Mandatory Qualifications
Interns must be 16 years old by June 10th, 2025. River City High School students must have completed at least one course in one of WUSD’s Career Technical Education Pathways. View qualifying courses here. Yolo High School and Washington Middle College students must have a recommendation form filled out by a teacher or counselor. All participants must have also participated in or watched a recording of an online informational session about the internships offered by the Home Run team.
Responsibilities
Interns will help plan and coordinate activities for Camp Yampa under the guidance of a teacher. Responsibilities include:
Leading games and learning activities to engage 5th–8th grade participants.
Assisting campers in developing concepts and designs for a culminating performance.
Supporting students in crafting performance elements, staging, rehearsing, and executing a music and acting showcase for the community.
Assisting with attendance, lunch distribution, setup and cleanup of activities.
Participating in planning meetings and post-camp debriefing sessions.
About the Business
Camp Yampa is a summer program designed for students in grades 5 through 8, focusing on engaging participants in creative arts and performance activities. Guided by experienced educators and interns, campers collaborate to develop concepts and designs for a culminating community performance. The camp emphasizes skill development in areas such as music, theater, and dance, while fostering communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking among participants. Throughout the camp, students engage in games and learning activities, work on crafting performance elements, and participate in staging and rehearsals, all leading up to a final showcase for the community. Additional activities include attendance tracking, lunch distribution, and setup and cleanup of events. Camp Yampa offers a comprehensive experience that nurtures artistic expression and personal growth in a supportive environment.
Preferred Abilities
Preferred Skills & Qualities:
* Strong initiative and ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
* Clear communication and patience when interacting with peers, younger children, and supervisors.
* Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations with flexibility and creativity.
Desired Experience & Personal Characteristics:
* Background in music, visual arts, theatre, video production, or dance (through coursework, performance, or related experience).
* Experience working with children or youth is highly desirable.
* Positive attitude and comfort working with participants of various ages, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Learning outcomes
Develop backward planning skills to set and achieve progress goals for the final performance.
Gain experience in lesson planning and instruction for middle school visual and performing arts students as you plan, produce, and present a student-driven performance.
Strengthen communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills through daily tasks.
Additional Skills Interns Will Develop at Camp Yampa
Lesson Planning for Children: Interns will gain hands-on experience in designing and adapting lesson plans to engage young learners in creative and performing arts. This includes: Backward Planning & Goal-Setting: Understanding how to structure lessons with a final performance in mind, setting benchmarks for progress. Engagement Strategies: Learning how to create interactive and dynamic activities that keep 5th–8th graders focused and excited. Differentiation & Adaptability: Adjusting lessons to accommodate different learning styles, skill levels, and interests. Classroom Management Techniques: Practicing methods for guiding student behavior, maintaining a positive learning environment, and handling challenges effectively.
Production Planning for a Community Performance: Interns will take an active role in producing a student-driven performance, learning key skills such as: Event Coordination: Managing timelines, rehearsals, and technical preparations leading up to the final show. Stage & Set Design: Assisting with visual storytelling through props, backdrops, and stage layouts. Rehearsal Management: Scheduling and structuring rehearsals, giving feedback, and ensuring performers are prepared. Technical & Logistical Support: Understanding basic sound, lighting, and backstage management for a live event.
Leadership & Mentorship: Interns will develop strong leadership skills as they guide and mentor younger students. This includes: Leading Small Groups: Running breakout sessions in acting, music, movement, or visual arts. Building Confidence & Creativity: Encouraging students to take risks, express themselves, and develop original ideas. Providing Constructive Feedback: Learning how to offer praise and guidance in a way that supports growth and improvement.
Communication & Collaboration: Interns will strengthen their ability to work with peers, supervisors, and students in a team setting. Key skills include: Effective Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication: Practicing clear, engaging ways to instruct and motivate students. Teamwork & Adaptability: Learning how to collaborate with fellow interns, teachers, and staff to execute activities and performances successfully. Problem-Solving & Quick Thinking: Handling unexpected challenges and making adjustments as needed.
Project & Time Management: Interns will gain valuable experience in organizing and executing multi-step projects, such as: Meeting Deadlines: Balancing planning, instruction, and production responsibilities to stay on track. Prioritization & Task Delegation: Understanding how to allocate time and resources efficiently. Reflection & Growth: Participating in post-camp debriefing to assess what worked well and where improvements can be made. By the end of the internship, participants will have built a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for future opportunities in arts education, leadership, and creative event production.
Special Project
1. Designing, Teaching, and Managing Daily Camp Yampa Activities
Interns will play an active role in creating and leading engaging activities for campers, fostering both artistic growth and teamwork. This includes:
* Curriculum Development: Collaborating with teachers to plan engaging, age-appropriate games, creative exercises, and learning activities focused on theater, music, and the visual arts.
* Lesson Delivery: Leading small group instruction, guiding students through exercises in acting, movement, improvisation, music, or visual storytelling.
* Classroom & Behavior Management: Ensuring a positive, structured environment that encourages participation, cooperation, and creative expression.
* Daily Logistics: Helping with attendance, transitions between activities, setup and cleanup, and general supervision of campers.
2. Guiding Students in Producing and Presenting a Community Performance
Interns will be integral in bringing the final performance to life, helping campers conceptualize, rehearse, and present a showcase for family and community members. Responsibilities include:
* Concept & Story Development: Assisting students in brainstorming and refining performance ideas, developing a script, storyline, or theme for the show.
* Stage & Production Support: Helping with set design, prop creation, costumes, and technical elements like sound and lighting (as applicable).
* Music & Acting Coaching: Encouraging young performers to develop confidence and expression through vocal, movement, and acting exercises.
* Rehearsal Facilitation: Running practice sessions, giving constructive feedback, and ensuring the show comes together smoothly.
* Performance Execution: Supporting campers backstage, managing cues, and assisting with the logistics of the final performance for the community.
Additional Information
An intern at Camp Yampa will work in a variety of dynamic environments designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. These environments may include:
* Classroom & Workshop Spaces – Interns will help facilitate structured activities, such as lesson planning, concept development, and small group instruction in music, theater, or visual arts.
* Outdoor Recreation Areas – Many camp activities, including team-building exercises, warm-up games, and movement-based learning, may take place in outdoor settings like parks, fields, or courtyards.
* Performance Spaces – Interns will assist campers in rehearsals and production work in areas such as an auditorium, black box theater, or multipurpose room, where they help with stage direction, set design, and performance coordination.
* Common Areas & Dining Spaces – Responsibilities may also extend to supervising campers during lunch breaks, assisting with meal distribution, and managing transitions between activities.
* Behind-the-Scenes Workspaces – Interns may engage in planning meetings, debriefing sessions, and logistical coordination in offices or designated staff areas to ensure the smooth operation of camp activities.
Overall, interns will navigate a mix of structured and flexible environments, requiring adaptability, enthusiasm, and strong interpersonal skills
This internship will be paired with Washington Unified School District's Expanded Learning Opportunity Programs (ELOP) at various school sites.