Coastal Camp Counselor

Summary

Coastal Camp Counselors work with Environmental Science Educators to lead groups of day campers in grades K-12 in hiking and exploring the Marin Headlands, a beautiful coastal park that’s part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Each week counselors and educators work with one group to implement lessons, games, stories and other activities centered around that week’s theme. Camp themes include marine science, outdoor skills, exploring nature through art and more. The majority of campers are in the 1st-2nd age group or 3rd-4th age group. This role is ideal for people interested in gaining experience in elementary and/or outdoor education, environmental science and summer camps. The role is a full-time, seasonal position beginning June 3, 2024 and ending August 16, 2024.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Support and assist the implementation of lessons, games, hikes, group management and food distribution.
• Facilitate educational, meaningful and fun outdoor experiences to help campers form a personal relationship with the natural world.
• Manage campers’ physical and emotional safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management policies and decisions; administer and document first aid as needed.
• Maintain camper safety and comfort over uneven terrain in all kinds of weather
• Proactively engage campers and manage safety in games and activities during early (8 am – 9:15 am) and/or aftercare (3:30 pm- 5:15 pm). 
• Work collaboratively with another staff member to lead a group of campers and engage in reciprocal feedback.
• Lead at least one required curriculum activity each week.
• Participate in meetings and training as assigned.
• Provide occasional on-call and other program support roles as needed.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

• $16 per hour
• Includes shared housing within Golden Gate National Recreation Area. See an example of our Golden Gate housing Here.  If living offsite, a $500/month housing stipend can be provided.

Experience, Competencies and Education 

• Ability to implement and model excellent risk management practices and maintain a physically, socially and emotionally safe environment for our participants.
• Experience working with children ages 4-12, particularly in camps or formal or informal education settings. 
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in education, and creating positive community work culture. We especially encourage you to apply if you have lived experience as a member of (or extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are impacted by the historic and current system of oppression that has limited access to environmental education, or the outdoors in general.
• Available for flexible eight-hour shifts Monday-Friday during camp weeks
• Willingness to be coached and openness to feedback.
• Capable of working as part of a collaborative team.
• Possess current CPR (Adult, Child and Infant) and First Aid certification or ability to get certified before the camp season begins.

Application Process 

Please submit your resume, 3 references, and, in lieu of a cover letter, respond to the short-answer application questions through our Online Career Portal.

NatureBridge is an equal opportunity employer. Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled. Hiring is contingent on a successful background check and fingerprinting.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly stand; walk up to 7 miles on uneven terrain; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb and balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; talk, hear, taste and smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

About NatureBridge

Founded in 1971, NatureBridge provides environmental science programs for students in the world’s best classrooms—our national parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet. As the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service, NatureBridge serves more than 30,000 students and their teachers each year and offers programs in four national parks: Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park and Prince William Forest Park. In order to further our mission, NatureBridge is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion and to promoting equal opportunity for students and staff in the field of environmental education. For more information, visit: naturebridge.org