Position Title: Arts & Maker Tinkering Camp Intern
Status: Temporary Position, Part Time, Non-exempt, up to 29.5 hours per week
Dates of Employment: June 1 – August 5, 2026
Job Classification: Educator/Intern
Hourly Rate: $15.00 per hour
Job Summary: The vision of DuPage Children’ Museum is that all children thrive through access to extraordinary learning experiences. The Tinkering Camp Intern (TCI) is a vital part of DCM’s Tinkering Summer Camp. The goal of this internship is to provide opportunities and experience in an out-of-school time educational environment.
The TCI will learn from and assist the Tinkering Camp Counselors in the general supervision of campers
as well as the facilitation of campers’ learning experiences. TCI will encourage the importance of open-
ended, playful learning experiences. TCI will work collaboratively with each other and the counselors to
provide a positive, safe, and welcoming learning environment that is grounded in playful learning
practices and is developmentally appropriate for campers.
Per the role and grant funding requirements, this position must be filled by either a high school
student or a student who has just graduated from high school (not yet attended college).
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assist in the supervision of campers throughout the camp day, ensuring that campers are with their assigned group, are engaging in activities, and behaving safely and appropriately;
- Assist with the facilitation of daily activities in a way that is learner-centered, open-ended, and constructivist based;
- Engage with campers to deepen their learning experiences during camp;
- Create a positive and open learning environment for both staff and campers;
- Assist in the preparation for daily camp activities, including organizing all necessary materials, and ensuring staff are ready for the day;
- Follow all safety protocols and ensure staff and campers are using tools and equipment properly;
- Regularly check in and communicate with the Tinkering Camp Coordinator, counselors, and campers;
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of DCM mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures as related to camp activities;
- Provide weekly feedback about camp experience for camp management staff;
- Participate in all staff training;
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Relationships:
Reports to the Camp & Community Program Manager; daily tasks and coordination of activities given by Tinkering Camp Coordinator
Education and Experience:
- Experience working with young children and/or interest in working with children a must.
- Experience working in out-of-school time programming, such as other summer camps or afterschool programs is a plus.
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent customer service verbal communication skills.
- Must be punctual.
- Must exhibit patience and a willingness to listen and learn.
- Must exhibit problem solving, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
- Must work well in a collaborative team environment.
- Willing to be playful and curious.
The following abilities are required for the position: (a) Prepare daily camp setup including installing tents, moving tables, and setting out materials; (b) Stand, kneel and move for extended periods of time; (c) Climb up and down stairs or use an elevator daily (d) Bend, kneel, climb and reach; (e) Lift up to 50 pounds; (f) Tolerate noise and dust in the environment (g) Work outside in the heat and sun for an extended period of time.
Other:
- Must adhere to appropriate dress code
- Must be available according to a varied work schedule that includes weekdays between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm (schedule to be communicated ahead of time).
- Shift assignments dependent on camp registration numbers.
- Must be available for training June 1–5 2026, from 9:00a–2:00p.
HOW TO APPLY:
Download an Application
Please include a cover letter and your resume.
Submit to: [email protected]
or
DuPage Children’s Museum
301 N. Washington St.
Naperville, IL 60540
Attn: Human Resources
Benefit Statement
DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) offers paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program, free family membership to the museum, and a 403b plan.
For full time employees (those scheduled to work 30 hours or more per calendar week) in regular (nonseasonal) positions, DCM offers an extensive medical and ancillary benefit package to include:
- Medical insurance through UnitedHealthcare to include two PPO options and an HMO option. Coverage options are employee only, employee and child(ren), employee and spouse/domestic partner, and full family. Deduction cost sharing with each coverage option.
- Dental insurance through UnitedHealthcare. Coverage options are employee only, employee and child(ren), employee and spouse/domestic partner, and full family. Deduction cost sharing with each coverage option.
- Vision insurance through UnitedHealthcare. Coverage options are employee only, employee and child(ren), employee and spouse/domestic partner, and full family.
- Short Term Disability insurance through UnitedHealthcare. Benefits can be up to 60% of an employee’s salary (limitations exist for some preexisting conditions) and may cover day eight through week 13 of missing work and income due to an injury or illness.
- Group life insurance through UnitedHealthcare with a benefit of $25,000. This is an employee only coverage at no cost to the employee
- Supplemental life insurance through UnitedHealthcare. Coverage options for self, spouse, and child(ren) with varying coverage options. Evidence of insurability required above enrollee guaranteed minimum.
- Flexible Spending Account through Flexible Benefit Service LLC with medical, dependent care, transit, and parking enrollment options.
