Environmental Youth Development Intern

Camp Fire Central Oregon - Environmental Youth Development Summer Internship

Location: Bend, OR

Length: Length: 6-10 weeks between June 12, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024 (approximately: 250 hrs*)

*Hours/week and exact start and end dates are flexible and will vary based on activities offered, 

the intern’s schedule, and Camp Fire’s needs as mutually agreed upon.

Compensation: $4,500 to be paid in bi-weekly installments

Eligibility: 18+years old, currently enrolled in college.

Organization Background: Camp Fire Central Oregon connects youth to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves. We build strong relationships and provide powerful youth experiences in out-of-school time programs where youth can learn, lead, have fun and be themselves. This is how we support young people as they navigate the challenges of growing up in the world today and learn the life skills they need to thrive.

Camp Fire’s Statement of Inclusion:
Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.

People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ2S+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Camp Fire is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our applicants and employees with reasonable accommodations when requested. Camp Fire is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions. 

Position Overview:  

Our goal is to create an internship experience that will encompass the applicants interested as well as the organizational needs. The purpose of this internship is to give the applicant experience working in the Youth Development field. Interns will have an opportunity to develop and implement curriculum, assist in program planning, and learn the inner workings of a small non-profit organization. This position will give the intern opportunities to engage with students from kindergarten through high school in a variety of program settings. During the internship, interns will split time between professional development training (~15%), planning (~15%), direct service (~70%). There is also potential for collaboration with other local non-profit organizations.

Interns will have regular meetings with a supervisor to review progress and ensure expectations are being met. Goal setting, feedback, and reflection will be integrated into the intern’s experience, with coaching and guidance from their supervisor. Interns will also be trained in Camp Fire’s “Thriveology'' Framework. This includes developing a growth mindset and the importance of developmental relationships. Interns will learn how to facilitate an inclusive environment, develop youth driven programming, and encourage equitable participation. Interns will have access to professional development training through Camp Fire’s Learning Lab - an educational resource with over 25 hours of online courses which cover a variety of topics related directly to the delivery of quality Youth Development programs.   This position also includes the opportunity for receiving professional headshots and resume building tips. 

Programs Overview: 

Environmental Programs: Interns will have the opportunity to build curriculum, plan field days, and practice facilitation skills with an array of ages.

• Our environmental based Tumalo Day Camp happens once a month at Tumalo State Park and takes youth pre-K through 6th grade through outdoor skill building progression. Interns will spend three weeks working at this program. Part of this role includes mentoring high school volunteers who act as Counselors In Training (CIT's) and support the team with running the camp. 
• In addition to this, interns will support our ExplOregon camp programs in Madras and La Pine - a low-cost program for youth to learn about outdoor education. Interns spend two weeks working at this program. 
• June 12-15, June 17-18 - Training Week
  June 24-28 Tumalo Day Camp
  July 8-July 12 ExplOregon
  July 15-19 ExplOregon
  July 22 - July 26 Tumalo Day Camp
  August 19-August 23rd Tumalo Day Camp

Position Responsibilities Overview:

Camp Fire is seeking a proactive and caring leader to work directly with elementary students and teens.  This includes:

Youth management:

• Developing relationships with youth and supporting youth growth
• Creating and delivering engaging activities and games
• Recognizing and creating social and emotional learning opportunities
• Managing a safe physical and emotional space
• Communicating regularly with program manager about program needs or issues 
• Proactively recognizing program needs, advocating for solutions to set staff and youth up for success

Other tasks:

• Supporting curriculum development and sharing program ideas
• Supporting recruitment efforts
• Maintaining and managing supplies as needed
• Maintaining and managing program attendance and other records as needed
• Participating in staff meetings and professional development
• Sharing ideas and skills for all aspects of improvement for our program
  

Skill and Qualifications:

Applicants who do not meet all of the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered. We strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work, has a strong desire to grow their skills, and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.

Examples of Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with elementary aged youth or demonstrated desire to learn
• Experience with best practices in teaching, group management, planning and designing activities, social-emotional learning, and trauma informed care for elementary youth
• First Aid/CPR certified (or ability to get certified by start date or soon after)

Skills:

• Commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment
• Demonstrated ability to create developmental relationships and connect with youth and staff
• Ability to effectively manage groups of youth 
• Strong verbal communication skills with youth
• Ability to identify and communicate personal needs for a successful working environment
  

To Apply:  Camp Fire will begin reviewing applications immediately. Learn more about Camp Fire Central Oregon at campfireco.org.