Assistant Camp Counselor

Riverbend Environmental Education Center Published: March 19, 2018
Skill Level
Mid Level, Entry Level
Job Type
Freelance / Limited Contract
Categories
Education / Natural Resources/ Restoration

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Description

~ Riverbend Environmental Education Center (REEC) offers high quality environmental education programs to children in the Philadelphia region. ~

Through a direct connection with nature, REEC inspires respect for our natural world and action as aware, responsible and caring citizens. We are recognized a the model environmental learning resource for children in Southeastern Pennsylvania, known for our superior educational programs and as a unique and significant destination.

Join this progressive team, dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to nature.

Position Overview

Riverbend is seeking self-motivated, energetic, and passionate educators to be a part of the staff of Riverbend’s Summer Exploration Day Camp.  Each week 80-100 children, ages 3–13, 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.  Some programs take place at other sites and include field trips, cook-outs, camp-outs, and camping trips. Groups are generally 12-14 children and are led by a lead educator and supported by an assistant educator.

Dates: June 4th – September 1st; Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:00 (some evenings and overnights required)

Program: Riverbend believes that 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

Responsibilities

  • Assistant educators will work with a specific age group for the majority of the summer. Age groups will be designated based on experience and interest.
  • Assistant educators will be required to assist Educators in interpreting existing curriculum and amend it to be age appropriate lesson plans each day. Assistant Educators and Educators are encouraged to collaborate in this process. 
  • Assistant educators support Educators with behavioral and group management and implement some of the lesson plans with a group of approximately 12-14 campers for whom they have primary responsibility. This could include chaperoning field trips, and organizing cook-outs and overnights when teaching the older groups. 
  • Assistant educators and Educators are expected to work together as a team and supervise any Educator-in-Training (teen volunteer) assigned to their group.
  • General upkeep of the facility each day will be expected with weekly chores completed on Fridays.

Qualifications

  • Successful completion of pre-employment screening including drug test and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and criminal background check.
  • Working towards or earned Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Education, Biology, Geology, Outdoor Recreation, etc.).
  • Understanding of basic principles of environmental education.
  • Knowledge of environmental/science/natural history concepts
  • Some experience educating and managing groups of children in a professional setting.
  • Strong oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include early mornings, late afternoons and occasional overnights.
  • First Aid and CPR trained (will offer training option if not current).

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 lbs at a distance of 50 ft.
  • 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.

To Apply

  • Please click "Apply" below to email resume, cover letter and a list of three references to Rosemary Arnold, Manager of Education Programs.

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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