Summer Camp Counselor

Location & Employment

Southbury, CT
Full time
Requisition

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet.

Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more ubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Bent of the River Sanctuary & Audubon Center (BOTR) in Southbury, CT, hosts a 7‑week summer camp with one week of training before the start of camp. The program will run from Monday, June 22nd, to Monday, August 17th. Participants can enjoy various activities—including hiking, brook walks, river exploration, crafts, nature‑themed games, live animal interactions, and birding. With access to forests, meadows, wetlands, and the Pomperaug River, participants experience the wonders and diversity of nature in Southbury and gain a greater understanding of and respect for the natural world.

BOTR offers experienced and aspiring teachers and environmental educators the opportunity to work in an outdoor setting as part of a dynamic summer camp team. Camp Counselors will be needed for approximately 8 weeks over the course of the summer (5 days of training, 7 weeks of camp) Monday through Friday, for 7.5‑8 hours per day.

Length of Assignment: 6/22/2026 – 8/17/2026

Hours:

7.5‑8 hours per day

This position is classified as on‑site at Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury, CT.

Compensation: $19.00 / hour

• Partner with Audubon staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.
• Plan and execute each weeklong camp/program session for a small group of children, including teaching discovery hikes, pond explorations, live animal programs, nature crafts, and games; set up and clean up each day’s activities.
• Create, prepare, and deliver 8 weeks of nature, science, and conservation‑based curriculum for the assigned age group centered on weekly themes.
• Create a meaningful experience for summer program participants while teaching an appreciation and respect for the natural environment.
• Maintain communication with the Camp Director to report bathroom usage, possible sick campers, and other necessary camp communication.
• Perform deep cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, materials, tables, chairs and other items used during the day at the end of each camp day or as needed.
• Summer programming will be 100% outdoors, except in case of thunderstorms or other potentially dangerous hazards.
• Perform all other duties deemed necessary by the Camp Director to further the mission of BOTR and Audubon.
• Assist with other aspects of a nature center, such as contacting camp parents by phone or email, photocopying, or more.
• Commitment to staff all camp sessions is required.

• Completion of at least two years of college coursework in environmental or life sciences is preferred.
• Some teaching experience and/or curriculum development is necessary; environmental education experience is preferred.
• A background in natural history is preferred.
• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity and belonging.
• Demonstrated experience leading a group and initiating activities, working independently, and awareness of BOTR safety procedures and ability to enforce those safety precautions.
• Strong work ethic, self‑motivation, ongoing…