Counselor & Outdoor Rec Coordinator roles, it’s especially helpful if you:

• Have experience working with kids in camps, after-school programs, coaching, or babysitting .
• Love leading games, group activities, and helping kids feel welcome—even if you’re newer to STEM content.

Training & Support

• Paid pre-summer training sessions on curriculum, safety procedures, and classroom management (for paid staff).
• Ongoing support from FIA leadership and senior instructors.
• Clear lesson plans, materials lists, and activity guides (you bring the energy and creativity).

How to Apply

For Paid Positions (Instructor, Camp Counselor, Outdoor Rec Coordinator):

Please submit:

• A short resume (or list of relevant experience), and
• A brief note or cover letter sharing:
• Which position(s) you’re interested in
• Which weeks (June 15–Aug 28) you’re available
• Your relevant experience with kids and/or STEM/digital arts

Send to: [email protected] with subject line:
“Summer 2026 Camp Staff – [Role(s)] – [Your Name]”
(Example: “Summer 2026 Camp Staff – Instructor/Counselor – Alex Rivera”)

Additional Info

• Paid positions are seasonal, hourly, non-exempt .
• All hires are contingent on:
• Successful background check (for 18+ and as required), and
• Completion of training and required paperwork .
• The Future Innovators Academy is an equal opportunity employer . We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Work Location: In person