Job description:
Friends of the Fells is seeking fun, enthusiastic, and reliable individuals to join our team of dedicated Camp Counselors. This is an ideal opportunity for motivated individuals who care about the environment and who want to make a difference in the lives of children.
Our Environmental Education Counselors will gain valuable leadership and teaching experience as they engage children in hands-on, experientially based curriculum and self-guided explorations of the forest. By providing positive and enriching learning opportunities, counselors will help to develop campers’ curiosity, critical thinking, and sense of connection with nature as they explore ecosystems, habitats, forest layers, and insects and bugs living in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
Environmental Education Counselors will co-lead enriching outdoor learning experiences for children between the ages of 7-12.
Primary duties and responsibilities:
-Lead campers in hands-on, science based, experiential learning in outdoor settings.
-Use a student-centered approach to facilitate interactive environmental education lessons and activities.
-Manage students’ physical and emotional safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management decisions; administer and document first aid as needed.
-Model responsible environmental behavior.
-Establish and maintain respectful, supportive, and compassionate relationships with staff, parents, and participants.
Job requirements:
At Friends of the Fells, 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.
-Prior experience supervising children in a formal or informal setting, or as an educator, camp counselor, or after-school instructor.
-CPR/First Aid certified prior to the start of camp (class provided by Friends of the Fells).
-CORI/SORI background checks (Friends of the Fells will perform).
-All camp staff are required to be fully vaccinated and up to date with booster shots against Covid-19. Proof of vaccination will be required immediately upon hire.
-Access to reliable transportation.
-Available for mandatory staff training the week of June 20th – June 24th, as well as curriculum training in May or June.
-Environmental Education Counselors must be 18 years of age by June 20, 2023 to work at Fells Forest Camp.
-Fulfill all other duties as required.
Desired qualities:
-Passion and enthusiasm for being outdoors and for sharing nature with children.
-Demonstrated knowledge of ecological concepts and familiarity with local flora and fauna
-Knowledge and experience as a naturalist, hike leader, and/or school-age educator.
-Demonstrated understanding of experiential education concepts and methodology (or a
willingness to learn).
-A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback.
-Ability to lead hikes on uneven terrain and in inclement weather, and implement nature-based games, crafts, explorations, and activities.
Hours and compensation:
Fells Forest Camp’s will run from June 26th – August 18th.
Environmental Education counselors will be required to work two, 2-week sessions from June 26th – July 7th and July 31st – August 7th, with the ability to work other camp sessions throughout the summer as desired. Camp program hours are 8:15AM – 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday.
If you choose to work other sessions in addition to the two environmental education programs, typical counselor hours vary from day to day and/or week to week, depending on camper registrations and program needs. We strive to provide close to full-time work for all camp staff, but this is not guaranteed.
Pay range: $18-$20 per hour, based on skills and experience.
Location
Camp staff meet at Medford High School and programming occurs in the adjacent Lawrence Woods section of the Middlesex Fells.
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to the Camp Director, Liz Cohen, at liz.cohen@fells.org with the subject, “Environmental Education Counselor Application.”
Additional Comments:
Friends of the Middlesex Fells embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA people, people living with disabilities, military veterans and other under-represented populations. Candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted, interviews will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.
No phone calls please.