SAM Camp: Counselors and Senior Counselors

ABOUT THE ROLE

SAM Camp Counselors are a critical part of the SAM Camp experience each summer! Counselors assist Teaching Artists and Camp program staff to provide meaningful, hands‑on experiences for children and families. They will facilitate art experiences and provide creative guidance, classroom management, and mentorship for children entering grades 1–6 during SAM’s annual 3‑week summer camp, held at the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park.

There are 4‑6 openings for Counselors; interviews will take place on a rolling basis with final hiring decisions in early April.

Temporary, Non‑Exempt

Senior Manager of Teen & Family Programs, Manager of Family Programs

Counselors: $22/hour, Senior Counselors: $23/hour

June 29th – July 24th, 2026

SAM Camp Training:
Monday, June 29, 9am – 5pm (in‑person attendance required)

SAM Camp:
July 6 – July 24, Monday – Friday, 30 – 40 hrs a week

• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all SAM campers and promote positive social interactions.
• Lead, create, and facilitate age‑appropriate activities and games for elementary‑aged children in collaboration with SAM Camp counselors and staff.
• Provide developmentally appropriate guidance and support to campers as issues arise, maintaining open communication with co‑counselor and camp leadership.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and positive attitude toward campers, co‑workers, and the Museum, serving as a positive role model for children.
• Work directly with teaching artists and a team of camp counselors to prepare all materials and studio spaces, ensuring that studio spaces are organized, clean, and ready for the day.
• Support Teaching Artists with classroom management and during workshop instruction as needed and lead smooth transitions between scheduled activities.
• Support campers with art projects as needed and provide encouraging dialogue with open‑ended questions and constructive feedback.
• Respond to behavioral issues proactively and report them to SAM Camp Senior Counselor and SAM Education staff.

• Must be at least 16 years old upon hire.
• Experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Interest in elementary education, art, camp, social work, developmental psychology, youth mentorship, and/or museums.
• Experience with a variety of visual art mediums preferred, but not required.
• Ability to work efficiently and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to problem‑solve and respond to behavioral issues proactively, with the support of SAM Camp staff.
• Ability to adhere to Museum policies and to support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
• Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance.

Temporary SAM Staff have access to an onsite fitness facility at our Downtown location, and to SAM’s museum libraries. They can also access a no‑cost Employee Assistance Program resource, enjoy a 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop and a 10% discount at SAM’s MARKET cafe, receive 2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked, have a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums, can access 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year, and accrue paid sick leave at a rate of .0385 per hour worked.

Seattle Art Museum’s vision is to be the museum for all of Seattle—a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. To create a welcoming community where people find inspiration and discover our common humanity through exceptional art and dynamic, engaging programs. Art is always at the start and heart of what we do.

Collecting, conserving, and displaying extraordinary works of art is the governing motivation of our museum. So too is fostering a vigorous exchange of ideas while cultivating connection with the broad array of communities we serve. As the leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest, SAM shares its global connections, powerful exhibitions, and dynamic programs to engage, educate, and inspire.

SAM is a vibrant, three‑site organization that is supported by 365 employees, 10 executive leaders,…