Job Description
Coding / Tech Specialist Season: June 29 – August 21, 2026 Hours: 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM Orientation: June 24–25, 2026 (mandatory; compensated at $100/day) Compensation: $6,000-$6,000 for the 8-week season, payable bi-weekly Reporting Line: Camp Director About Laurel Hill Summer Camp For over 50 years, Laurel Hill Summer Camp has been one of Suffolk County's most respected day camps. Located in East Setauket, Long Island, we serve children from Preschool through 10th grade across a wide range of specialty programs including sports, arts and crafts, drama, music, gymnastics, karate, swimming, nature exploration, rock climbing, swing shot, tennis, and more. The Coding / Tech Specialist is a cornerstone of the camp's daily program, leading structured, project-based instruction in coding, robotics, digital design, and creative technology to campers of all ages throughout each day. Position Overview The Coding / Tech Specialist designs and delivers age-appropriate coding and technology instruction to rotating camper groups throughout the camp day. This is a hands-on, lab-based instructional role requiring strong teaching skills, a project-based mindset, and consistent attention to camper safety, digital citizenship, and equipment care. Counselors are assigned to accompany each group and are expected to assist the Specialist as an integral part of every session. Responsibilities Instruction & Planning Design and deliver structured, age-appropriate coding and technology lessons to rotating camper groups each day, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, computational thinking, and fun Submit written weekly lesson plans covering daily instruction and rainy-day alternatives (initial lesson plans due June 22, 2026) Teach fundamentals across a range of digital disciplines — including block-based coding (e.g., Scratch, ScratchJr, Code.org) for younger campers, text-based coding (e.g., Python, JavaScript) for older campers, robotics (e.g., LEGO Education, Sphero, micro:bit), simple game design, and digital media projects — adapting content appropriately for Preschool through upper-camp age groups Scale projects to suit different developmental stages and provide individual support, scaffolding, and challenge as needed Build in unplugged activities (paper-based logic puzzles, algorithm challenges, team coding games) to balance screen time and reinforce computational thinking away from devices Safety & Supervision Ensure the safety of all campers throughout coding and tech instruction at all times, including supervised use of devices, robotics kits, and any electrical equipment Inspect devices, charging stations, and activity areas prior to each session; remove or report any unsafe conditions (frayed cords, damaged equipment, overheated devices) to camp leadership immediately Ensure safe storage, handling, and charging of all camp devices and accessories in line with age-appropriate equipment-safety standards Monitor camper online activity at all times during sessions; enforce the camp's acceptable-use policy and ensure campers only access pre-approved sites, platforms, and applications Teach and reinforce digital citizenship and online safety basics, including not sharing personal information, kindness in digital spaces, and asking an adult before clicking unknown links Manage screen-time pacing within sessions; build in regular screen breaks and monitor for signs of eye strain, fatigue, or poor posture, particularly for younger campers Communicate any known sensitivities (e.g., photosensitive epilepsy concerns with flashing visuals, sound sensitivities for headphone use) to the Health Care Provider and adjust activities accordingly Direct counselors on their safety support role during each session, including help with monitoring screens and supporting individual campers Rainy Day Program Continue programming as scheduled where possible, since most coding and tech activities are already indoors; have a backup unplugged plan ready in case of power or network outage Be prepared to receive unfamiliar camper groups and, if needed, the same group more than once during extended weather delays Adapt activities to maintain group engagement and structured programming regardless of weather conditions Theme Days & Special Events Tie weekly projects to the camp theme calendar and collaborate with Art, Drama, Music, and other specialists to support integrated theme-day projects (e.g., camper-built games, animations, digital storytelling, robotics challenges) Organize end-of-session camper showcases, code demos, and digital take-homes that celebrate camper work Plan