Summer Forest Friends Camp Counselor

Job description 

Summer Camp Counselors facilitate outdoor nature camps with children, working closely with a co-counselor, and in some cases, a parent volunteer or intern. Tasks include thoughtful implementation of nature-based activities and experiences that are guided by the children’s emergent interests. Counselors reflect on learning each day and document camps through photos and videos, as well as blog posts and/or emails to families. Counselors collaborate with other staff and/or volunteers to provide a fun outdoor camp experience that upholds state licensing requirements for primitive camps. Counselors set the tone for learning as engaged, enthusiastic role models of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive atmosphere.

This position requires a blend of qualifications. It is important to have an understanding of developmentally appropriate activities for young children as well as a basic understanding of natural history and/or environmental education. Candidates should possess curiosity, if not deep understanding, of the local ecosystem with a commitment to helping young children develop their ecological identities through inquiry and play while at nature camp.

Position requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers and parents, open dialogue about children’s progress, and interfacing with Glen Meadows Retirement Community partners and residents.

Primary Job Responsibilities: 

• Responsible for planning and facilitating immersive outdoor experiences for young children during camp. This includes maintaining a safe, loving environment with safety routines that protect yet empower children, including policies to safeguard against the spread of illness per MDH camp licensing requirements.
• Nurture individualized needs of children while managing whole group experiences and unstructured play.
• Maintain required health and safety documents (i.e. sign in sheets, emergency contact information, medical forms, daily site scans, etc.)
• With help from co-counselor, do daily set-up/break-down of the outdoor classroom (hands-washing station, fire ring, toilet tent, etc.).
• Develop, record, and implement camp plans based on children’s and seasonal interests.
• Participate in community-building initiatives with staff and local partners as needed (i.e. Friday nature play dates for families)
• Manage materials and equipment; request new materials as needed.
• Participate in daily debrief with co-counselor, perform on-going self-evaluation and program evaluation.
• Other duties that support families, children, and staff will also be assigned as needed.

Read full job description at naturalcommunity.org/jobs