Title: Inclusive Educator

Classification: Fulltime or Part time, Seasonal

Supervisor: Camp Director

Hourly pay rate: $11.00-13.00 an hour with $200 bonus at completion of the full camp season.

Certain places have a magic that draws people to them. The Kalamazoo Nature Center is one of those places. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,400 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 14 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most special habitats in Michigan. Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create relationships & experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. KNC envisions a resilient community where all people have strong interconnections with the natural world.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the society in which we live. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Summary:
The Kalamazoo Nature Center Camp program aims to provide safe experiences that allow all children to grow into active and respectful community members through exploration of the natural world. The Inclusive Educator specializes in integrating campers with behavioral, emotional, cognitive or physical challenges into the group setting. Seeking an individual who is passionate about nature as a healing and healthy space for all. Also, able to implement and follow safety procedures. The Inclusive Educator will be supervised by and report to the Camp Director.
What we ask of our Inclusive Educator:

• Identify and meet camper needs. Work one-on-one with campers when needed.
• Work with camp administration to learn about individual campers and help to create and follow through with an individual plan for the camper.
• Create and Facilitate lesson plans and activities for Neurodiversity camps.
• Leads and guides staff assigned to work with neurodiversive campers.
• Help each camper meet the goals established by the camp for camper development.
• Ability to adapt activities as needed to ensure inclusion so that everyone can participate successfully.
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving with individuals and the group.
• Foster opportunities for interaction between campers and staff.
• Be engaging and actively involved in camp activities.
• Observe camper behavior, evaluate its appropriateness, and address with appropriate behavior management techniques as needed.
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively.
• Support counselors and help them develop an inclusion toolkit.
• Support with bus route supervision.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

What we ask of all Camp Staff:

• Provide an example of a model counselor on a consistent basis.
• Help all to be included and feel accepted by encouraging participation of all.
• Respect the diversity of culture and beliefs of our campers and fellow staff.
• Communicate consistently with supervisors about group life and camper situations.
• Observe camper behavior, evaluate its appropriateness, and enforce and implement appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Ensure and maintain the health and safety of camp participants and staff.
• Work well under pressure and stay calm. Be confident and make positive decisions.
• Responsible for the care of camps program equipment and facilities.
• Attend pre-camp training and in-service trainings during camp.
• Be versed in and demonstrate KNC’s policy and customer standards at all times.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule, which may include overnights and bus route supervision.
• Monitor campers for symptoms of illness and respond appropriately throughout camp.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older by the first week of camp.
• Must be able to supervise children 40 hours a week with periods of overnight duties.
• Must be able to negotiate hilly terrain, rustic trails, and walk several miles per day and possess the stamina to carry out camp programs in hot and humid Michigan climate over an extended period of time.
• Must possess visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activity.
• Must have a commitment to uphold a strong environmental ethic.
• Must possess the ability to communicate and work with groups of all ages and skill levels in order to provide necessary instruction to campers.
• Preference will be given to those who have earned or are working toward a degree in special education, general education, physical/occupational/recreational therapy or other related field; and have experience working with at risk children in an inclusive setting.
• Must have a strong work ethic and be able to commit to the 10-week camp schedule.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required, and applicants must be able to commit to the entire camp schedule.
• First-aid training and CPR certification preferred.

Paid staff training: June 3rd through June 8th. An overnight June 6th and Camp Open House June 8th. Archery training May 27th for some.

Camp sessions: June 10th through August 9th; some evenings/overnights may be required. Off July 1st through 5th in observance of Independence Day.

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is an equal opportunity organization that will not discriminate in its programs or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, height, weight, sexual orientation or gender identity, marital status, or political affiliation.