Camp Counselor at Bernheim Forest

Position:
Part Time

Shift: First

Final date to receive applications: :14:37

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking a nature enthusiast with a passion for educating youth and cultivating nature-inspired connections. Bernheim is home to a 600‑acre, Level IV accredited arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes.

Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately‑owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not‑for‑profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 300,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals. Come help Bernheim make memories to last a lifetime!

Camp Bernheim has quickly become a top choice for children who want to explore, make new friends, and have fun in nature.

The position of Camp Bernheim Counselor is open to anyone ages 16+ who has a passion for connecting people with nature through meaningful education and direct contact with the natural world. This week‑long summer day camp experience requires the enthusiasm and dedication of camp counselors who help facilitate activities and oversee the safety of the group. The seasonal position reports to the Director of Education and Interpretation.

• Support lead education staff in hosting an amazing summer camp.
• Ensure the safety of campers during various activities.
• Transport Camp Bernheim campers in Bernheim vehicles.
• Assist in offering daily nature‑based programming to campers ages 6‑12.
• Support campers in activities such as kayaking, interpretive hikes, crafts and more.
• Assist in camp prep and clean up each day.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong interest in the fields of environmental education, science education, natural interpretation, natural history, earth and natural sciences, formal and informal education, or other related areas preferred. Experience working with youth and family audiences or other relevant leadership experience in the above‑mentioned fields is a plus.
• Familiarity with kayaking, outdoor interpretation, public speaking, and collaborating with diverse audiences is a plus.
• Spanish language or sign language skills a plus.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and communicate efficiently while maintaining a friendly and professional image with coworkers and the public.
• Must be able to perform physical duties including but not limited to walking with ease, moving frequently, lifting, and moving props and materials, shifting from sitting to standing position and kneeling for extended periods of time.
• Ability to traverse difficult terrain and deal with potential exposure to ticks, chiggers, intense heat and sunlight, water, and other environmental conditions.
• Adherence to dressing in a professional manner.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Clermont.
• Comfort and ability to engage in outdoor environments, in all weather conditions.
• Ability to adapt to the unexpected while still progressing toward core objectives.

To apply and for more information please send all inquiries and resumes to:
HR
.

Hours per week: 40 hours/week (may vary slightly during peak periods). Pay range: $13-$15/hr position duration:
Weekdays May 26 – August 5 (one unpaid week off either June 22‑26 or June 29‑July
3), 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (hours may vary slightly).

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.