Cabin Leader, Internship

~ General Description: Dunes Learning Center (DLC) is a residential education facility within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore that works in close partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). ~

DLC provides a classroom without walls in which students interact directly with the natural environment. The setting provides a unique exposure to a globally significant natural environment and one of the world’s great urban/industrial regions. Students gain new knowledge and understanding about how improving the quality of life is dependent upon our success in sustaining and integrating these two environments.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Dunes Learning Center came together in 1997 to create a public/private partnership that would provide residential environmental education opportunities to students, educators, and learners of all ages.  This partnership has enabled Dunes Learning Center to address its educational goals while enhancing and expanding the interpretive mission of the National Lakeshore.

Position Overview

Cabin Leaders are members of the program staff at the DLC. They supervise summer camp residents while developing their outdoor education and resource interpretation skills and techniques.  Cabin Leaders are an integral part of the program, being positive role models for our campers. 
 
Specific duties include overnight supervision of campers in cabins, leading evening activities (campfires, group games, night hikes, etc.), leading meal and flag raising activities, and hosting a tent camp out with campers.  Cabin Leaders also have the opportunity for professional development by shadowing NPS staff and Dunes Learning Center Naturalists. 
 
Term of Internship: Summer, June 6, 2019 – August 2, 2019 (includes training). Involves evening hours and special weekend events.   
 
Responsibilities

• Attend program staff training workshops and regularly scheduled staff meetings
• Supervise and be responsible for up to 8 children overnight in cabins on the DLC campus
• Lead evening activities and other DLC summer camp programs for children; ages 8-17
• Conduct research and make preparations needed for all assigned educational programs
• Ensure safety and well-being of program participants
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) 
• Comply with all Dunes Learning Center policies and represent DLC in a professional manner at all times
• Perform all assigned duties critical to the operation of the Dunes Learning Center
• Assist with other duties as assigned 

Qualifications 

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Currently enrolled in an Associate or BA/BS academic program
• Enthusiastic about working with children in an outdoor setting
• Great independent worker and team player
• Official government identification
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and hike several miles over hilly dunes terrain while carrying a 25-lb backpack 

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience in outdoor education, residential camp setting, nature centers, or day camps 
• All Dunes Learning Center employees must submit to a background check and possible drug screening

Compensation

• $290 weekly stipend (average 40 hours per week)
• Housing in cabins shared with summer camp residents on the campus of DLC
• Uniforms
• First Aid/CPR training
• Meals and weekly s’mores when groups are in residence
• Professional development opportunities

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, resume and 3 references to Erin Crofton, Education Director.