Assistant Camp Counselor

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research, and horticultural display. Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. Home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants, the Morris Arboretum is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is seeking Assistant Camp Counselors for our vibrant full-day Summer Adventure Camp. Our campers are between the ages of 4-11 years old and will be divided into groups based on age. Campers will spend the majority of their time outdoors in our beautiful arboretum setting, and counselors should have an interest in both teaching and environmental science. The assistant camp counselors will work with lead counselors and help with lessons, crafts, hikes, hands-on activities, and any other duties as assigned.  All camp counselors must be dependable and must be comfortable working outdoors with children.

Summer Camp runs for six weeks from July 5th - August 12, 2022 with hours from 9 am-3 pm, and counselors should be present from 8:30 am-3:30 pm each day. There will also be a paid orientation in late June.

Duties:

Acquire working knowledge of Arboretum grounds as well as camp materials and supplies
Acquire working knowledge of thematic activities in curriculum
Work collaboratively with fellow counselors to determine daily activities and which supplies are needed
Serve as a role model to campers and staff by maintaining a positive attitude and behavior
Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures. Report any issues to supervisor

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Interest in gaining teaching experience in an informal setting (required)
• Able to work outdoors all summer and spend long periods of time walking or playing games with children (required)
• Willingness to follow directions provided by camp counselors and Arboretum staff (required)
• Participation in camp orientation prior to the start of camp (required)
• Love of nature and desire to share this experience with children (preferred)
• Patience, dependability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and sensitivity (preferred)

* The University of Pennsylvania requires that all summer employees, regardless of age, agree to submit a fingerprinting, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record check, and Child Abuse clearance through the University’s Hire Right system.

Compensation: $15 per hour

How to apply:

Email resume, cover letter, and references to Ilana Grubin, igrubin@upenn.edu