What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Counselor position at Friends of Silver Lake Nature Center?
Join the Silver Lake Nature Center's 2026 Summer Camp Team
Silver Lake Nature Center (SLNC) is on the lookout for energetic and creative individuals to join our 2026 Summer Camp team. If you are passionate about nature, education, and working with children, this opportunity is perfect for you!
About the Camp
SLNC's Summer Camp is a nature-based program designed for children aged 5 to 14. Our camp combines education and fun through a variety of activities including games, crafts, fishing, kayaking, and daily hikes—all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. The camp will run for 10 weeks, from June 15th to August 21st, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with extended care options available.
Position Details
- Work Schedule: Full day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, during the 10 camp weeks.
- Additional Shifts: Participation in before care (starting at 7:30 am) or after care (ending at 5:30 pm) is required. Counselors may be assigned one shift per day.
- Training: A training week from June 8th to June 12th, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, is mandatory.
- Compensation: $15 per hour.
- Housing: Potential on-site housing available
Qualifications
- At least two years of college education; degree completion is a plus.
- Background in environmental science and/or education is preferred.
- Lifeguard certification is beneficial.
- Strong teamwork skills and the ability to maintain high energy levels.
- Prior experience working with children.
- A genuine passion for SLNC's mission to inspire connections with nature across all ages and abilities.
- Background checks are mandatory. All candidates must successfully complete required background clearances prior to employment, including a PA State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 34), PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151), and FBI Federal Criminal History Record Information with fingerprinting (Act 114).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement engaging lesson plans for children aged 5-14.
- Oversee and participate in environmental education programs.
- Supervise campers during before and after care hours.
- Guide Counselors-In-Training (CITs) assigned to your group.
- Lead interpretative hikes, arts and crafts, and cooperative games.
- Maintain organized and clean workspaces.
- Be punctual and present for all camp weeks.
- Other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Frequent standing, walking, talking, and hearing.
- Handling objects and reaching with hands and arms.
- Occasional lifting/moving up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to walk on rough surfaces in varying weather conditions.
- Vision abilities required: near and distance vision.
- Work primarily outdoors with moderate noise levels.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
If you are ready to inspire young minds through nature and education, apply to join the Silver Lake Nature Center's 2026 Summer Camp team today!
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $15.00 per hour
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)
- Environmental Science: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- First Aid Certification (Preferred)
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bristol, PA 19007: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15