SUMMARY: Camp Counselors work with Lead Counselors to deliver VINS' Nature Camps based at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington. One Counselor will be hired for the following age groups of campers: Primary Grades (Grades 1-3) and Intermediate Grades (Grades 4-6).

REPORTS TO: Lead Counselor

UPDATED: January 31, 2008

VINS' Nature Camp Programs are designed for children in pre-K through 8th grade. We currently serve communities in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire and in the Manchester and Burlington areas of Vermont. Job location is in Burlington, Vermont at the Ethan Allen Homestead with some travel to other camp sites as required.


COUNSELOR DUTIES:

• Work with Lead Counselor to teach program materials to a variety of audiences, from early learners through adolescents, with specialization at one specific level.
• Facilitate a wide range of activities including group games, craft activities, nature hikes, and other hands-on types of learning.
• Maintain excellent rapport with camp participants and their parents.
• Provide feedback to Camp Program Manager.
• Participate in daily staff debriefing at the end of each camp day.
• Specific duties will vary according to the age range responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Attend VINS staff meetings and participate in organization functions as required.
• Work with other departments at VINS to bring added content to Camp Programs and facilitate opportunities for cross-promotion of programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience working with children in a camp setting with the appropriate age range.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Dynamic approach to environmental education.
• General knowledge of New England natural history (or willingness and initiative to learn).
• Ability to lead field trips over diverse terrain in all seasons.
• Strong work ethic.
• Passionate about conservation education and the mission of VINS.
• Commitment to excellence.
• Ability to carry bulky, heavy teaching equipment (up to 40 lbs).
• CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION (VINS may assist those needing updates to certification).

COMPENSATION AND WORK SCHEDULE:

• Pay is $308.00 - $320.00 depending on experience. Camp Counselor is a full time, seasonal position. Regular work week is 40 hours with some exceptions based on particular camp offerings. Term of employment is June 2, 2008 through August 22, 2008 (some flexibility for appropriate candidates). Work day schedule will vary.

ALL VINS STAFF WORKING DIRECTLY WITH CHILDREN ARE SUBJECT TO A THOROUGH BACKGROUND CHECK, INCLUDING FINGERPRINTING AND A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK.

TO APPLY:
Send resume and cover letter to:
VINS, Attn: Camp Registrar
PO Box 1281
Quechee, VT 05059
or camps@vinsweb.org

VINS (The Vermont Institute of Natural Science) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization wholly supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants.