Summer Camp Instructor

As a Camp Instructor, you will facilitate a successful camp experience by keeping campers engaged with a variety of educational games and activities while being responsible for their safety and most of their daily schedule. Summer Camp Instructors will be part of a cohort of five seasonal instructors, and will work closely with other members of our Education staff throughout the summer, as well as with up to 3 youth/adult volunteers per week. As we have a limit of four groups of campers per session, each week instructors will take turns not leading a camp group, being in a supporting role who will float between groups and support camp programming as needed. Summer Camp Instructors will lead and develop nature- and farm-based activities and will learn more about organic farming and outdoor program facilitation. Camp Instructors will also contribute to farming and site upkeep as needed during the weeks between camp sessions, as well as having the opportunity to work with our other program teams (such as Conservation/Restoration, Agricultural Production, Native Plant Nursery) depending on interest/availability. This position would be a great fit for an energetic person who enjoys and appreciates the outdoors and who has experience leading summer camp groups, mentoring youth, and facilitating outdoor games and activities.

POSITION DETAILS

The Summer Camp Instructor position is Seasonal Full-Time (average of 40 hours per week).  The starting date for this position is June 12th, 2024, with the position ending August 30th, 2024. There is a possibility of one of the positions being extended through November 9th, to support fall environmental education programming. The work schedule is primarily Monday-Friday with rare weekend work. Camp instructors must be available to work on all training and camp weeks, see details below.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead your group of campers, ages 7-11, in farm- and nature-based camp activities
• Ensure safety of campers and volunteers
• Contribute to prep in advance of summer camp sessions
• Plan and lead the day-to-day activities of your summer camp group
• Facilitate games, songs, stories, and activities (including crafts, cooking, hands-on games, hiking, and farming)
• Participate and support facilitation in all-camp activities
• Promote community minded and constructive following camp guidelines
• Facilitate conflict resolution between campers with the support of Camp Director
• Work with and give direction to volunteer(s) assigned to your group
• Assist in set-up and clean-up of daily camp activities
• Work with other Oxbow departments including but not limited to the farm team, native plant nursery, and events team during non-camp weeks
• Participate in debriefing meetings to assist overall program success

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous summer camp instructor or comparable experience preferred
• Experience working with children, especially ages 7-11
• High-energy and playful
• Exceptionally positive attitude
• Self-driven and motivated
• Experience facilitating educational outdoor games and activities
• Ability to do physical work, including standing for several hours, walk on uneven terrain, occasional high-energy activity (running, active games with children), and working outdoors in various conditions including high temperatures
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and teaching technique
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Positive leadership skills, understanding of and experience with positive/constructive behavior management techniques for youth
• Skill in language other than English (esp. Spanish) preferred, but not required
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Possess or are willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED certification within 2 weeks of start date (training/certification cost will be compensated)
• Possess or are willing to obtain Washington State Food Handling certification within 2 weeks of start date (training/certification cost will be compensated)
• A musical inclination, video or photo skills, theatrical experience, or any other sort of artistic expertise is a plus! Please make note of any skills you have in your cover letter
• All Oxbow employees are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19, and adhere to company policy regarding masking and other safety policies and procedures

Priority program dates for the Summer 2024 season (staffing needs are most critical for these periods, but there will also be 40 hours of work during non-camp weeks):

• Staff training: June 12-14, 17-21 (excluding the 19th, for the Juneteenth Holiday)
• Camp Session 1: June 24- June 28
• Camp Session 2: July 8-12
• Camp Session 3: July 22-26
• Camp Session 4: Aug 5-9
• Camp Session 5: Aug 19-23

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff members bring to their work and their communities.

Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.