Nature Day Camp Early Childhood Counselor

Nature Day Camp Early Childhood Counselor

Position Available. Status:
Full time, Seasonal. Final date to receive applications:
January 30, 2026.

Inspire young children to build a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world as you help them catch frogs in the pond, climb on fallen logs in the woods, or make‑believe with mud pies while playing outdoors. Join a team of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect children with nature through educational, recreational, and cultural experiences. Chippewa Nature Center is searching for a Counsel to champion early childhood programs.

Work alongside full‑time Nature Preschool Teachers in the nationally known LEED Gold Certified Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center, the Visitor Center, 1870s Homestead Farm, and Nature Study Building. Early Childhood Counselors teach campers ages 3‑9 years, including children with special needs. Campers attend a half‑day session (9:30 a.m.‑12 p.m.) or a full‑day session (9:30 a.m.‑3:30 p.m.) Monday‑through‑Friday.

To develop and implement programming of predetermined camps to support and strengthen campers’ relationships with the natural world.

• Supervise campers, ensuring their safety and well‑being
• Plan and teach daily lessons following the goals and objectives for each program
• Follow and enforce all camp policies, rules, and regulations
• Provide first aid to campers according to camp policy
• Communicate with families regarding camper needs, safety concerns, dietary considerations, and camp highlights/experiences
• Supervise and evaluate Counselors‑in‑Training assigned to your group
• Mentor Junior Counselors assigned to your group
• Communicate regularly with the Leadership Team
• Participate in pre‑camp and ongoing trainings
• Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Assistant Director

• Experience working with young children
• Experience and desire to work in an outdoor setting
• First aid and CPR certifications (or ability to become certified)
• 18 years of age or older by the beginning of the first camp session
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to work varied hours, including some evenings

• Preference given to those earning or working toward a degree in early childhood education, child development, environmental education, or related fields
• Knowledge of local natural resources (ecology, identification of birds, plants, etc.)

Paid staff training:
May 26 - June 2 and June 29 - July 1. Camp sessions run June 3 through August 7 with no camp July 2‑3. Exit evaluations and clean‑up days:
Aug 10‑12.

Starting salary is $600 per week ($15/hr.), with additional stipends for overnight camps ($75/night in the field), staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in the Nature Center Store, and 10% discount on program fees.

Send cover letter and resume to Steve Frisbee, Camp Director at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640. Interviews will be held by invitation February 14 2026.

CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational, and cultural experiences. The 2,000‑acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds, and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex;
Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See  for more information.

Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status.

Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.

CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.