SUMMARY: Lead Camp Counselors serve as the primary educators for VINS' Nature Camps based at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington. One Lead Counselor will be responsible for each of the following age groups of campers: Primary Grades (Grades 1-3) and Intermediate Grades (Grades 4-6).

REPORTS TO: Camp Program Manager

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.

LEAD COUNSELOR DUTIES:
• Support and supervise Camp Counselors and Junior Counselors.
• Teach program materials to a variety of audiences, from early learners through adolescents with specialization at one specific level.
• Maintain excellent rapport and constant communication with parents of camp participants.
• Monitor materials, medical problems, parent and staff concerns, and provide feedback to Camp Program Manager.
• Ability to facilitate a wide range of activities including group games, craft activities, nature hikes, and other hands-on types of learning.
• Lead daily staff debriefing at the end of each camp day.
• Share teaching responsibilities with other educators and act as a teacher mentor to less experienced staff.
• Specific duties will vary according to 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.
• Develop and maintain regular schedule of communication with Camp Program Manager and Camp Registrar.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience as an informal science educator in a camp setting with the appropriate age range.
• Experience developing curriculum.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Dynamic approach to environmental education.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Previous experience with children's camps.
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to and facilitate change.
• Excellent teaching (adults and children) and public speaking skills.
• 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 organizational skills and 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).
• General computer literacy including ability to use Microsoft Office programs.
• CURRENT FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION (VINS may assist individuals needing updated certification).

COMPENSATION AND WORK SCHEDULE:
• Pay range for this position is $340.00 - $450.00 a week depending on experience and responsibilities. The Lead Camp Counselor is a full time, seasonal position. Work week is generally 40 hours with some variation depending on age range responsibilities. Term of employment is June 2, 2008 through August 22, 2008 (some flexibility for appropriate candidate). Work day schedule will vary according to camp offering.

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.