Thorne Summer Camp Program Description:

Established in 1957, Thorne Summer Camp reaches more than 2,300 youth each summer through field-based ecology “Camp Experiences” for kids ages 3-15. Learning takes place through hands-on, science-based, experiential activities. Popular classes like, Mud Mucking, At Home in the Woods, and Bird Banding utilize local prairie grasslands, evergreen forests, and wetland habitats as a classroom and enable youth to connect with and learn about nature. Thorne Summer Camp is licensed by the State of Colorado Division of Childcare.

Expectation for All Interns:

Support the Thorne mission and exhibit a commitment to:

• Working collaboratively, with integrity and respect for fellow employees, associates, and our communities
• Embracing personal responsibility and accountability for your role at Thorne

Internship Purpose:

Through the Thorne Summer Camp Field Assistant Internship, you have the amazing opportunity to foster a deep nature connection with children in our community.  Field Assistant Interns provide general program support of camp by assisting in the oversight of camp, supporting Instructors, and contributing to our mission of connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences. As a Field Assistant Intern, you will become part of a team of nature-oriented professionals who receive support from our Camp leaders, develop environmental education skills, and enjoy a community of peers who value a profound connection to nature in our lives. The ideal candidates have experience with children, are enthusiastic, responsible, highly organized, and ready for action. This is a great opportunity for a person new to the environmental education field, who values nature connection in children, but may not have the necessary experience to be an Instructor. The Field Assistant will spend the majority of their time in the field, and act as the go-to person whenever support is needed.  Field Assistants also act as a substitute Instructor if needed and assists in overnight camps up to 4 times during the summer.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Assist in the oversight of Thorne Summer Camp program in the field, ensuring safety of all participants, students, and teachers
• Support Thorne Summer Camp Instructors in the field with supplies, added supervision, and emergency transportation
• Support program by acting as a substitute Instructor if needed
• Act as a “go to” person for Instructors during their time in the field, circulating between and checking in with Thorne “Camp Experience” groups
• Participate in the drop off and pick up protocol for Thorne Summer Camp- assisting parents, Instructors, and Education Programs Director
• Act as a role model for all Instructors, participants, and Teaching Assistants, illustrating appropriate behavior and environmental ethics
• Encourage a joyful, safe, meaningful outdoor experience for participants.
• Attend Mandatory Thorne Summer Camp Instructor training on May 21-22- Instructor must attend a total of 15 hours of professional development training as required by the Colorado Department of Social Services child care licensing standards (Thorne Instructor trainings are included)
• Complete all required forms and submit all required information needed by Thorne for compliance with Colorado Department of Social Services child care licensing standards
• Support Thorne Summer Camp Instructors in overnight camps up to 4 times in the summer- having a mid to high clearance vehicle is preferred

Desired Outcomes:

• Contribute towards successful delivery of Thorne Summer Camp and the achievement of Thorne’s mission
• Contribute towards achieving 90% or better positive rating of Thorne Summer Camp’s ability to connect participants to nature
• Contribute towards achieving 90% or better positive rating that Thorne Summer Camp pick-up/drop-off process was good or fantastic
• Contribute towards achieving 90% or better positive rating that Thorne Summer Camp Instructors feel supported by Thorne Staff and interns in the field
• Contribute towards achieving 95% or better positive rating that parents will send their child to a Thorne Summer Camp in the future
• Contribute towards achieving 95% or better positive rating that Thorne Summer Camp was well managed and well organized
• Contribute towards Thorne’s Core Value of inclusiveness, respecting the perspectives and contributions of all people

Internship Interrelationships:

• Thorne Staff and Summer Camp Instructors
• Thorne Summer Camp Participants
• Thorne Summer Camp Parents and Families
• Volunteers and Interns
• General Public
• Guest Speakers and Community Partners

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills with adults and children
• Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally
• Experience relating to and communicating with diverse audiences, especially Mexican American participants and families preferred
• People of Color encouraged to apply
• Bi-lingual in Spanish and English encouraged to apply

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

• Team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated
• Strong interest in and/or with some experience in environmental education in informal settings
• Passionate about Thorne’s mission and environmentally concerned and aware

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 or older
• A minimum of 480 hours of full time or equivalent part-time satisfactory and verifiable experience with school-age children is preferred
• Preference for those with or working on a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geology, Education, or related field
• Background check and fingerprints submitted and cleared by the Colorado Department of Human Services (Thorne helps and pays for this)
• Current CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions certifications (Thorne holds and pays for trainings)
• Medication Administration Certification and Delegation by Thorne’s nurse (Thorne holds and pays for trainings)

Dates of Thorne Summer Camp “Experiences”:

• May 31-August 12 (skipping May 30 and July 4, as holidays)

Special Requirements:

• Must commit to working 3-5 days/week for all eleven weeks of Thorne Summer Camp (one week or 5 days off can be accommodated)
• Must have a personal car and be willing to drive to various locations (Thorne reimburses for mileage)
• Additional time may be required as necessary for overnight camps including evening work and long hours up to four times during the summer

Compensation:

• You will be compensated with an hourly wage of $8.31/hr as a stipend
• You will complete up to 385 or more documented hours of professional environmental education experience through this internship
• Thorne Staff is willing to fill out required forms for school credit, act as a reference for Intern, and/or write a letter of recommendation if needed

Please see Thorne’s Summer Camp catalog on-line at www.thornenature.org for “Camp Experience” times and descriptions