Summary: Are you looking to spend your summer outside helping kids connect with nature? The Summer Camp Lead Counselor is an integral member of The Nature Connection’s summer programs offered in Hotchkiss and Delta. Successful applicants will work closely with the Program Director during the summer camp session (June-July-August) to help develop and instruct campers in active, experiential outdoor education programs that help to create a connection to nature, foster positive relationships and build confidence in outdoor skills. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants a meaningful summer experience, enjoys spending time outside and wants to make a difference in the lives of youth.
Responsibilities: Manage day-to-day operations for up to 8-weeks of summer outdoor day camp for children ages 7-11. This includes developing and leading outdoor activities, scheduling and coordinating off-site field trips, and supervising high school camp counselors and interns. Outdoor program components include, but not limited to mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, archery, overnight campout, nature focused activities, crafts, team building games.
The Summer Camp Lead Counselor will have the following responsibilities including, but not limited to:
- Ensure high quality, safe and consistent outdoor programs for a diverse population of students
- Oversee the health and wellness of camp participants including proper sanitation and first aid
- Demonstrate proper and safe use of outdoor equipment and gear
- Provide superior customer service to all campers, parents/families, staff, volunteers and vendors
- Collaborate with The Nature Connection Leadership Team to promote programs on social media
- Ensure the prompt handling of all financial obligations
- Provide The Nature Connection Leadership Team with updates, reports and survey data as needed
- Other duties as assigned
Skill Requirements:
- Minimum of two years experience in formal/informal outdoor education, childcare, outdoor recreation industry or related field
- Self starter and problem solver with excellent organizational skills
- Outdoor enthusiast: Experience with outdoor sports like mountain biking, paddling, swimming and hiking. Experience teaching or mentoring others in outdoor sports is preferred.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to obtain school district minibus license
- General social media, marketing, and computer skills
- First Aid/CPR certificate preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills; effective facilitation, conflict resolution, team building and presentation skills. Must be able to work with people of all ages and physical abilities
- Physical demands: standing, walking and/or physically active outdoors for 5+ hours outside, must be able to pass a swim test, routinely lift 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work flexible hours, occasional weekend, and 1-2 overnights
- Minimum age: 18 years
Effective Date: Open until filled; Priority given to applications received by March 15; Start date tentatively May 22nd, 2023
Compensation: Hourly: $17-$21.00/hour depending on experience
Locations: Hotchkiss and Delta
Hotchkiss: 8 week camp @ The Nature Connection (plus 2 weeks of training)
Delta: 8 week camp @ Bill Heddles Rec Center (plus 2 weeks of training)
Cedaredge: 4 week camp @ Cedaredge Middle School (plus 2 weeks of training)
Commitments:
- 32-40 hours/week
- Start date May 22nd
- Typical schedule will be Monday – Thursday with campers, 8am – 4pm, with some onsite prep time required on Fridays to prepare for programs
- Mandatory orientation May 30th-June 3rd
- Hotchkiss and Delta Camps run from June 6th through mid August (8 weeks); July 4th – 8th Week Off
- Cedaredge camp runs from June 6th through June 29th (4 weeks)
Please Submit:
- Resume with cover letter submitted to jessica.finnigan@deltaschools.com
- Three professional references
- Top candidates will be selected for an interview by The Nature Connection Leadership Team
