Summer Camp Counselor Naturalists (SCCN) will have an exceptionally unique opportunity to not only provide our campers with a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience in our 1,200 acres of pristine mountain environment, BUT! to also gain experience in fire restoration work. The position cycles biweekly with every other week as an SCCN and the following week as a Fire Restoration Crew Member (FRCM). As an SCCN, you will be responsible for the needs of a group of 5 campers, (9-12 years old). This includes campers’ social, physical, medical, and emotional needs. You will set a good example for behavior and attitude for your campers. You will also serve as a liaison between campers and administrative staff, and provide regular feedback to administrators to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of camp operations. Our camps are small, 40 campers per camp. 

The Fire Restoration Crew Member (FRCM) position is a 30hr work week on-site in the recently burned area of Cal-Wood’s Mountain Campus. The Cal-Wood fire occurred on October 17th 2020 and severely burned over 600 acres of our property leaving it prone to extreme erosion, long term shifts in forest type, and pollution of the St. Vrain watershed which provides water for Longmont, Colorado, a city of 95,000 people. As an FRCM, you will participate in a long-term restoration project that will bring the mountain slopes and hillsides back to a natural state. You will learn and use several techniques including but not limited to, tree transplanting, log contouring, soil scarification, building channels in gulches, leading volunteer groups, and educating campers. This valuable work will mitigate the aforementioned issues, build camaraderie through teamwork, while also providing experiences in conservation that can be used in the application for future positions in the Conservation industry, such as, Americorps. 

Responsibilities of the Summer Camp Counselor Naturalist (SCCN): 

• Make connections with campers and develop meaningful relationships.
• Lead campers through various outdoor and indoor activities, such as science lessons, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, eco art, and much more!
• Stay overnight in-cabin with your assigned campers. 
• Create opportunities within the group to allow for each camper to experience success.
• Be alert to the needs of campers and act accordingly and appropriately. 
• Communicate the needs of campers to the administrative staff when appropriate.
• Show enthusiasm and encourage campers to get involved in the activities and discussions.
• Be a good role model by demonstrating positivity, cleanliness, punctuality, sharing, chores, sportsmanship, and table manners.
• Be consistent and fair when enforcing policies and procedures.
• Maintain good public relations when interacting with parents and community members.
• Instruct campers on emergency procedures and ensure procedures are followed correctly when necessary. 
• When transitioning campers from one location to another, always ensure all campers are accounted for before departing and after arrival.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff. Including following all Boulder County COVID-19 regulations. 
• Support other staff in the arrival, program, and departure of all campers. This includes leading orientation meetings and tours, working with the kitchen staff, and other Cal-Wood departments. 
• Participate in debrief meetings at the end of each week and preparation for the following week of programs.

Qualities and Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. High School diploma required.
• Experience working with children desired.
• First Aid/CPR certifications required (can be completed during staff training).
• Spanish ability is highly desired, but not mandatory.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities of the Fire Restoration Crew Member (FRCM):

• Work together as a team and periodically participate in team-building activities. 
• Willingness to work outside 7hrs/day (including lunch hour) in all safe weather conditions. 
• Use and maintain tools and equipment, such as, regular gardening/landscaping tools.
• Transplant tree saplings.
• Move logs.
• Construct channels in gulches with natural materials, such as, logs, sticks, rocks, debris, and hay bales. 
• Maintain safety and awareness of potentially unsafe areas, terrain, and weather. 
• Educate campers about the fire restoration work being done and why it is important. 

Additional Qualities and Qualifications:

• Have the ability to lift and carry 35lbs for up to 3 miles up and down steep terrain.
• Must be able to maintain a positive attitude.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• No experience required.