Elementary Camp Tall Oaks Environmental Education Specialty Leader – Summer

Elementary Camp Tall Oaks Environmental Education Specialty Leader – Summer 2026

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is Madison’s public recreation provider. MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses.

As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides after school enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. After school clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!

Program

Description:

Are you interested in bringing children in the Madison community a unique summer experience? Creating lifelong camper and peer relationships? Gaining skills that apply to many career paths? Camp Tall Oaks combines outdoor leadership, environmental education and outdoor recreation activities designed to foster camper relationships with themselves, each other and nature. Each week’s theme highlights different activities and campers are encouraged to sign up for themes that spark their curiosity!

Job Description & Duties:

The Environmental Education Specialty Leader is responsible for developing, preparing and implementing environmental education and nature activities for campers entering grades 1-5, related to a weekly theme. The Environmental Education Specialty Leader promotes outdoor learning and excitement for nature by leading outdoor environmental activities in a camp setting. In addition to environmental education programming, duties include:

• Organizing, setting up and cleaning up of space and supplies
• General group leadership in an outdoor camp setting
• Assisting and supporting other staff during all other times during the day.
• Create inclusive lesson plans suitable for all campers.

Paid professional development and training are provided to help build your skills. Opportunities to continue employment into Fall. Come join us!

Program Dates:

• June 12 (Friday) and June 15‑18, 2026 (Monday‑Thursday):
  Mandatory paid training (40 hrs)
• June 22‑August 14, 2026:
  Monday‑Friday Summer Camp Program
• August 17, 2026:
  Optional end of the summer cleanup day
• Staff Meeting:
  Every Monday from 5‑6pm

Work Location: Bus pick up and drop off at Lincoln Elementary School, 909 Sequoia Trail, Madison, WI 53713;
Camp

Location:

Madison School Forest; 1577 Fritz Rd, Verona, WI 53593

Hours a Week: 40 hours per week

Work Hours: 7:30am‑5:30pm (could vary slightly), Monday‑Friday with Wednesday off during the week

Pay Rate: $17.00 – $18.75/hour

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience planning and leading inclusive environmental education activities with elementary aged youth
• Self‑directed and motivated to create and develop engaging lesson plans.
• Previous experience working with elementary‑aged children.
• Ability to actively participate in all aspects of the summer camp program.
• Ability to generate excitement, concern and respect for the outdoors in multiple settings with youth.
• Ability to keep campers safe by upholding high behavioral expectations.
• Willingness and desire to work outdoors for up to 10 hours in all weather conditions with children.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with the staff team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in environmental education, with specific training in one or more of the following fields: environmental/natural science, outdoor education, adventure programming, biology, classroom management, teaching and outdoor recreation
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna especially in an Oak Woods setting
• First Aid/CPR Certified or willing to get certified.
• Background in summer day camps enrichment programming.
• Staff leadership experience, especially in youth and/or outdoor work.
• Camp and outdoor adventure programming experience, including fostering positive group dynamics with youth and developing leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience working both independently and as a part of a collaborative team.
• Experience pivoting activities or a plan of action when conditions change suddenly.
• Good communication and organization skills.

Other Information:

• Applicants must be available to attend training June 12 (Friday) and June 15‑18 (Monday‑Thursday).
• Specialty Program Leaders typically work 4‑10 hour days during the summer and have Wednesday off during the week (plus weekends).

If interested, please complete the MSCR online application. For questions, contact Liz Just .us or call