-
Nature Day Camp Junior Counselor
Position Available:
Nature Day Camp Junior Counselor
Status: Full time, Seasonal
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Inspire children to build a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world as you help them to catch frogs at the pond, create a miniature homestead village in the woods or learn how to paddle on a river.
Job Summary: Join a team of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect children with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. CNC is in search of Junior Camp Counselors with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children by providing powerful, dynamic programs in the outdoors. Junior Counselors will assist with teaching and supervising day campers from preschool to 9th grade, including children with special needs. They will help to support a variety of activities in the areas of field ecology, historic farm life, sensory awareness, wildlife studies and nature crafts. Canoeing, kayaking and overnight camping trips are also included for some programs. Campers attend programs from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. Over the course of the summer, Junior Counselors will assume increased responsibility for the planning and implementation of camp programming.
Objective: To assist the Counselors to develop and implement programming of predetermined camps to support and strengthen campers’ relationships with the natural world.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Supervise campers, ensuring their safety and well-being
- Help the teaching team plan and teach daily lessons following the goals and objectives for each program
- Follow and enforce all camp policies, rules and regulations
- Provide first aid to campers according to camp policy
- Communicate regularly with Counselors and the Leadership Team
- Help organize and direct parents and campers on the first day of camp
- Provide a Monday orientation for middle and high school volunteers [Counselors-in-Training (CITs)]; organize and supervise CITs during lunchtime activities, including recycling and games
- Participate in pre-camp and on-going trainings
- Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Assistant Director
Required Qualifications:- Experience working with children in a formal setting (camp, after school programs, scouts, sports, etc.)
- Experience and desire to work in an outdoor setting
- First aid and CPR certifications (or ability to become certified)
- High school diploma or GED
- Physically able to lift 50 pounds
- Ability to work varied hours, including some evenings
Preferred Qualifications:- Natural science knowledge
- Experience teaching in an outdoor setting
- Knowledge of local natural resources (ecology, identification of birds, plants, etc.)
- Camping, canoeing and kayaking skills
Schedule: Paid staff training: May 27 -June 3 and June 30- July 2. Camp sessions run June 4 through August 8 with no camp July 3-4. Exit evaluations and clean up days will be Aug 11-13.
Salary & Benefits: Starting salary is $600 per week ($15/hr.) with additional stipends for overnight camps ($60/night in the field), staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on program fees.
Status: Full time, seasonal
Application Procedure: Send cover letter and resume to Steve Frisbee, Camp Director at sfrisbee@chippewanaturecenter.org or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (Interviews will be held by invitation February 15, 2025)
Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 1,500-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement: Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.
Equal Opportunity Employment: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.
2025 Junior Counselor Application
You are required to submit a cover letter in addition to this application. You may choose to submit a resume in place of this application. Please feel free to attach additional sheets if you need more room to write or would like to include additional information.
Personal information
Name ___________________________________________________________________________________
Last First Middle
Address __________________________________________________________________________________ Number Street City State Zip
Phone number _______________________________ Is this a cell phone? Yes No
Email ________________________________________ Will you be 18 by June 7, 2025? Yes No
Education
Where did/do you attend high school? ____________________________________________________
What classes have you taken that relate to this position? _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Do you currently attend college? Yes No If yes, where? ____________________________________
What classes have you taken that relate to this position? _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Interests and experience
What is your experience working with children (volunteer or paid)? _____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Explain any contact you have had with children or peers with special needs.
What experience do you have with nature or outdoor skills? What types of outdoor activities do you enjoy? ________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
What hobbies or activities, including clubs & sports, do you pursue?
Have you been a Teen Volunteer at Nature Day Camp before? If yes, what year(s)?
Please share any other information you would like us to know:
Return application, resume and cover letter to: Steve Frisbee, Camp Director, at sfrisbee@chippewanaturecenter.org or Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640
