Part-Time Summer Camp Naturalist

Camp Naturalists

Shaver's Creek Camp naturalists use available resources, prior knowledge, and new ideas to create a lesson plan for their group each camp week. They provide support and leadership opportunities to assistant camp naturalists and Leaders-In-Training ("LITs," who are teenage volunteers at camp), while ensuring the safety of everyone in the group. Prior experience with children (ideally informal or outdoor education experience) and a growth-oriented mindset are crucial for camp naturalist applicants.

This position is a daily blend of education, camp fun, and mentorship.

• At the Shaver's Creek facility, you will work 47 - 50 hours each week.
• Almost all of those hours are outdoors (regardless of weather conditions) with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature.
• Access to bathrooms in stalls depends upon the schedule for the day, but is typically every 2 or 3 hours.
• Gear for yourself and activities is carried on you (in your backpack or provided pack basket) and is likely to weigh 10 - 15 lbs; with or without accommodations.
• Pay is $11.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked in a week. Hours above 40 earn time and a half.
• Returning staff earn an additional $1/hour in this position.
• Housing may be available for out-of-the-area applicants. (There are a few rooms available; they are filled on need and a first-hire basis.)
• Training:
  Monday
  - Friday, typically 9:00 a.m.
  
  - 5:00 p.m. for the first two full weeks in June.
• Training will include certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Epi-Pens (Certification in advance of training is not needed).
• Training time includes peer bonding opportunities, techniques on working with children, examples of games and activities, lesson planning guidance, time on the trails, emergency procedures, and what a day of camp really looks and feels like.
• Camp week hours worked:
  Monday 9:00 a.m.
  
  - 5:00 p.m.;
  Tuesday
  - Thursday 8:00 a.m.
  
  - 5:15 p.m.;
  Friday 8:00 a.m.
  
  - 11:00 p.m.;
  Saturday (having likely stayed overnight via camping on-site and only three times a summer) 6:00 a.m.
  
  - 9:00 a.m.
• These hours include a staff meeting and limited prep time in the morning, as well as meetings at the end of the day.
• There is a "mid-season" week over the week of July 8, 2026. We will have off that Monday and Friday but be on-site 9:00 a.m.
  
  - 5:00 p.m. with professional development opportunities, some social time, goal check-ins and other sessions related to grounding and centering halfway through the program season.
• It is absolutely ideal if someone can commit to the entire June 1 - August 1, 2026 time frame. While the timeframe is extensive, it is a way to get the most out of this experience. Great opportunities are missed by those who can only commit to a partial schedule as this is a time to learn, grow, try new things, and be with your new camp friends.
  
  In the words of a former employee who only committed to a limited part of summer program, during the last week of the season they commented "Now I understand why you want people to work the whole summer."
• If you absolutely cannot commit to the entire time frame, you must at least be able to commit to the two full weeks of training and three weeks of program.

If there is a specific day or time that you have an important life event (like you are graduating), we will likely be able to work with you taking time off; however, you must share that information with us during your interview so we are aware.

• This position will teach you critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, problem solving, and adaptability which are key factors and skills that are desirable for all jobs you will ever have.
• Form connections with peers that outlast the summer.
• Professional development through sessions at the beginning and throughout the season on a variety of topics aimed at helping you to develop as a whole person.
• Possible internship credit.
• Spend your summer outside in nature.
• Learn techniques for how to be present and immersed in the moment.
• Obtain 2-year certifications in First Aid, AED, CPR and Epi-Pens.
• Gain confidence through growth that you should take with you everywhere.

• Complete the…