Summer Camp Naturalist
Penn State UniversityAbout the role
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If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Camp Naturalists
Shaver's Creek Camp naturalists use available resources, prior knowledge, and new ideas to create a lesson plan for their group each camp week. They provide support and leadership opportunities to assistant camp naturalists and Leaders-In-Training (“LITs,” who are teenage volunteers at camp), while ensuring the safety of everyone in the group. Prior experience with children (ideally informal or outdoor education experience) and a growth-oriented mindset are crucial for camp naturalist applicants. This position is a daily blend of education, camp fun, and mentorship.
Gimme the details, please!
- At the Shaver’s Creek facility, you will work 47 - 50 hours each week
- Almost all of those hours are outdoors (regardless of weather conditions) with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature.
- Access to bathrooms in stalls depends upon the schedule for the day, but is typically every 2 or 3 hours.
- Gear for yourself and activities is carried on you (in your backpack or provided pack basket) and is likely to weigh 10 - 15 lbs; with or without accommodations.
- Pay is $10.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked in a week. Hours above 40 earn time and a half. Over the course of the summer, this translates to about $4800 before taxes.
- Returning staff earn an additional $1/hour in this position.
- Housing may be available for out-of-the-area applicants. (There are a few rooms available; they are filled on need and a first-hire basis.)
- Training: Monday - Friday, typically 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for the first two full weeks in June.
- Training will include certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Epi-Pens.
- (Certification in advance of training is not needed.)
- Training time includes peer bonding opportunities, techniques on working with children, examples of games and activities, lesson planning guidance, time on the trails, emergency procedures, and what a day of camp really looks and feels like.
- Camp week hours worked: Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Saturday (having likely stayed overnight via camping on-site and only three times a summer) 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
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