Lead Nature Camp Instructor: Wilderness Specialist

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Camp in Quechee, VT helps young people develop the life skills necessary to be a positive force for their community and the environment in a fun and exciting summer of exploration and adventure.  With 51 years of environmental education experience, VINS seeks passionate, conservation minded individuals who desire to work with children in an outdoor setting.  Wilderness Camp Instructors are responsible for leading and teaching natural science topics with an emphasis on backcountry and wilderness survival skills to children ages 6 – 13 in an outdoor camp environment.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct leadership for up to 14 campers throughout weekly day camp sessions at the VINS Nature Center and offsite camp locations
• Provide direct leadership for up to 12 campers for overnight camp experiences including one week-long overnight camp at an offsite camp location
• Oversee the health and safety of campers, create emotionally healthy environment
• Plan weekly camp curriculums
• Teach educational camp programs related to natural sciences, wilderness survival skills and outdoor target archery for a variety of age groups
• Facilitate a wide range of activities including group games, outdoor sports, adventure scenarios, leadership skills, crafts, nature hikes and other hands-on activities
• Supervise all aspects for camp group including but not limited to, equipment usage, lesson and activity plans, cleanliness of camp area, risk management, and camper behavior
• Share planning and teaching responsibilities with co-instructors
• Support and mentor other instructors and Leaders-in-Training (L-I-Ts)
• Maintain excellent rapport and constant communication with parents of camp participants
• Utilize approved safety practices in all activities
• Understand and be able to implement emergency procedures
• Use and maintain VINS equipment appropriately
• Develop and maintain excellent communication with the Lead Nature Camp, Nature Camp Assistant, other instructors, VINS staff and volunteers
• Act as a professional representative of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science
• Participate in all scheduled camp staff training sessions and camp events
• Consult with VINS educators, researchers and wildlife rehabilitation specialists to bring added content to camp programs, as appropriate

Specific duties will vary according to program, age range, and camp location.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or currently working towards a degree in education, natural sciences, or related field of study preferred
• Previous work experience with groups of children, experience with summer camps, environmental education, outdoor education preferred
• Experience and knowledge of wilderness survival skills and general knowledge of basic ecological processes and New England natural history
• Instruction experience in archery, canoeing, Leave No Trace, wilderness first aid, and backcountry travel, a plus
• Experience developing curriculum or programs, a plus
• Passionate about conservation and environmental education
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to and facilitate change
• Excellent group communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to carry bulky, heavy teaching equipment (up to 40 lbs.)
• Ability to lead field trips over diverse terrain in all weather conditions
• Current driver’s license and clean driving record
• USA Archery Level 1 instructor certification, to be provided during training period
• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification, or willing to obtain
• Lifeguard Certification, or willing to obtain
• General computer literacy including ability to use Microsoft Office programs

All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal record check.

Compensation and Work Schedule:

• Seasonal position
• Compensation: $14.50+ per hour commensurate with experience
• Work schedule is Monday – Friday, includes one week of overnight camp, Monday – Friday
• The term of employment is June 8, 2023 through August 25, 2023

To Apply:

Apply online at: https://vinsnaturecampstaff.campbrainstaff.com/

or

Send cover letter, resume and references to camps@vinsweb.org