Seasonal Environmental Education Counselor

Position Summary

The Seasonal Environmental Education Counselor is a seasonal (June – August) staff member of Crown Point Ecology Center responsible for implementing the daily activities of (SFSC). SFSC is a week-long camp for 6-11 year olds with a focus on ecology, gardening, and hiking. Camp hours are 9:00AM-3:00PM; staff hours extend before and after programs. Successful candidates will be enthusiastic; work well with children of varying ages, be resilient to changing weather conditions; and have a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and a passion for ecology, sustainability and all things outdoors. 

Job responsibilities

1) Implement the Summer Farm and Science Camp curriculum and related activities.

a. Coordinate with other camp staff to facilitate daily camp activities, including but not limited to:

* teaching lessons and activities

* garden classroom activities

* children’s farm chores (includes cooking)

* educational hikes that highlight Crown Point’s various ecosystems

* games and arts and crafts

* Children’s farmer’s market

b. Assist in preparing for and teaching lessons and activities related to environmental education, ecology and nutrition as specified in the camp curriculum.

c. Modify curriculum or schedule as is necessary due to weather, children’s needs etc.

d. Assist in daily garden classroom activities with Education Coordinator.

e. Assist in supervising and managing campers at all times to ensure that the camp is safe and enjoyable for all. 

2) Perform other duties that support Summer Farm and Science Camp

a. Maintain a neat and orderly camp area. Set up the camp area(s) at the beginning of the day; clean up after activities and at the end of the day.

b. Assist with preparation of Children’s Garden for garden classroom.

c. Accommodate camper’s special needs when necessary, primarily food allergies.

d. Perform other tasks as assigned.

e. Provide care and supervision for campers that come early or leave late in our pre-camp and after-camp care program.  

3) Articulate and model the Crown Point mission and guiding principles of community, spirituality, sustainability, and justice.

a. Wear appropriate clothing, including shirt with Crown Point logo

b. Model and support sustainability practices on site (recycling, composting, energy conservation)

c. Make information about Crown Point available for visitors 

Required Minimum Qualifications

Experience

  Teaching experience or college credit toward teaching degree desirable

• Interest in farming and the natural world

• Familiarity with organic gardening methods preferred

• Proficiency with gardening and use of hand tools 

Skills

• Able to teach multi-age groups of children

• Maintains a valid driver's license

• Writes and communicates clearly with various age levels 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Flexible with changing weather conditions and alternative activity plans

• Ability to hike several miles, stoop, bend, lift at least 25 pounds and push/pull equipment

• Comfortable with the risk associated with outdoor activities

• Open to fingerprinting and criminal background check according to Crown Point policies