Summer Camp Coordinator​/Extension Program Worker

Position Summary

MSU Extension is seeking candidates to serve as Camp Coordinators for Oakland County Parks Outdoor Discovery Camps at multiple locations throughout Oakland County, Michigan. These week‑long outdoor day camps provide hands‑on, nature‑based educational experiences for children ages 6–11.

The Camp Coordinator is responsible for the overall management of camp operations, including overseeing daily camp activities, supervising staff and volunteers, and communicating with parents to ensure high‑quality programming that supports environmental education and conservation.

We are looking for staff with a background in camp management, education, environmental or natural sciences, outdoor recreation, ecology, wildlife biology, forestry, geology, sustainability, cooperative games, or experiential learning.

This is a 8–10‑week position with two weeks of preparation and training prior to the start of camp. It runs mid‑June through mid‑August, excluding the week of June 29–July
3. Camp days are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with work hours 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and optional aftercare hours.

• Ensure camp operations comply with all applicable licensing regulations, safety standards, and MSU Extension policies.
• Oversee and manage daily camp check‑in and check‑out procedures to ensure accurate attendance and camper safety.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for parents and guardians regarding camper behavior, schedules, policies, and concerns.
• Coordinate and oversee the preparation of supplies, materials, and lesson plans used by Camp Educational group Leaders.
• Supervise, support, and mentor Camp Educational Leaders and teen volunteers to ensure effective program delivery.
• Lead the planning and implementation of summer camp programming and assist in the coordination of staff training.
• Ensure experiential, science‑based curriculum is implemented appropriately for various age groups using research‑based and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Monitor camper behavior, promote positive social interactions, and address behavioral concerns in accordance with camp policies.
• Maintain responsibility for the health and safety of campers, volunteers, staff, and self, including emergency preparedness and response.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to health, safety, and camper needs, including managing food allergies and medical concerns.
• Participate in and help facilitate required in‑service training and staff meetings.
• Collaborate with camp staff and park partners to plan, schedule, and refine daily activities and programs.
• Organize, inventory, and manage instructional equipment and supplies.
• Communicate professionally with parents, the public, staff, and partner organizations.
• Coordinate and supervise extended care programming as needed (8:00–9:00 a.m. and/or 3:30–5:30 p.m.).
• Perform additional duties as needed to ensure the successful operation of camp, as assigned by the Camp Director.

• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Michigan LARA camp licensing rules and regulations, including health, safety, supervision, and documentation requirements.
• Experience maintaining required camp documentation (attendance, health records, incident reports, staff credentials) in accordance with LARA.
• Comfort and interest in working with elementary, middle, and high school‑aged youth.
• Experience working with youth in formal or informal settings (school, nature center, summer camp, scouts, etc.).
• Experience implementing emergency procedures, incident reporting, and risk management protocols in outdoor or camp settings.
• All camp staff must successfully complete required criminal background and child abuse/neglect registry clearances prior to working with campers.
• Working knowledge of the natural world and environmental systems.
• Experience working in close proximity to wildlife and natural boundaries.
• Ability to work willingly in all weather (including summer heat and/or rain).
• Comfort with or interest in forestry, plant science, entomology, fisheries and wildlife, and animal science.
• Ability to remain physically active for a full workday.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age…