Nature Day Camp Volunteer Crew Leader

 
Inspire children to build a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world as you help them to catch frogs at the pond, create a miniature homestead village in the woods or learn how to paddle on a river.
 
Job Summary: Seeking crew leaders, ages 16 years and older, to join a team of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect children with nature through educational, recreational, and cultural experiences. CNC is in search of candidates with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children by providing powerful, dynamic programs outdoors.  Your responsibilities include organizing lunchtime activities, leading community-building events, managing volunteers, and providing essential support to counselors and camp groups.  They will help support various activities in field ecology, historic farm life, sensory awareness, wildlife studies, and nature crafts. Canoeing, kayaking, and overnight camping trips are also included in some programs. Campers attend programs from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Objective: To assist the Leadership Team in developing and implementing all camp programming to support and strengthen campers’ relationships with the natural world.
 
Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Supervise campers, ensuring their safety and well-being
2. Follow and enforce all camp policies, rules and regulations
3. Provide first aid to campers according to camp policy
4. Help plan all camp gatherings (lunchtime activities & community gatherings)
5. Provide a Monday orientation for middle and high school volunteers [Counselors-in-Training (CITs)]; organize and supervise volunteers during lunchtime activities, including recycling and games
6. Communicate regularly with Counselors and the Leadership Team
7. Help organize and direct parents and campers on the first day of camp
8. Participate in pre-camp and on-going trainings
9. Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Assistant Director

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum age 16 years
• Experience working with children in a formal setting (camp, after-school programs, scouts, sports, etc.)
• Experience and desire to work in an outdoor setting
• First aid and CPR certifications (or ability to become certified)
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to work varied hours, including some evenings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Natural science knowledge
• Experience teaching in an outdoor setting
• Knowledge of local natural resources (ecology, identification of birds, plants, etc.)

Schedule: Paid staff training: May 27 -June 3 and June 30- July 2. Camp sessions run June 4 through August 8 with no camp July 3-4. Exit evaluations and clean up days will be Aug 11-13.
*Volunteer Crew Leaders will work two training weeks and four additional weeks throughout the summer season. The scheduled weeks will be assigned before May 14, 2025, for a total of six paid weeks.
 
Salary & Benefits: Starting salary is $500 per week ($12.50/hr) with additional stipends for overnight camps ($60/night in the field), staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on program fees.
 
Status: Full time, seasonal
 
Application Procedure: Send the application and, optional cover letter, resume to Steve Frisbee, Camp Director, at sfrisbee@chippewanaturecenter.org or 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI  48640
 
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (Interviews will be held by invitation February 15, 2025)
 
Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 1,500-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement: Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.

Equal Opportunity Employment: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.

Visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org/employment for more information and application.