camp counselor

camp director

lead counselor

junior camp counselor

support staff

Dean-Adventure-Camps

What is the best part of working at the company?
I wanted this to be a great seasonal job. The kids were genuinely fun to work with, and the best part of the experience was the other front-line staff who kept things afloat despite constant obstacles.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I was with the camp for 5 years, and that perspective matters here. The site directors and upper-level leadership who used to be in place were genuinely excellent: competent, supportive, and the reason many of us stayed as long as we did. Over time, I watched many of those strong leaders leave, and seeing what camp became afterward was honestly depressing. The difference was not subtle. The overall quality, organization, and culture noticeably declined.

Unfortunately, the operation behind the scenes became chaotic, and the dysfunction rolled downhill onto the people actually doing the work.

Here’s what made it not worth it for me:

Chronic disorganization and poor communication: Expectations changed constantly, information arrived late (or not at all), and staff were expected to improvise around basic planning gaps.

Under-resourced programs: We were expected to deliver high-quality activities while dealing with missing, late, or insufficient materials and inadequate setup support. This puts staff in a position where you either disappoint families or burn yourself out trying to patch holes.

Unrealistic workloads and staffing: The staffing plan often did not match the reality on the ground. When ratios are tight and the day is packed, safety and quality are the first things to suffer.

Lack of diversity and a weak leadership pipeline: Over 5 summers, the staff and leadership I worked around felt overwhelmingly lacking in diversity, and it was hard not to notice how rarely diverse staff seemed to be brought into permanent, year-round roles. If the company cares about inclusion, it needs to show up in recruiting, promotion, and who actually gets retained and elevated, not just in messaging.

Tone from leadership: Too often, concerns were met with dismissiveness rather than problem-solving. When leadership treats front-line feedback like an inconvenience, the culture becomes draining fast.

If you are considering working here, go in with eyes wide open. If you care about being supported with clear expectations, adequate materials, and respectful leadership, this place is likely to disappoint. I CANNOT recommend it unless major operational and culture changes are made.

I have worked for DEAN (formerly The Handwork Studio ) for two summers now, am about to begin my third, and could not be more excited. When I first discovered DEAN, it happened by chance. I had just finished my junior year of college and was in search of a camp job. Coincidentally, on Indeed, I found a position as an Assistant Site Director at Sidwell Friends with the Handwork Studio. At the time, I didn’t know much about the camp itself other than what I read on its website. When I read that the camp had started as a small gathering at Laura’s (the CEO & Founder) kitchen table with just a few kids and a simple but powerful mission of nurturing children,  I clicked “Apply”. 

After working one summer in DC and preparing to work my second in Haverford, PA, I can tell you that DEAN’s commitment to nurturing its campers is alive and well —and stronger than ever. I have learned so much about working with kids during my time with DEAN, like the importance of experiential learning and how providing kids space to explore greatly improves their sense of confidence. 

In regards to camp management, I have found that everyone I’ve worked with, as an Assistant Site Director and a Lead Counselor, has been supportive and helpful. There has been a time or two where upper management swooped in and stepped on some toes, but for the most part, the leadership in the camp has been wonderful.

As far as culture goes, I do think more can be done. No camp is perfect. The main reason I feel as though the camp culture at DEAN could improve is due to its growth. During my time at DEAN, it feels as though we’ve constantly been going through a growth spurt. Growth is good, but ensuring that the camp culture is growing alongside it is important as well. I am particularly excited for this summer because I believe culture development will be a big focus. 

Overall, I have really enjoyed being a part of DEAN. Returning for my 3rd summer serves as a testament to this in its own. I also feel it’s worth noting that I decided to pursue a Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree as a result of my time at this camp and the mentorship I’ve received from its leaders. If that doesn’t tell you how great this camp is then I don’t know what will. Finally, I am grateful for the friendships I have found working here and cannot wait to get this summer started.

Working at DEAN Adventure Camps has been an incredibly enriching journey, where I've found not just a job but a community that values me for who I am as a person and as a professional. As the Associate Director, I've had the privilege of combining all my best skills into one role, creating a fulfilling and empowering experience every day.

From the very start, I've felt valued for the unique blend of talents I bring to the table. DEAN Adventure Camps recognizes that I'm more than just an employee; I'm a person with passions, aspirations, and a commitment to making a positive impact. This recognition has fostered a sense of belonging and appreciation that is truly unmatched.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to utilize and develop a wide range of skills. Whether it's meticulously organizing and planning camp activities, mentoring children and staff members, crafting innovative program developments, or employing creative problem-solving strategies, every day presents new challenges that allow me to grow personally and professionally.

Mentoring children and staff members is particularly close to my heart. Being able to guide and inspire the next generation while also supporting the growth and development of my colleagues brings me immense joy. It's incredibly fulfilling to witness the positive impact we collectively make on the lives of those we interact with.

DEAN Adventure Camps has provided me with a platform to showcase my people skills, allowing me to connect with campers, parents, and fellow team members on a profound level. Building meaningful relationships and fostering a supportive environment is at the core of what we do, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a nurturing atmosphere.

In summary, my experience as the Associate Director at DEAN Adventure Camps has been nothing short of exceptional. I feel valued, respected, and appreciated for my work and who I am as a person. This role perfectly aligns with my skills and passions, allowing me to make a difference while also growing personally and professionally. I couldn't ask for a more fulfilling opportunity.

In the summer of 2024, I was recommended to work for DEAN Adventure Summer Camps. Initially, I felt nervous because I had never worked with kids before, and I was not used to being in an environment with such a loud atmosphere. To give you some background, I am on the spectrum for Asperger's Syndrome, so certain loud noises can be a bit much for me at times. However, immediately off the first week working at the Haverford site, I had nothing but positive things to say. 

Firstly, everyone that works there is very kind and respectful. I made friends among the counselors, and everyone was relatable in a way. On the hand of working with kids, you can't deny that it can get a little hectic sometimes, but at the end of the day, we all used to be kids, and each one is different. Each comes into camp with a smile on their face (or a tired one, considering the day starts off a little early), but I always feel overjoyed when kids run up to me with their projects and show me what they made in class, or tell me that "I'm the best"! It's definitely an environment that takes time to adjust to, but its more about how you spend your time with the people you work with rather than worrying about how much time you have left.

I haven't had any huge problems or anything to note, but I can say that lunch is great, the people are welcoming, and the experience is truly like no other. I do recommend bringing bug spray--mosquitos are no joke in the summertime. Patience is also key. Understanding the people you work with and how to approach each task and issue at hand is always important, and I think that is the biggest thing I learned while working here. I am coming back for the summer of 2025, and I am so excited to learn more!

Working as an instructor at DEAN had its bright spots, mainly thanks to the hardworking and talented staff I had the privilege of working alongside. However, the upper management and overall direction of the company left much to be desired. 

Budgeting appeared disorganized, with money seemingly wasted on cheap supplies that constantly needed to be replaced while the instructors and lower management staff—who were already overworked—were underpaid (instructors were given an insulting pay increase of less than a dollar per hour for returning staff). It was disheartening to see how management seemed to take advantage of the staff’s dedication and passion, offering low pay to young, talented instructors who didn’t realize they needed to fight for fair compensation. 

Poor planning and misplaced priorities often left staff scrambling to make things work, with the heads of the company doing little to actually help (but inviting some camp influencers to take videos of the activities for social media? SURELY that's more important than making sure we have enough staff coverage for 120+ kids...) In some cases, new hires were brought on so last minute that they missed critical safety and conduct trainings, which is unacceptable in a camp setting. The constant disarray and lack of foresight from management made it clear that they valued cutting corners over running an organized and well-structured program. Until DEAN’s upper leadership learns to plan effectively and prioritize the essentials, the camp will continue to lose talented staff.

As someone who worked at DEAN for two years, I would say it comes with its challenges but also its benefits. 

Most of the summer staff can make you feel right at home, and you can make new friends. The kids there really look up to you and some even are excited to see you again. It’s fun when you have the right staff, materials and resources to help you with the curriculum. There are some weeks that you love, but some where you will face challenges. 

