Summer Camp Instructor

Great Hollow's Eco-Discovery Camp is a small, science-based, environmental education day camp for children ages 5-12 on our 825-acre nature preserve in New Fairfield, Connecticut. Typical weekly enrollment is between 20 and 24 children. The camp instructor will help the camp director in all aspects of running the camp, including but not limited to program planning and implementation, daily prep and clean-up, and camper behavior management. The instructor will also be required to help with miscellaneous office duties, community events and education programs, and otherwise contribute to the general day-to-day operation of Great Hollow. Ideal candidates are undergraduate students (or recent graduates) who are majoring in the natural sciences or outdoor/environmental education fields, and have prior experience working with children. Camp is in session 8:30am - 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, from the last week of June through the third week of August. Applicants must be available for the entire camp season. A mandatory one-day orientation session for the instructor will be held the week before camp starts. Compensation includes a weekly stipend of $450, along with free on-site, shared housing and utilities for the duration of employment, if desired. College credit is available if agreed upon by your school.

Responsibilities: 

• Work with the camp director to run daily camp activities, often including managing a group of 10-12 children independently for the majority of the day, mostly outdoors.
• Supervise children, often independently, in an outdoor setting that includes forests, streams, and wetlands, with travel both on and off-trail. We will be outside in all weather conditions except thunderstorms.
• Daily activity preparation and clean-up.
• Occasional handling and presentation of education program animals (reptiles and amphibians).
• Other duties as assigned, including miscellaneous office work, staffing community events, and animal care.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements: 

• Completion of at least one year of post-secondary education, majoring in natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, wildlife management, outdoor education,environmental education, or a related field.
• Previous work experience with groups of children in formal or informal settings; summer camp, outdoor education, and/or environmental education experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of general ecological concepts and New England natural history, or a willingness to quickly learn.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to follow directions and give and receive feedback.
• Outgoing and engaging personality; ability to entertain young children.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work long days outdoors, under potentially adverse conditions, while supervising a group of children.
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain before the start of camp.
• Record of a physical exam from within last three years (State camp license requirement).
• Proof of current health insurance coverage.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.
• Passage of criminal background check.
• U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S.

For applicants in need of housing: Ability to live in shared, on-site housing with respect for others and maintain a clean, smoke-free living environment. Provided housing includes a private bedroom in one of two houses at Great Hollow Nature Preserve along with free utilities (electric, water, cable tv/internet).

How to apply:

To apply, please email as a single PDF: a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for at least 2 references (preferably from relevant work experience with children) to our Camp Director, Tara Ewers, at tewers@greathollow.org.
 

Please put CAMP APPLICATION [Last name_First name] in the email subject line. Last date to apply is April 1, 2022. Applications will be reviewed and considered in the order in which they are received.