Lead Nature Camp Instructor: Wilderness Specialist Clone

Summary: VINS Nature Camp helps young people develop the life skills necessary to be a positive force for their community and the environment in a fun and exciting summer adventure. Lead Wilderness Camp Instructors are responsible for leading and teaching natural science topics with an emphasis on backcountry and wilderness survival skills to children ages 6 – 13 in our outdoor camp environment.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct leadership for up to 14 campers throughout weekly day camp sessions and for up to 12 campers for overnight camp experiences, including week-long overnight camps
• Oversee camper safety and create an emotionally healthy camp environment
• Plan and teach educational programs related to the natural sciences for varied age groups
• Facilitate a wide range of activities, including group games, outdoor sports, adventure scenarios, leadership skills, crafts, nature hikes, and other hands-on activities
• Supervise all aspects of assigned camp groups, including but not limited to planning weekly curricula, managing camper behavior, and maintaining teaching supplies
• Support and mentor Nature Camp Instructors and Leaders-in-Training (L-I-Ts)
• Understand and be able to implement emergency procedures and approved safety practices
• Develop and maintain excellent communication with the Director of Nature Camp, Nature Camp Coordinator, co-instructors, VINS staff and volunteers, and camper parents/guardians

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or currently working towards a degree in education, natural sciences, or related field of study, preferred
• Previous work experience with children in summer camp or other educational settings, preferred
• Experience in program or curriculum development, a plus
• Experience and knowledge of wilderness survival skills, instruction experience in archery, canoeing, and backcountry travel, a plus
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to and facilitate change
• Excellent group communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to carry bulky, heavy teaching equipment (up to 40 lbs.)
• Ability to lead camp groups over diverse terrain in all weather conditions
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification, or willing to obtain
• Lifeguard certification may be required, or willing to obtain
• General computer literacy

  All VINS staff working directly with children are subject to a thorough background check, including fingerprinting for an FBI criminal history records check.

Why work here

The VINS Nature Camp mission is to help young people develop the life skills necessary to be a positive force for their community and the environment.

By exploring the diversity of nature’s living creatures and habitats, VINS Nature Camp nurtures each child's curiosity and helps them to build respectful, caring relationships with themselves, others, and the natural world.

Each day of camp is another opportunity for your child to join an exciting journey to reveal the wonders of the natural world. Whether it is a hike through the woods, a closer look at an insect under the magnifying glass, a messy craft, or a group game that reinforces the value of teamwork; VINS Nature Camp programs are an invaluable and exciting learning experience for children.

VINS’ professional and highly trained staff, and unparalleled collection of resident raptors, ensure that your camper will have a unique and enriching summer camp experience.