Summer Camp Head Counselor (Seasonal)

Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Seasonal Position Duration: June 10 – August 16, 2024

Department: Education

Background: The Nature Museum Summer Camps offer children (ages 4-9) the opportunity to connect with and explore our local urban habitats. Our camp is designed to enhance campers’ critical thinking and problem solving skills as they engage in inquiry, develop science process skills, and cultivate a love for nature. Summer Camp Head Counselors are essential for ensuring the success of the camp programs. Head Counselors are responsible for developing effective curricula, leading camp activities, and managing camper groups for each camp session.

For a detailed description of the Nature Museum’s Summer Camp, please visit www.naturemuseumcamp.org.

Responsibilities: Attend a two-week training, June 10 to June 21, to participate in skills training sessions, develop curricula, and prepare activities for camp sessions. Head Counselors will use the Museum’s resources to write environmental education camp curricula. Head Counselors are responsible for creating and/or gathering all supplies needed for activities within a given budget and time frame.

Following the training and curriculum development period, Head Counselors will facilitate planned activities with campers during camp sessions. Head Counselors will supervise a group of campers with the help of one to two Counselors. Head Counselors will support the Camp Directors in the mentoring of the Counselors. Head Counselors who are assigned to facilitate the 8-9 year old camps may also manage off-site field trip programs along with the Camp Directors. By completing the training, Head Counselors will be able to show competencies in curriculum development, informal education instruction, written and oral communication, group management, and science content knowledge of our local habitats.

Time Commitment: The term of this position is from June 10 to August 16 (end date negotiable for those returning to school). The Head Counselors are scheduled to work up to 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8am – 4pm. Head Counselors will be asked to staff our Aftercare program from 3-5pm at least one session of camp, shifting their start time those days. Preferences will be shared but they cannot be guaranteed as schedules are formalized. In addition, the Head Counselors are expected to attend several evening Camp Open Houses and a CPR and First Aid Training, if not currently certified.

Qualifications:

• Completion of sophomore year of college or above, or comparable academic or work experience
• Knowledge of and interest in science and nature-based learning;
• An aptitude for presenting information in a relevant, appropriate, and engaging manner;
• Lesson planning/implementation experience;
• Strong organizational, management, and leadership skills;
• Ability to share enthusiasm for nature and high-energy charisma with kids ages 4 to 9 years old;
• Ability to lead activities both outdoors and indoors;
• Ability to physically lift, transport, and carry program materials throughout the Museum and its grounds;
• Ability to react quickly, use best judgment, and troubleshoot;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• A basic understanding of child learning-styles and teaching techniques;
• Compliance with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s vaccination policy
• Preferred: Current or past First Aid/CPR certification is a plus, but not required, as a certification class will be offered.

Compensation: $17.25 per hour

How to apply:To complete the application process, please complete an online application here. Please also submit a cover letter and resume to camps@naturemuseum.org. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.