Instructor

~ The Outdoor Education Center (OEC), commonly called 'Clear Lake Camp', is a division of the Battle Creek Public School System (BCPS). We are located on Clear Lake in Dowling, Michigan. We offer a serene rural environment less than an hour's drive from Lansing, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. ~

As the oldest school camp in the nation, we have been offering programs to supplement school curriculum for over 60 years. We currently offer overnight and day programs to schools located across southern Michigan. In addition, we host weddings, family retreats, and workshops.

With 175-acres of forests, fields, and lakeshore, the OEC is the perfect setting for groups to connect with nature. Come camp with us! It’s a “clear” choice.

Position Overview

To be an Outdoor Educator is to make a difference in the lives of children and in the future of our world. 

The work week is Monday through Friday. Schools typically arrive by 9:30 am on Monday and depart about 1:30 pm on Friday. We serve 3-4 classrooms a week with two instructor/counselors assigned to each classroom. There are two work shifts per day. One shift is from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and the other shift is from 11:45 am to 8:30 pm. Each pair of instructors is assigned to a class and works out who will cover each shift. There is the possibility the shift could be extended by an hour and half when assigned to assist in the dorm.

Every 2-3 weeks, two male and two female staff are rotated into dorm supervisor positions. Dorm supervisor work hours are 3:45 pm one day until 8:30 am the next day. Additional hours on Monday include morning move-in for students.

You can expect to be a member of a small community of outdoor educators consisting of people from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Teach 5th and 6th grade students in our residential and day camp programs. Subject areas fall into themes: Science, Adventure, Outdoor Pursuits and History.
• Find a link on our program page to the activities offered to our clients.
• Duties will include and not be limited to: daily supervision, entertainment and discipline of students, work outdoors in a variety of weather, eat two meals per day with students, occasional week of overnight supervision of students, and care and upkeep of equipment or animals in program areas.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements: working with youth, college experience and 18 years old.
• Certifications in First Aid, CPR and AED required prior to starting work.
• Prefer applicants with residential camp experience, challenge course facilitation and group initiatives.
• Bachelor degree in one of the following or related areas: elementary education, environmental, outdoor, adventure, experiential education or natural science, environmental interpretation, recreation or leisure management.
• WFR or Lifeguarding certifications are a plus.

Compensation

• $70.00 a day.
• Housing and food provided while there is a group in camp.
• Opportunities available to expand skills in teaching and camp administration.
• You will also have the option to substitute teach locally during non work days.

Additional Information

Housing:

• Full-time staff receive a personal cabin, 20 x 24 foot.
• Our staff sleep in their own personal cabin every night except for every second or third week when working as the dormitory supervisor.
• The cabin is heated and comes with a twin bed and mattress, otherwise unfurnished.
• No plumbing.
• A central bathhouse is available and includes free laundry facilities.
• Cabins can handle a small refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, etc. Fuel and electricity are provided.
• During resident camp, staff eat two meals per day with students.
• Kitchenette is available in main lodge for staff use.

Expectations:

• Live on site during employment with option to stay in housing during summer or winter if commitment is made to work next season.
• Fall and spring full time employment with opportunities for part-time summer work.
• Prefer commitment to both fall and spring seasons.
• Must exhibit safe, responsible and mature behavior and follow OEC and PESG policies.
• Must have a working cell phone.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, resume and 4 professional references to Kellie Donajkowski, Program Coordinator.