EcoCamp Counselor

Overview:

Pickering Creek Audubon Center conserves natural habitats on Maryland’s Eastern Shore by engaging and empowering our community through exploration, education and stewardship. The Center includes 450 acres of mature hardwood forests, fresh and brackish wetlands, meadow, agriculture and over a mile of shoreline.

Pickering Creek’s EcoCamp has been well subscribed to by campers for over 15 years, with the program typically selling out. The camp provides rewarding and engaging outdoor experiences with nature that inspire kids to want to be outside. Camp counselors serve as mentors in encouraging exploration, and use activities to guide campers to new experiences and finding what interests them in nature.

Position Summary:

The EcoCamp Counselor position is a 10 week, 37-40 hour per week position that runs from June 5 to August 18, 2023 with 3 unpaid holidays on June 19, July 3rd &4th. A camp week runs Monday through Friday (except the first week, which will run Tuesday-Friday to observe Juneteenth on the 19th). Though there are no campers during the week of July 3rd and 4th, counselors will use the remaining 3 days of the week to plan and prepare for the upcoming weeks. The work-day goes from 8 am to 5pm, with campers here from 9am to 4pm. Some weekend and evening time is required. Counselors will work closely with the EcoCamp Director and Assistant Director to lead camper groups and empower and utilize teen volunteers (aka Junior Naturalists) to assist in running our successful seven week, nature-themed day camp for K-7th graders. On-site housing for this position is available.

Essential Functions:

• Create a safe and fun environment so campers can explore, discover , and play at their own pace throughout our forest, creek, and wetlands. Lead a group of campers (typically 12 per week). Campers entering K through 7th grades are arranged into age groups, and each of the 3 counselors will work with all age groups throughout the summer.
• Assist in training and supervising our teen Junior Naturalists to help jumpstart child-led exploration, create and lead activities appropriate for each age group, weekly camp theme and habitat. Up to 9 different Junior Naturalists will be present during each camp week.
• Work with camp staff to make adjustments to activities and tools provided to campers based on interest, group dynamic and weather.
• Serve as a role model naturalist to our campers and Junior Naturalists. Lead by example in respectfully interacting with nature and each other.
• Participate in animal care and tank maintenance. While camp is in session, schedule a time with the Assistant Director to have your campers “meet” the animals.
• Work with staff to maintain and keep clean our trails, buildings, and equipment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least one year of experience working with children in an educational setting. One year experience may be achieved by combining time from multiple positions or roles.
• Canoe/kayak experience or ability to learn. Must be comfortable canoeing with children.
• You must be prepared to get dirty and investigate the natural world alongside the campers as they self-direct their exploration.
• Enjoy working with children of all ages in an outdoor setting.
• Dependable, energetic, flexible, patient, and self-motivated.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to supervise teen volunteers.
• Professional and friendly manner.
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• Apply Here: https://pickering-creek-audubon-center.breezy.hr/p/a9c82c3b8599-ecocamp-counselor