Camp Counselor

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Manager of Youth Education, Camp Counselors lead week-long day camps for children ages 5-12. Counselors are part of a dynamic, creative youth education team that are responsible for leading and engaging children in inquiry-based outdoor exploration using hands-on activities, songs, games, stories, art projects, and science investigations.

Our Culture

• Be part of an exceptional, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture that values both high performance and work-life balance.
• Be welcoming to all staff and the public and respectful of staff differences and preferences.
• Work for an organization deeply committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
• Explore opportunities to attend IDEA workshops and initiatives that foster a culture of belonging across the organization.

Responsibilities 

• Learn and deliver a set curriculum of inquiry-based lessons and activities focused on plants, animals, gardening, ecology, art, and dramatic play for children aged 5-12.
• Adjust teaching styles and content delivery methods to present information at the appropriate age and grade level.
• Set up and break down daily program materials and supplies.
• Manage and maintain daily and weekly camp activity schedules.
• Monitor campers in all types of indoor and outdoor environments and be mindful of the safety and welfare of all participants, fellow staff, and visitors.
• Implement New England Botanic Garden’s behavior management strategies, set clear expectations, provide positive reinforcement, redirect unacceptable behavior, and offer guidance and support to each camper.
• Maintain a positive attitude and create a safe and fun learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with fellow Camp Counselors, members of the Education team, and other NEBG departments.
• Communicate clearly in writing and in conversation with staff, campers, and parents/guardians.
• Learn and follow NEBG’s emergency and health and safety protocols.
• Attend seasonal summer camp training.
• Work with an awareness of surroundings and be vigilant to any possible threat to the safety of staff and the public, or NEBG. Ensure all concerns are reported promptly.
• Comply with the provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies, and the requirements of the job description.
• Other duties as assigned.

Schedule 

The Camp Counselor is an hourly, part-time, and seasonal summer position. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:00PM for five weeks from July to mid-August. Candidates must be available for all dates including two full-day training sessions, in July before camp starts Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The majority of each day is spent supervising campers outdoors in all weather conditions.

Pay: $18.85 per hour

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds and work outdoors in seasonal extremes for up to 7 hours/day. 
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for up to 7 hours per day and to navigate uneven grounds and stairs evenly. 
• Must be able to work with appropriate computer and communications equipment. 

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

• At least 18 years old.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• CPR and First-Aid Certification; NEBG will provide access to training if needed.
• Mandated Reporter Training; NEBG will provide access to training if needed.

• Minimum of one year of work experience teaching or supervising children ages 5-12 in a classroom or informal learning environment.
• Basic classroom management skills and experience with behavior management practices.
• Experience teaching different age groups and modifying approach to be age appropriate.

• Experience leading activities focused on environmental science or teaching in an outdoor or camp setting a plus.
• Experience learning and delivering a provided curriculum.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for working with young audiences.
• Ability to create a positive, safe, and fun learning environment.
• Ability to use clear, effective written and spoken communication.
• Adaptable and flexible; can shift gears comfortably and embrace change.

Salary : $19