2024 Summer Camp Counselors - Blue Heron Nature Preserve

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is looking for Counselors for the 2024 season!

WHO WE ARE:

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that conserves and stewards 30 acres of greenspace in North Buckhead. Our mission is to create a personal experience in nature through education, conservation and the arts. Our education department hosts a variety of different programs including field trips, scout events, birthdays and of course, camp!

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of learning. Principles of Reggio Emilia include the following:

· The child is capable of constructing their own learning.

· Community is important and children learn by collaborating with their communities.

· Humans are natural communicators and children should be encouraged to express themselves.

· The environment is the third teacher and must be enriching and supportive.

· Teachers are partners, nurturers and guides to children and help them explore their interests through projects.

Our 2024 Summer Camp will run from May 28th - July 26th, including a week of training.

**YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FROM MAY 28TH – 31ST FOR MANDATORY TRAINING**

ABOUT CAMP:

Our Summer Camp runs every day from 8:30am - 4:30pm. There are 8 weeks of camp in total from June 3rd - July 26th. Camp is closed on both Memorial Day and July 4th. Counselor shifts are either from 8:00am - 4:00pm or 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Each week of camp focuses on a different theme. Themes this year will include mud, wildlife investigators, weird science, art in nature, as well as creek week. These themes, as well as accompanying activities/crafts ideas will be reviewed during our training week.

Our camp hosts two separate age groups. Our Great Blue Heron group consists of children ages 7- 12. Our Little Blue Heron group consists of children ages 4-6. Both groups have a maximum capacity of 20 children per week. This gives us ample opportunity to break off into smaller groups to explore! We operate camp in rain or shine, so we can play outside in the rain as long as there is no thunder or lightning.

Our counselors are responsible for creating a safe and fun environment for our campers to play/explore/discover in! We have 3 miles of trails throughout the preserve, a creek to splash in and an indoor classroom space to create, as well as learn new things! We only ask that counselors bring their creativity, ingenuity, problem-solving skills and any fun games/activities!

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

A passion for nature, the arts and teaching/playing with campers!

Experience working with children in a formal or nonformal setting.

A desire to start a career in education or to work with children.

The ability to be playful and spontaneous; creating games or crafts on the fly!

The ability to effectively manage and lead a group of children.

The ability to be outside for long periods of time in different kinds of weather.

Knowledge of classroom and behavioral management practices.

Preference will be given to former teachers or counselors, as well as college graduates or students in college pursuing degrees in Education, Ecology, Biology, Art or a related field.

Candidates MUST be able to commit to working at least five full weeks of Summer Camp, although the ability to work more is preferred.

The pay rate is $15-$17/hr. dependent on education and experience. Wages are received on a bi-weekly basis either through direct deposit or mail.

**Candidates should live within commuting distance from the Nature Preserve. Please use Google Maps/Waze to check if the commute is manageable before applying.**

CPR/ First Aid Certification is required and will be provided if needed. Candidates must be able to show proof of CPR certification upon completion.

For more information about Blue Heron Nature Preserve, please visit www.bhnp.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to reliably commute to 4055 Roswell Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30342 each day?
• Are you comfortable spending long periods outside in hot, humid or rainy weather?
• What are your favorite activities or games to facilitate with children during free play?

Ability to Relocate:

• Atlanta, GA 30342: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person