Summer Ecocamp Naturalist Counselor

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center (OEC) is a great place to start your career in environmental education! Each year, our summer Ecocamp immerses campers ages 5-15 in the natural world through day and overnight programs. Our Naturalist Counselors lead summer camp programming in our 1000+ acre nature preserve for a transformative nature experience!

Job Overview

Glen Helen Ecocamp 

Position Title: Ecocamp Naturalist Counselor 

Position Reports To: Outdoor Education Center Director

Start Date: June 1, 2022

End Date: August 5, 2022 (with potential for 1 week contract extension)

FLSA Status: Seasonal Employee

Position Description

The Ecocamp Naturalist Counselor is responsible for a trail group of 9-12 children each week.  With staff support, they will plan a schedule of camp activities for their group that is age-appropriate and fit the theme of the week. Camper ages range from 5 to 15, and Naturalist Counselors are offered some choice for their preferences for ages and themes. Naturalists rotate in as cabin counselors 2-3 nights each week, depending on the camp. Camps run every week from June 13 to August 1, with a day camp-only program offered the week of July 4th (camp will run the 5th-8th).

Camp descriptions are here: https://www.glenhelen.org/ecocamp. 

Our Naturalist Counselors form a fun, passionate, engaged learning community who are interested in making a difference in the lives of children. This is a summer job that will strengthen your ability to plan, teach and lead. We share the values of being inclusive, growing new skills, learning together, and communicating well in order to work together effectively. Staff live onsite in the midst of the beautiful 1,000-acre Glen Helen Nature Preserve. The vibrant and artistic Village of Yellow Springs is within walking distance. No vehicle is required for the job, but you are welcome to bring one.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, and 1 Saturday (June 4th during Ecocamp training)
Camps run for 8 weeks starting June 13th

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver environmental education experiences for campers each week
  • Write lesson plans that align with camp description
  • Implement a variety of age and ability appropriate activities in the natural environment of the preserve
  • Lead Trail Groups from Monday morning to Friday afternoon

• Monitor campers during their stay at camp to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children attending Ecocamp
  • Comply with all health, wellness, and emergency procedures
  • Report safety and maintenance concerns to the appropriate personnel
  • Act as a role model for campers and fellow staff
• Participate in and lead recreational activities and evening programs
• Serve night rotations in cabins, from 1-4 nights each week, depending on camp
• Support overall camp operations through some daily and weekly responsibilities (primarily cleaning and sanitation of activity spaces and participation in weekly staff planning meetings)

To Apply
Send cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and a completed Interest Form (https://forms.gle/oS84tm5TEHGvzrQD9)  to:

The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Special Benefits

Benefits

• $250 weekly stipend, paid bi-weekly
• Housing for 8 weeks of camp + 1.5 week of training
• 15 meals/week (weekday breakfast, lunch, and dinner) including accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergies
• Opportunity to strengthen teaching and naturalist skills
• Freedom to create activities and learning opportunities based on personal passions and interests
• Opportunities to work with our turtles and snakes, and learn about birds of prey at our Raptor Center

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum - 18 years of age
• Passion for working with children outdoors, nature, and teaching
• Applicant must be patient, hardworking, flexible and able to react well under pressure
• Previous experience communicating and interacting with children individually and in a small group setting preferred
• Willing to live in community and work closely as a team
• First Aid and CPR certification must be completed prior to beginning employment.
• Ability to hike uneven terrain; most work associated with this position will occur outdoors in all weather 
• Must be fingerprinted and pass a FBI/Ohio BCI criminal background check prior to the start of training