Youth Camp Naturalist & Outdoor Educator

Naturalist (Biotech)

Naturalists provide a safe, fun, educational experience for club youth and rental group guests that utilize VEC for summer camps and retreats. Employees in this role plan, direct, and implement programs focused on environmental education and social-emotional learning for groups of 10-40 youth. Naturalists work closely with the rest of the Voyageur camp staff and may fulfill counselor roles as needed.

Create a safe, fun, educational and engaging environment for youth to participate in environmental and social-emotional educational activities.

Assist in the direction and supervision of campers throughout their stay n, direct, and implement educational programs that are age-appropriate and encourages campers love and appreciation for the outdoors. Programs include but are not limited to aquatic studies, forest study, fishing, team-building, outdoor survival & living skills, animal studies, arts & crafts, gardening & food justice, archery, hiking, field games, waterfront activities, and more.

Oversee the implementation of the camp garden program and recycling/composting program in conjunction with food service.

Inventory and properly stores all outdoor/nature education equipment and assists in maintaining indoor and outdoor classroom spaces.

Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.

Assure campers are properly supervised at all  aware of and implement safety guidelines.

Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.

Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by Health  alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Program Director.

Assist in implementing covid-19 safety protocols and maintaining a safe camp.

Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.

Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Participate in staff training, and all required meetings. Must be familiar with all camp policies and procedures.

Assist in other camp operation areas (counselors, food service, maintenance, office) as needed and maintain a positive team attitude.

Assist with daily clean-up.

Assist with programming needs for outside rental groups and day camps that utilize VEC facility.

Assist with programming needs off-site at other BGCTC Clubs and events as assigned by Program Director.

Voyageur offers residential and day-camp options, and may have residential sessions that require Naturalists to stay on-site overnight either in staff housing or in cabins with campers.

Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.

Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.

Other tasks assigned by Program Director to fulfill the mission of VEC.