Camp Leader/Environmental Educator

KIDS for the BAY

CAMP LEADER/ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR 

Summer Camp 2026 

Dates of Position: June 11 - July 31, 2026 (Monday-Friday, plus two training days, 6/11 & 6/12. No camp the week of June 29 - July 3) 

Position Hours:  37.5 - 40 hours per week between 8:15 am and 3:45 pm or 9:15 am and 5:15 pm 

Compensation: $22 paid hourly 

KIDS for the BAY Summer Camp 

KIDS for the BAY is an environmental education organization now in our 34th year of operation. To learn more about our mission, our impact and our award-winning programs, please visit our website at: https://kidsforthebay.org

KIDS for the BAY (KftB) is now celebrating our 25th year of Summer Camp, delivering a fun-filled summer of hands-on science and nature exploration in the unique environment of the San Francisco Bay Area. Camp includes science investigations, nature games, art activities, hiking explorations and more outdoor adventures. Campers learn to care for the natural environment and become environmental stewards. Team building activities help to develop a fun loving, connected and caring Summer Camp community of friends, scientists and Environmentalists. 

Camp sessions are one week long (Monday-Friday) between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm, and take place at various natural habitats around the Berkeley area, including Tilden Park, the Berkeley Marina and several other Berkeley park locations. There are also special field trips to bay and ocean beaches and other locations. Nature Club camp after care is offered daily from 3:30 - 5 pm.

Camp sessions are for Adventurers Campers ages 5-7 and Explorers ages 8-11. Camp Rangers, ages 12 & 13 and Leaders in Training/Interns ages 14 - 17 volunteer to help out with camp. Each week of camp is taught by Environmental Educators including year-round KftB Program Staff, Camp Leaders and Junior Camp Leaders. Our camper-to-staff ratio is around 6 -1, ensuring an enriching, safe, and positive camp experience. 

Camp Leader Responsibilities 

• Review camp curricula and prepare to teach activities (activities will also be modeled for you during training and during the first few weeks of camp) 
• Lead hands-on nature, art, science, adventure, community-building and play activities 
• Lead and teach groups of campers and attend to the individual needs of campers 
• Supervise campers during snack, lunch, and free play times 
• Maintain a safe, respectful, positive camp environment 
• Maintain positive, professional communication at all times 
• Provide guidance, leadership, and support to Junior Camp Leaders, Camp Interns and Camp Rangers
• Help to record daily camp highlights, pictures and quotes for the camp highlights newsletters. 

Required Qualifications and Experience 

This position is ideal for college students currently studying or interested in education, environmental studies, biology or a related field, or recent college graduates with interest or degrees in these fields. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for this position, and have the following qualifications and experience:

• Experience working or volunteering with children ages 5 - 11
• Ability to walk and hike along trails while carrying light equipment, sit on the ground for circle times and play active games with campers 
• Commitment to equity and inclusion 
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills 
• Ability and desire to be a positive role model to children and youth 
• Willingness to follow directions and to work in a team 
• Confidence and ability to take initiative and have a leadership role 
• Upbeat, positive, mature attitude and respectful communication approach.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience 

• Experience teaching environmental, science, and/or outdoor education to elementary school aged youth
• Experience working or volunteering in a youth camp 
• Knowledge of local creek, bay and marine habitats and ecology 
• Other relevant talents (e.g. leading nature games, storytelling, music, arts and crafts)
• A reliable car to travel to/from various camp locations. 

Position Terms 

The Camp Leader (CL) will be a temporary employee of Earth Island Institute (KftB’s fiscal sponsor), with employment beginning on June 11 and ending on July 31, 2026. The CL compensation will be $22 paid hourly and they will submit hourly timesheets to receive paychecks semi-monthly. The position includes health benefits (medical, dental, vision), sick leave and worker’s compensation. 

Application Procedures 

Application Deadline; May 15, 2026. Apply early; interviews will be held as applications are received. 

Your application package must include the following: 

• a cover letter 
• your resume 
• at least two references with current contact information (email and phone number)
• the link to your current LinkedIn page. 

To apply, email your application to: jobs@kidsforthebay.org with Summer Camp Leader Application in the subject line.

A Live Scan background check will be required to complete the hiring process.