Summer Camp Counselor/Naturalist

Description: Counselor/Naturalists will be responsible for supporting summer camps at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES). Naturalists will serve as educators, caretakers, and mentors for all camp participants. Each week at CWES is different and requirements from staff vary. During the summer, CWES offers:

1. Residential Summer Camps: Campers stay overnight for anywhere from a few nights to a full week depending on the session. Some overnight sessions include off-site camping.
2. Day Camp: Campers join CWES staff for the day for nature-based activities and camp programming and return home each night.
3. Contract and Specialty Camps: CWES staff facilitate outside groups that come to use the property and our equipment. These groups come with their own leadership but CWES staff still have the opportunity to connect and interact with campers.

When overnight CWES camp is in session, staff are given a 3 hour block off daily. During off-time you are welcome to leave the site to run errands or stay on CWES grounds to wash laundry, kayak, hike, relax, etc.

Daily/Weekly Staff Responsibilities & Duties:

• Attend and participate in staff meetings
• Facilitate camp check in/check out, meals, and other relevant procedures
• Under the direct supervision of the Camp Director, present environmental educational programs and lead games and activities (such as archery, boating, arts, tree climbing,, zipline, etc.)
• Facilitate group competitions and relays with campers
• Assist lifeguards in waterfront supervision
• Assist with setting up and maintenance of equipment and locations on site
• Ensure the safety and well-being of camp participants
• Utilize appropriate behavior management techniques as trained, or seek guidance when unsure how to proceed
• Maintain professional communication with all other staff members, including radio use
• Reside in a cabin with campers when assigned to do so. This involves ensuring the campers are prepared in the morning, that lights-out is enforced, that they are cared for overnight, and includes fostering a positive group dynamic as well as addressing the needs of the individual
• Assist in camp projects as needed, including the final camp cleanup week
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older
• Must successfully pass a background and reference check, conducted by UW-Stevens Point
• CPR, AED and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification prior to employment (reimbursed at the end of summer)
• Obtain Wisconsin Boater Safety certification, or ability to obtain certification prior to employment (reimbursed at the end of summer)
• Must maintain effective, appropriate, and sustained mental, emotional, and social interaction while working in camp's youth-centered and dynamic environment
• Must adapt to changing needs/environment, independent problem solving, and clear communication with campers/staff/community members
• Must be capable of living on-site at CWES and working a flexible schedule with long hours

Qualifications: Training, experience or significant interest in…

• Natural resources/outdoor skills
• Delivering educational programs
• Working with youth and people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities

Application Information: To apply, please submit a resume and 3 references (Name, Relation, Number & Email) to CWES Program Manager (listed below). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted as applications are received.

Employment Contact: Rachel Loomis, Program Manager, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station Email: [email protected] | Telephone: 716-346-2798

For more information about the position, please visit our website: Employment Opportunities - University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (uwsp.edu)