What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nature Explorers Summer Camp Educators position at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center?
About Us:
Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center’s mission is to foster experiences that inspire connection to the natural world and its many inhabitants. For 35 years, BEEC has provided southeastern Vermont with high-quality outdoor education programs that ignite curiosity, imagination, and environmental stewardship.
Position Overview:
Nature Explorers Summer Camps invite children ages 4-11 to explore and discover the natural world through inquiry, hands-on activities, lessons, games, stories, crafts, and music. This role is perfect for someone who loves working with children, enjoys being outside, and brings flexibility, kindness, and a love of learning through play and exploration
Why You’ll Love This Role:
- Spend your summer outdoors, exploring forests, fields, and wetlands.
- Guide children in hands-on adventures that foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of nature.
- Work with a supportive, collaborative team that values learning, mentorship, and shared responsibility.
Responsibilities:
- Create a welcoming, fun, safe, supportive, and inclusive camp experience where children explore, imagine, play, and learn.
- Plan and lead hands-on, nature-based activities in collaboration with other camp staff.
- Support children with diverse needs and ensure all children can participate meaningfully in camp experiences.
- Carry out both planned and emergent curriculum that responds to children’s interests and developmental needs.
- Communicate respectfully with families and support positive family–camp relationships.
- Collaborate with colleagues to reflect on, adapt, and improve programming.
- Implement program policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Set up and clean up for daily activities and maintain materials and equipment.
- Administer first aid as needed.
Qualifications:
- Experience working with children, preferably in outdoor, camp, or nature-based settings.
- Compassionate, enthusiastic, flexible, patient, creative, and collaborative.
- Knowledge of and passion for the natural world.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Comfort working outdoors in variable weather conditions.
- Commitment to inclusive practices that meet the diverse needs of children.
Requirements:
All staff must currently have and/or be willing to obtain:
- Personal transportation
- First Aid / CPR certification
- Medication Administration training
- Mandated Reporter certification
- Ability to pass a national criminal background check
Lead Educators for this state licensed program must be at least 20 years old, a high school graduate (or GED), and meet one of the following:
- Completion of 12 college credits with an early childhood or school-age focus and at least 12 months of experience working with children in grades 3 and younger; or
- Associate degree in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services and 12 months experience; or
- Child Care Certificate from the Community College of Vermont and 12 months experience; or
- Completion of the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; or
- Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Two or Three Certificate
Assistant Educators for this state licensed program must be at least 18 years old, able to comprehend basic written materials, and meet one of the following qualifications:
- High school graduate or GED, with plans to complete a three-credit college course in child or human development or school-age care and education; or
- High school graduate or GED, with plans to complete the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course or the Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate; or
- Currently enrolled in or has completed a State Board of Education–approved Human Services Program Certificate emphasizing child development or early childhood education.
Dates and hours:
Training during the week of June 22. Summer camp weeks are June 29th to August 7th. Camp hours for staff are 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. Preference will be given to an individual that can work all 6 weeks of camp, but we will consider part time or partial summer applications. Please state your availability in your letter of interest.
Pay: Assist $16-19, Lead $21 - $24 / hour, based on qualifications and experience. If you have specific requirements, please let us know in your letter of interest.
Apply today:
Help children develop a lifelong love of nature and make this summer unforgettable! Please send your letter of interest and resume to jobs@beec.org. Positions are open until they are filled. We look forward to reviewing your application. Thank you!
Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center
802-257-5785 ~ BEEC.org ~ PO Box 2318 / 1223 Bonnyvale Rd, West Brattleboro VT 05303
Pay: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16 - $19