ABOUT BATTLE CREEK OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER

The Outdoor Education Center (OEC), commonly called 'Clear Lake Camp', is a division of the Battle Creek Public School System (BCPS). We are located on Clear Lake in Dowling, Michigan. We offer a serene rural environment less than an hour's drive from Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.

As the oldest school camp in the nation, we have been offering programs to supplement school curriculum for over 60 years. We currently offer overnight and day programs to schools located across southern Michigan. In addition, we host weddings, family retreats, and workshops.

INSTRUCTOR POSITION

Instructors at the OEC serve an essential role in the camp experience for visiting students. Instructors are responsible for providing an engaging, positive, and learning experience in the environmental-based learning of students. Instructors are in charge of a group of students during the day leading activities, overnight supervision of the dorm, and involved with care of OEC resources [animals, ropes courses, land/trails].

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Lead student groups in experiential learning activities in an outdoor setting.
• Teach classes with a science, adventure, and outdoor pursuits focus, includes programs such as Pond Exploration, Canoeing, and Survival. Be able to teach programs independently as well as teach with co-instructors.
• Participate in daily meals with students depending on which shift you are working.
• Work with classroom teachers to meet class goals within program framework.
• Provide responsible leadership for student campers.
• Facilitate teambuilding and high ropes activities, working at heights up to 35 feet.
• Handle and help care for the OEC animals; snakes, frogs, fish, and raptors.
• Upkeep classrooms, equipment, and program areas.
• Attend all staff meetings and training sessions.
• Adhere to all camp policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Some college-level experience required.
• At least 18 years old.
• Current certifications in CPR and First Aid
• Prior experience instructing children.
• Demonstrated ability to work with co-workers in a team setting.
• Provide overnight supervision of students on a rotating basis.
• Required to work up to 10 hours a day.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including split shift.
• A willingness to be coached and open to performance feedback.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions; rain, snow, cold, heat, etc.
• Pass background check, drug screen, and central registry clearance (at own expense).
• Will be employed by EDUStaff; our contract hiring agency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or Natural Science.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Certifications in Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.
• Experience with urban students.
• Experience supervising students overnight.
• Prior experience in residential/environmental education.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Programs are run in all weather conditions, instructors need to be able to work outdoors for long hours in cold, heat, rain, snow, and other weather that arises. Instructors will also need to be able to stand for hours and be able to hike up to 5 miles. Should be able to lift or move up to 25 pounds.  Instructional season consists of up to nine [9] months employment with pre-defined periods of non-paid time off.