Camp Naturalist/Teachers, Great Blue Heron Camp

~ At Arcadia Nature Day Camp, children can develop their interest in the outdoors, connect with nature, and have the freedom to play and gain confidence in the natural world. ~

Camp takes place on more than 700 acres of protected forests, fields, and vernal pools, providing the perfect setting to explore a variety of ecological communities. Campers spend time discovering the natural world, meeting new friends, playing noncompetitive games, and having fun outside! 

Position Overview

Do you enjoy being outdoors for the summer? Do you like both nature and working with children? Here is the perfect summer job!

Arcadia Nature Day Camp is looking for Camp Naturalist/Teachers to teach campers age 9-12 through nature hikes, games, and canoeing at a beautiful wildlife sanctuary. Great Blue Heron staff will work closely with one other person to design daily natural history lessons including hiking, games, ecological management and research. Staff will lead a day hike to Mt. Tom as well as canoe programs. Staff will work with the larger camp staff for all camp activities and to meet Mass Audubon‘s educational goals, American Camp Association standards, and the state’s health and safety regulations.

Programs focus on developing a child’s natural sense of curiosity and fostering a sense of place within our camp community. Our goal is for children to have fun while gaining respect and appreciation for the natural world.

Responsibilities

• Work as a team with one other staff;
• Plan, and conduct appropriate and engaging age appropriate natural history lessons for each camp day;
• Eat lunch and snack with campers and oversee and morning and after lunch games;
• Participate in daily meetings/planning sessions with other camp staff and communicate to the day camp director any conflicts, questions, concerns, or parent comments;
• Protect the physical and emotional welfare of campers, interacting appropriately with campers in a variety of situations, appropriately modeling behavior and using positive behavior management techniques, providing first aid and CPR when necessary, and writing up injury reports;
• Read through health concerns of campers and be aware of each child’s health condition(s), and review the release forms of campers making sure campers are released only to the appropriate adult;
• Maintain an organized work environment and participate in daily Sanctuary cleaning tasks;
• Assume additional related duties as requested.

Qualifications

• Have at least 3 years experience and enjoy working with children;
• Have a strong interest in natural science, wildlife, botany;
• Have certifications in community CPR (child and adult levels) and basic first aid current through September 2019 or willingness to use and obtain before the start of camp;
• Candidates must be flexible and creative;
• Classroom teaching and or environmental education experience helpful;
• Pass both the Criminal and Sex Offender Record Information (expanded CORI & SORI) background records checks;
• Canoe experience;
• Life Guard certification helpful;
• Willingness to become certified in small water craft safety;
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and complete the camp’s health form and waiver; and
• As temporary seasonal employees, staff members are paid for only the scheduled hours worked, and may be asked to take unpaid leave depending on camp enrollment.

Compensation

• $13. 00 hour, 40 hours per week;
• Housing is not available.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Training: June 10-12 (Rindge New Hampshire);
• June 17-21 (Easthampton);
• Camp Sessions: June 24- August 30, 2019 for 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (some flexibility will be allowed for those unable to work the last week of camp).