Assistant Summer Nature Camp Counselor

Assistant Camp Counselor
Environmental Education

**To apply**:
**Why you should work for us**:
Riverbend Summer Camp is the perfect place for someone looking for a fun and rewarding job in the great outdoors. Spend your summer outside with us as we nurture the future generation of earth-lovers. If you are considering a career in education or environmental sciences, this job is the perfect resume-builder for you

**Program**:
At Riverbend, amazing things happen when a child spends time in nature.

Studies show that when kids spend time in nature they:

- Think more creatively and critically
- Are more social and less likely to be bullied or experience bullying
- Feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish
- Increase their fitness level and distance vision.

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate counselors to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Camp. Each week children come to our 30-acre Gladwyne site for outdoor hands-on exploration and discovery. The atmosphere is friendly and child-centered. Curriculum is interpreted and delivered by professional staff with a strong emphasis on exploring and expanding children’s interests and stimulating investigation. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead counselor and supported by an assistant counselor.

**Dates**: June 5th - September 1st

**Hours**: Appx. 35-40 hours per week; Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm (some evenings required), _Also seeking part-time position: 22 hours per week_

**Position type**:Seasonal full time

**Compensation**:$15 per hour

**Assistant Camp Counselor Position**

**Assistant Camp Counselors** are responsible for working with a lead counselor to create a positive camp experience for a group of campers each week. This includes mentoring teen volunteers, implementing activities for the campers, and behavior and safety management.

**Assistant Camp Counselor Responsibilities**:

- Assistant Camp Counselors will work with a Lead Counselor to help facilitate outdoor, environmental education activities and experiences for campers. Assistants will be expected to independently facilitate some activities each week.
- Work with a team to adapt activities as necessary for camper age, interest and outdoor conditions.
- Support Lead Counselors with behavioral and group management.
- Take lead responsibility for campers in the event that the lead counselor must step away from the group or is absent.
- Mentor teen volunteers assigned to the camp group.
- General upkeep of the facility each day.
- Assist with animal care for Riverbend’s animal ambassadors and aquaponics greenhouse as needed.
- Assist with after care and cook out for campers as needed.
- Accompany lead counselors on offsite field trips to provide support for campers as needed.

**Assistant Camp Counselor Qualifications**:

- Successful completion of pre-employment screening including criminal background check, FBI fingerprint check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
- Interest in Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology or other related field
- Some experience educating and managing children formally or informally is encouraged
- Strong oral communication skills
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and occasional overnights.
- Ability to follow all COVID-19 safety procedures
- Passionate about Riverbend’s mission

**Physical and Medical Standards**
- Ability to work actively outdoors during the hot summer months and in all weather conditions.
- Ability to work independently and in groups
- No allergy to plants, animals or chemicals that may be used on the job that may interfere with ability to perform work.
- Ability to safely lift, carry, and load 40 pounds for 50 feet.
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement (which cannot be corrected with appropriate devices) that may interfere with ability to perform work.

**Equal Opportunity Employment**:
Riverbend is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Riverbend Environmental Education Center (“Riverbend”) is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices.

**Covid-19**:
The safety of our employees is our number one concern. All Riverbend staff are required to be fully vaccinated, and show proof of vaccination status. Boosters are strongly preferred. In order to limit business disruption and protect children and workers in school settings, Riverbend may require staff to undergo occasional Covid testing, at Riverbend's expense.

**To apply**:
Contact Matilda Kitabwalla, Camp Director, with any questions

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person