Nature Camp Counselor

The Backcountry Wilderness Area’s mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Located at 5,920 feet in the heart of the Front Range, our 8,200-acre campus—featuring outdoor learning spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, a natural play space, garden, chicken coop and pastures with 20 chickens, 6 goats, and 2 donkeys, a state-of-the-art archery range, and horse corrals—serves as the ultimate learning environment. Camp Backcountry offers programs that provide a balance of hands-on science, field-based exploration, team building, camp games and songs, and adventure. All Nature Camp sessions are based on a theme including, but not limited to, forest ecology, high desert ecology, geology, entomology, weather and climate, Leave No Trace, and wilderness survival skills. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and teaching age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games related to the weekly theme. Nature Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising up to 20 children each day and actively interacting with and engaging campers during all Camp Backcountry programs. Counselors are the primary caregivers for campers and are also responsible for guiding children in their personal growth. Counselors are responsible for checking campers in and out for the day, maintaining high standards of health and safety, set up and clean-up of all camp activities, and following all camp policies and procedures. This position averages approximately 40 hours per week. Camp programming begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A typical workday is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., however Nature Camp staff may be scheduled anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. This position starts May 23, 2022 and ends August 5, 2022. HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements: • Candidates must be 18 years of age or older • Must have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children • Have a passion for nature and outdoor recreation • Working towards, or completion of, a bachelor's degree in education or a science field is preferred • Ability to plan, coordinate, and teach age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games related to each weekly theme • Ability to adapt lesson plans and instructions to meet a wide variety of learners • Knowledge of basic ecological principles and environmental issues • Ability to supervise and be responsible for the health and safety of up to 20 children each day • Ability to act as a mediator between campers • Show flexibility and adaptability in a fast paced and ever-changing environment • Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area at large • Strong communication skills with ability to effectively interact with people of all backgrounds • Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions • Must be cool-tempered and friendly • Previous childcare experience preferred. Candidates with prior childcare experience will be asked to provide verification of up to 1,040 hours of previous experience working with school-age children in a formal capacity • Current adult and pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications required, or ability to obtain before the first day of employment • Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record • Must be able to attend the mandatory staff training May 23 through May 27, 2022 • Must commit to working at least 9 of the 10 weeks of the camp season, May 31-August 5, 2022 Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Salary: $15.00 - $16.00/hour depending on qualifications

How to apply:

Submit your application online at www.HRCAonline.org/jobs.  Must include a resume and cover letter.