Camp naturalists and assistant naturalists will glean techniques, skills, and hands-on experiences while serving in a supportive role for the group leader (camp naturalists) during nature focused summer camp at Shaver’s Creek. This supportive role includes assisting with group management, leading games/activities, singing songs, reading stories and addressing the needs of campers. Through this experience you will learn how to work well with children outdoors, design activities/games, set goals, and grow through leadership experiences.

Summary

Details:

Camp naturalists design/choose the contents of their own lesson plans and mentor a peer-aged assistant naturalist and teenage volunteer Leader-In-Training (LIT).
Camp assistant naturalists are with the campers and able to lead materials as they are comfortable, but also are developing larger group leadership and lesson planning skills.
Camp takes place in nature, with her as our content and focus for building connections to the natural world and each other.
Folks work 47-53 hours a week.
This is a day camp (though Friday night half the staff stay overnight with programming).
Some housing is available but on an as-needed and first-come-first served basis.
The season is June 1 - August 1, 2026. This includes 2 weeks of training, 6 total weeks of camp, and 1 week in the middle with less hours and some additional training.

To apply, submit a cover letter (explaining why you want to work at Shaver’s Creek summer camp and corresponding skills), your résumé, and a list of three references on the Penn State Jobs website.

Questions? Reach out to Tesha “Skye” Omeis or visit the website for more information!

Compensation Information

Camp naturalists make $11.50/hour; Assistant camp naturalist make $10.50/hour
Pay for staff is hours, with all hours worked above 40 a week paid at time and a half.

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Summer Camp Naturalist