Chickadee Camp Counselor

Chickadee Camp Counselor 2022 Job Description

Get outside this Summer with our Summer Camp! If you enjoy working with children, being outside, and playing in nature, the Hitchcock Center would love to have you work with our educators! This job is perfect for young professionals looking to gain experience in outdoor education, or current educators looking for fun employment over the summer break.

Purpose:
For the first time ever, the Hitchcock Center is offering a summer program for 5 year olds! We are looking for someone who is excited about shaping this new program and bringing their passion for children and the outdoors to Chickadee Camp. The vision we have based on the pilot for the new program is encapsulated in our description: “Each morning we will have circle time before playing at our favorite Hitchcock places: the mud kitchen, the Discovery Yard, Root City, Ferns and more! Each day has a playful nature theme and we will make nature projects, sing songs, and play games as well as have story and snack, and end with lunch.”

The Chickadee Camp Counselor will aid in supervising and effectively leading a group of campers in daily camp activities. Chickadee Camp Counselors will provide a safe and nurturing environment for all campers and be actively involved and have a positive attitude about all camp activities. Camp is planned to be entirely outdoors, unless CDC guidance changes dramatically. Chickadee camp runs from June 15 through August 12, 2022.  Chickadee Camp is 30 hours a week when camp is in session from June 27th through August 12 (6 hours per day), and includes a 56 hour training from June 15 – June 24th (8 hours per day) – No work on June 20th (Juneteenth) or July 4th)

Duties and Responsibilities:
Co-lead groups of up to 10 children entering into Kindergarten in classroom and outdoor settings.
Plan and teach dynamic lessons with themes of natural history, natural systems, physical science, sustainability, and related topics.
Promote a positive and healthy environment for all campers.
Be aware of health, safety, well-being and location of campers at all times.
Report major health problems to Camp Director. Supervise taking medication when appropriate.
Be an active participant in all camp activities.
Provide leadership and support to other Counselors, Junior Counselors and CITs.
Ensure camp program areas are kept safe and clean.
Conduct self professionally and warmly with staff, camp families, and the general public.
Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid.
Be sensitive to campers’ personalities, differences and needs.
Set a good example for campers and others including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing clean up and preparation, sportsmanship, and attitude.
Be fully versed and knowledgeable in all camp policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements:
Current CPR and First Aid certifications required.
Pass Criminal and Sex Offender Record Information background check.
Documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot.
Working knowledge of New England natural history preferred.
Clean driving record.
Demonstrated ability to develop activities, plan, organize and carry out daily programs.
Ability to work independently and with a co-counselor.
Excellent communication skills and a friendly manner.
Passion and curiosity about the natural world.
Able to accept supervision and guidance.
Maintains enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and self-control.
Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Education and Experience:
At least one year working with and supervising a group of children.
Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, environmental education or working toward related field.
Be at least 18 years old or completed high school.

Compensation: $15-$16.00/hour depending on experience

The Hitchcock Center is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity in who we are and whom we serve: our staff, board and supporters and the people, groups and partners with whom we work.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Please send a cover letter, resume and three professional reference contacts to Jeff Mazur – jeff@hitchcockcenter.org.

The Hitchcock Center for the Environment aspires to create and sustain an organization-wide culture that prioritizes  diversity, equity, and inclusion and sees them as essential to our organization’s mission and continued excellence. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, program design and delivery, volunteer recruitment and staff hires, stewardship and development, and continual education, the board and staff are working to build a more representative, equitable, and inclusive Center. Learn more…