But time management is one of the most challenging things I have experienced. Depending on the program you’re in, you can leave right away without having to worry about cleaning up the classroom. Others aren’t so lucky. I felt very discouraged when we had to hurry up and clean stuff, when we clearly had a time limit. Then there were some occasions where I received messages about having to do a a better job cleaning. And if we wanted to come in  early to start the process, we were discouraged to do so.


Then it comes the programs, however depending on the age level you have, it’s impossible to do certain things that DEAN expects you to do. There were many occasions where the kids didn’t like what we were making, due to it being “hard” or “boring.” Some programs had more than 18 kids in one class, which was very stressful especially for the program I was working in. 

And the random staff being put into a program they have no idea on what to do. 

Overall, DEAN is a great place where I met new friends, got memorable experiences and was fun over all. However there’s definitely some things that could be improved. 

Working at the summer camp was an incredibly rewarding experience, largely due to the blend of structure and creative freedom it offered. The daily schedule provided a solid framework, yet there was ample opportunity to inject our own creative ideas into the activities with the students. This balance kept the work engaging and allowed us to tailor our approach to best suit the campers' interests and needs.

The mix of indoor and outdoor time was another significant advantage. Spending time outside, whether for sports, nature walks, or games, kept things fresh and energetic. The fact that you're never alone in the classroom, with 2-3 teachers present, created a supportive environment. This collaborative setting was invaluable, especially when navigating the challenges that come with new campers arriving each week. The constant influx of fresh faces meant every week was a new adventure, requiring adaptability and quick thinking.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the job was the strong workplace culture. I always felt comfortable asking for help, knowing that my colleagues were supportive and willing to lend a hand. Being part of such a positive and collaborative team was a highlight, as it allowed me to meet and work with some truly amazing people. Overall, this summer camp job provided a perfect blend of structure, creativity, and teamwork, making it an unforgettable and highly enjoyable experience.

Having worked for DEAN Adventure Camps for four summers, I witnessed significant organizational changes, unfortunately, many not for the better. Upper management often places unrealistic expectations on seasonal and full-time staff, leading to long hours (60–70+ hours per week during the summer) and a high risk of burnout.

In recent years, the sense of community and support that once made the camps special has faded. While leadership frequently emphasizes care for staff, this message is not reflected in practice. A few minor mistakes, even when made under immense pressure, can result in negative treatment or a lack of professional support.

What was once a creative, camper-focused environment has become increasingly driven by revenue and metrics. Many passionate and capable site directors and staff who genuinely cared about their teams and campers have since left or been let go.

For prospective employees be aware that while working at DEAN Adventure Camps can be rewarding in terms of camper interaction and hands-on experience, the expectations and culture may not match the supportive image the company presents.

This will be my 16th summer with a version of Dean Adventure Camps. Dean focuses not just on the camper experience, but the counselor/team experience as well. Each summer builds on the next with professional development course work to help you become a better camp professional able to meet the varied demands that are unique to Summer Camp - social/emotional, physical (it gets hot!), and the curricular/programatic needs. You are supported by a team who is focused on safety and fun. This company has helped me to grow from a shy uncertain assistant counselor to a strong and dynamic senior Lead Counselor able to mentor incoming hires. 

DEAN is frustrating. It really should be a great place for kids and for staff, but it isn't mostly down to management. Most of the summer staff is really motivated, younger college students, but management constantly let them down. Whether that was delivering pay too late, not having curriculum prepared or going back on promised staffing ratios. The HR Director was constantly rude when asked simple questions after being hired. There are really great people at DEAN and you'll make friends, but be prepared for a stressful job with not enough support where there really could be so much more. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Camp counselor 117 salaries reported	$18.04 per hour
Camp director 55 salaries reported	$1,173 per week
Lead counselor 16 salaries reported	$18.56 per hour
Junior camp counselor 8 salaries reported	$12.50 per hour
Support staff 6 salaries reported	$15.00 per hour

Working at DEAN Adventure Camps: Company Overview and Reviews

DEAN Adventure Camps

DEAN Adventure Camps Ratings

Popular jobs at DEAN Adventure Camps

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected