Camp Counselor
About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.
About This Position
Stony Brook Nature Camp is seeking individuals to foster experiential nature-based learning for campers. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist a lead/senior counselor with the planning and preparation of daily lessons, including age- Lead a group of children by exploring fields, forests, wetlands, streams, and hiking trails
- Work with a partner or team to develop, plan, and implement age-appropriate nature-based lessons and daily activities for children
- Assist in cleanup/organization at the end of each day
- Ensure health and safety of all children in group
- Treat all campers with compassion
- Act as a role model to both campers and colleagues
- Provide behavioral support to campers and Counselors in Training as needed
Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background.
Required qualifications as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:
- Must be 18 +
- Have 4+ weeks experience working with children (including, but not limited to: babysitting: volunteer or otherwise, and experience with younger siblings)
- Must hold current First Aid and CPR certifications OR be willing to obtain them before the start of the summer
- Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
- Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques
- Be willing to manage a group outdoors for six hours a day in most weather conditions
- Physically access sanctuary terrain easily by foot
- Ability to effectively interact with others, especially children, in camp’s youth-centered environment
- Ability to adapt to changes in schedule and work assignment
Desired Qualifications
- Have a strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
- Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics