Junior Summer Camp Naturalist

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Job Commitment: 2 days of camp training and 2 to 8 weeks of camp (must commit to at least 2 weeks of camp + training)

Dates and Times Training (tentative): June 9 and June 22. Camp sessions (confirmed): June 25-29, July 2-6 (no camp July 4), July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-August 3, August 6-10, August 13-17, August 20-24, August 27-31. M-F, 8:30 am-3:00pm each day.

Camp Overview: Our day-camp curricula are designed to promote environmental conservation through education and recreation. To achieve this we focus on hands-on exploration, play and the concept of "learning by doing". Depending on the weekly theme, campers may explore ethnobotany, growing food, art, survival skills, and a variety of sciences from looking at insects to studying phenology. We want to develop a nature connection in our campers through fun, educational experiences in and about nature.

General Duties: This position is ideal for junior and senior high school students, and college students interested in working with children outside in nature. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm for kids, playing outside and gaining leadership skills. Junior Summer Camp Naturalists will assist Summer Camp Naturalists to plan and provide an exceptional day camp experience. Each Junior Naturalist will be paired with a Summer Camp Naturalist and together they will be responsible for a group of up to 12 campers. Junior Naturalists will collaborate with their Summer Camp Naturalist to determine their role and responsibilities within the group.

Junior Naturalists will have the opportunity to lead games and activities with the guidance of their Summer Camp Naturalist. This position is designed to provide experience and skills in teaching and working with children, expand environmental knowledge and guide teens in developing leadership skills.

Essential Tasks:

• Assist Summer Camp Naturalists
• Engage, interact and play with campers
• Attend training
• Perform related duties as required

Requirements:

• Strong work ethic, punctual, and dependable
• Excellent interpersonal skills with staff, children, and parents
• Must be able to comply with and maintain a smoke-free and drug-free work environment
• Must be 14 years old at start of camp

Desirable:

• 16 years old at start of camp
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Interest in working with children
• Some background in ecology, botany, biology, environmental education or related areas
• Flexible and open to new experiences
• Exhibits patience and responsibility
• Can role model mature behavior
• Ability to work as a team member

Compensation:

• Fulfillment of volunteer or service-learning requirements (up to 240 hours)
• Letter of recommendation upon request following a successful completion of the internship