Summer Camp Assistant

The White Memorial Conservation Center is a private, nonprofit nature center and museum that provides year-round education programs for children and adults. The Center is nestled in the heart of The White Memorial Foundation, a 4,000 nature sanctuary in the northwestern hills of CT. Four guiding principles direct our work: education, conservation, recreation, and research. Please peruse whitememorialcc.org for more information on our property.  

White Memorial is looking for a Summer Camp Assistant for 5 weeks, spanning from July 8 to August 9, 2024 (plus a few preparation dates to be determined). This person will work directly with the Education Director in facilitating a nature program called Exploration Camp, geared for children entering grades 3-9. This camp will take us on adventures, both on White Memorial property, and also to natural areas throughout Northwest CT. The first two weeks are designated for 3th and 4th graders, the second two weeks for 5th and 6th graders, and the last week for 7-9th graders. The camp runs on weekdays from 9:30am-3:30pm. This employee is asked to work from 9am-4pm at $16/hour. Shared housing may be available if needed. 

The main duty of the Camp Assistant is to carry out any tasks assigned by the Education Director, which will include, but may not be limited to:
- Interact with the camp children (up to 13) each day
- Help with general supervision, both on location and during van trips
- Be the “caboose” on our frequent, moderate hikes
- Assist with any necessary first aid, and check the first aid kits to be sure all materials are in stock
- Perform frequent head counts while out exploring
- Help to resolve social problems amongst the children
- Check in children and take attendance each morning, as well as oversee pick-up
- Check meeting space for children’s belongings
- Disinfect the meeting space daily after campers leave
- Facilitate activities developed by the Education Director
- Take pictures of daily activities, as well as a group photo, each week and compile into a slide show
- Help Education Director interpret local natural history
- Fill in for the Education Director when needed

Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of at least 1-3 years of college education in the fields of environmental education, natural history interpretation, conservation biology, elementary education, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- Prior experience working with young children
- Enthusiasm interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world
- Comfort in speaking publicly and managing groups of up to 13 children
- Introductory knowledge of the area’s natural history
- A valid driver’s license 
- Current First Aid certification (or the ability to obtain before June 15, 2024)
- An updated physical within 36 months (or the ability to obtain one before June 15, 2024)
- A background check once employment is secured

How to Apply: 
Applications are due by April 15. Please send a cover letter stating the specific job title(s) you are applying for, a resume, and a list of 3 references to Carrie Szwed, Education Director, at carrie@whitememorialcc.org, or mail to: White Memorial Conservation Center, P.O. Box 368, 80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield, CT 06759