Summer Camp Educational Leader
Position/Project:
Summer Day Camp Leader
Department/Site:
MSU Extension Tollgate Farm & Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, MI 48377
To Apply:
For more information or to apply visit http://events.anr.msu.edu/tollgatesummerstaff/. If you cannot access the site, email tollgateprograms@anr.msu.edu your resume.
CONTACT:
Ellen Koehler
Education Coordinator
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
28115 Meadowbrook Road
Novi, MI 48377
248.347.0269 X227
Koehle43@anr.msu.edu
Position:
MSU Extension seeks candidates to join our summer day camp team. As part of the educational staff, day camp leaders will facilitate the learning experience for groups of youth ages 6-11 during 8 weeks of science themed camp promoting MSU Tollgate’s mission. Check out www.tollgate.msu.edu for camp themes. This is a 12-week position with two weeks of training prior to the start of camp.
Background:
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future.
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center encourages food system awareness through exploring the sustainable, nutritional, and cultural aspects of agriculture. MSU Tollgate educates the community about food production while encouraging ethical food producers and consumers.
MSU Tollgate provide hands-on educational opportunities for youth and their families. During the summer months, MSU Extension offers summer enrichment programming that includes educational day-camps for young people ages 4-19.
We are seeking staff with a background in one or more of the following activities: Education, animal science, agriculture, fisheries, wildlife, gardening, cooking fresh food, science & nature knowledge, hiking & outdoor skills, cooperative games, and music.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with camp staff to plan activities
- Be comfortable and interested working with elementary and middle school aged youth (5-14 yrs)
- Be responsible for safety
- Attend in-service training
- Implement experiential science curriculum and programs for students of various ages at appropriate levels using research based methods
- Lead campers in hikes
- Recognize hazards in the camp setting as well as physical symptoms of camper injury or illness
- Respond appropriately to hazards and any camper concerns
- Observe behavior in daily camp life, respond verbally to health and safety concerns, and deal appropriately with any improper behavior
- Communicate with parents, the public, and MSUE staff appropriately
- Be comfortable with and/or interested in: agriculture, gardening, plant science, entomology, fisheries and wildlife, animal science
- Work with and support volunteer helpers
- Work in close proximity with wildlife and livestockas part of camp
- Assume any task or responsibility necessary for successful camp operation as assigned by the Director
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience working with children in formal or informal settings (school, nature center, summer camp, scouts, etc)
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
- Interest in and basic knowledge of the natural world
- Ability to work closely with wildlife and farm animals
- Willingness to work in all weather (including summer heat and/or rain)
- Ability to be physically active for most of an 8 hour day
- Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous jobs
- Must have valid CPR/First Aid certification or participate in a training before the first day of camp
Job Schedule:
- The position is a maximum 12-week commitment, paid hourly.
- Camp dates are June 26th - August 25th. Camp staff must be available for these dates. Training and program preparation will be scheduled during the weeks leading up to camp. Camp closing dates TBD.
- Work hours are Mon – Fri from 8:30 –4:30 with occasional extended day hours required.
- Applications accepted until positions are full. This is a temporary position, paid on an hourly basis at a competitive rate.
MSU is an affirmative-action equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.