Job opportunities

Camp assistant (undergraduate students only)for June 17–21 and June 24–28, 2024

 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 1, with priority given to applications submitted by 11:59 pm Central time on Tuesday, April 16.

Apply now!

About the Job

The Center for Writing's Minnesota Writing Project (MWP) invites undergraduate students to apply to be camp assistants from June 17–21 and June 24–28. Camp assistants support camp leaders during day-long writing camps by building relationships with elementary and middle school campers and leading activities around the Twin Cities campus. The MWP looks for candidates who are caring, responsible, and interested in hanging out with kids. Strong initiative and interpersonal skills are also important. We’re interested in hiring people who are willing to play with and support kids in grades 3–8. Candidates from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities and identities are encouraged to apply. In addition, we welcome applications from students from all majors. 

Duties/Responsibilities 

• Hang out with campers during drop off and pick up, which could include playing games, chatting, drawing with chalk, etc.

• Support camp leaders during the morning by participating in all activities, chaperoning kids to the bathroom, supporting struggling kids, providing supervision on any outings

• Supervise campers during lunch

• Lead campers on afternoon trips to different parts of the Twin Cities campus

• Communicate with camp leaders about any relevant information

Position starts June 17 and ends June 28; ideal candidates will be able to work both weeks (Monday through Friday), but can opt to work only one week. The rate of pay for this position is $15.50 per hour. Camp assistants work 40 hours per week, and there will be a 1.5-hour orientation in early June. 

Camps are based in Nicholson Hall, but campers and staff will travel to different locations on campus each day including using the Campus Connector to visit the St. Paul campus.

Daily schedule

8:00–8:15 Camp assistants prepare for drop off

8:15–9:00 Camper Drop Off

9:00–12:00 Themed camps led by teachers (with support from camp assistants)

12:00–12:30 Lunch with campers (Camp assistants bring their own lunch)

12:30–3:00 Trips around campus (e.g. Aerospace Program, Biological Sciences Conservatory) led by camp assistants with support from camp directors

3:00–3:45 Camper Pick Up

3:45–4:00 Camp assistants participate in team check-in

Qualifications

Required

• Must be an undergraduate student in a degree-granting program at the University of Minnesota. Note: students who graduate in May 2024 are eligible to apply.

• Must have an interest in working with children

• Must be able to lead a group of children to different parts of the University of Minnesota campus (i.e., east and west banks, as well as the St. Paul campus), including on the Campus Connector

• Must have effective communication skills (e.g. ability to provide clear and concise directions to children, listen closely and respond to children)

• Must be willing to take initiative in interacting with children

Preferred

We especially welcome applications from candidates who are going to be sophomores or juniors during the 2024–25 school year and who meet one or more of the following qualifications:

• Have experience working with children

• Have experience with working in a detail-oriented environment

• Are multilingual

• Are interested in working in an inclusive and diverse community

About the Department   

The Minnesota Writing Project (MWP) offers K–college literacy programming for teachers and students across the state of MN. Summer camps are designed to offer a fun and inclusive experience for elementary and middle school kids. Camps focus on a wide range of literacies with the support of experienced educators and supportive and energetic assistants. We also seek to create positive experiences and a broader understanding for campers of what the University of MN has to offer. The MWP values learners’ life experiences, seeking to provide a supportive space for everyone to see themselves as writers.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online through this Google form. In addition to answering some basic questions, you will be asked to identify two references who can speak to your relevant qualifications (e.g. your leadership experience, how you work with children, etc.). Be assured that there can be lots of past experience that is relevant—for example, helping to take care of younger siblings (working with kids) or retail experience (being part of a team that works together to create a positive experience).

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 1, with priority given to applications submitted by 11:59 pm Central time on Tuesday, April 16.

If you have questions about this position or about the application process, please contact Dr. Lee Fisher, Director, Minnesota Writing Project, at lcf@umn.edu.