Lead Camp Counselor

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research, and horticultural display. Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. Home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants, the Morris Arboretum is a hub for botany, horticulture and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

The Lead Camp Counselors will plan engaging activities and supervise groups of children who are between the ages of 4-11 years old. All camp activities should be hands-on and will include hiking expeditions, science lessons, arts & crafts, and games. Counselors will work collaboratively with a team of education professionals at the Arboretum. In addition, Lead Counselors will also help to direct an Assistant Camp Counselor and CITs.

Summer Camp runs for six weeks from July 5th - August 12, 2022 with hours from 9 am-3 pm, and counselors should be present from 8:30 am-3:30 pm each day.  Lead counselors will be paid for 38 hours a week (35 hours at camp, plus up to 3 hours each week for prep and planning time). There will also be a paid orientation in late June.

Duties:

• Acquire working knowledge of Arboretum grounds as well as camp materials and supplies
• Acquire working knowledge of thematic activities in curriculum
• Implement a week-long series of creative and engaging hands-on activities that will educate and inspire children in an informal setting
• Develop daily schedule to include time for multiple activities, snack, and lunch
• Serve as a role model to campers and staff by maintaining a positive attitude and behavior
• Model leadership skills for Assistant Counselor and CITs and work collaboratively with all staff
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures. Report any issues to supervisor

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A proven track record of teaching young children (required)
• Ability to implement a week-long series of creative and engaging hands-on activities that will educate and inspire children in an informal setting (required)
• Willingness to work both independently and collaboratively with other camp counselors and Arboretum staff
• Able to work outdoors all summer and spend long periods of time walking or playing games with children
• Serve a role model to others at camp by maintaining a positive attitude and behavior (required)
• Able to follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures (required)
• Must pass PA child abuse history clearance, fingerprinting, and PA State Police Criminal Record Check
• Strong background in the environmental sciences and natural studies (preferred)
• Love of nature and desire to share this experience with children (preferred)

* The University of Pennsylvania requires that all summer employees, regardless of age, agree to submit a fingerprinting, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record check, and Child Abuse clearance through the University’s Hire Right system.

Compensation: $16 - $18 per hour

How to apply:

Email resume, cover letter, and references to Ilana Grubin, igrubin@upenn.edu