Camp Schuylkill is an environmentally focused program that strives to give children the opportunity to explore and learn about their relationship to the natural world. Week-long, themed programs offer youth and educators a chance for in-depth explorations of a variety of nature-related topics. While we have camps for children ages 3-12 years old, we are particularly looking for educators to work with our youngest campers -- the 3-5 year olds.

Educators are required to commit to all nine weeks of camp plus seven days of training. Educators will work 8:30 am–4:30 pm each day.

As camp counselors, you will be working as a teaching team of three in the 3-5 year old camp.

About the 3-5 year old camp: In this camp, the focus will be on play and exploration while introducing children to nature and the outdoor world. The children will spend the majority of their day outdoors going on hikes and participating in free play. There will be a wide variety of art, songs, and other sensory activities integrated into week-long nature based themes. There is also a big emphasis on social and emotional learning and supporting young children in conflict resolution, problem solving, and emotional regulation while building positive relationships with both adults and their peers in a natural setting. There are three educators per teaching team with our 3-5 year old groups. 

Duties include: Planning and teaching hands-on and interactive nature-based activities, leading hikes, supervising free and unstructured outdoor play. 

Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be 18 years or older
• Comfortable in the outdoors 
• A familiarity with outdoor recreation and natural sciences (not required)
• Demonstrated ability to be a positive role model for participants
• An understanding of child development and age-appropriate pedagogy
• Experience working with children
• Strong communications skills and confidence in leading groups
• Ability to engage children in fun and creative, hands-on learning opportunities

Helpful but not required: Associate or Bachelor's Degree or major in Environmental Science, Education, Early Childhood Education, Biology, Botany, Horticulture, Agriculture, Outdoor Leadership, or related field

Background Clearances: If hired, employees are responsible for providing a valid Pennsylvania child abuse clearance, state criminal background check, FBI criminal background check, Mandated Reporter training, and other background checks that the Schuylkill Center requires based on the applicant’s state residency. First Aid/CPR training will be provided to applicants who don’t currently have it. Additionally, as of September 2021, all hires are required to provide proof of vaccination.

Dates of Employment: Position begins on June 9, 2022 and ends on August 19, 2022. (June 9-10 and June 13-17 are mandatory training dates.) Educators will have off on Monday, July 5 for the July 4 holiday.

Compensation: $5900 for the 10.2-week period, paid biweekly