Nature Day Camp Counselor

Nature Day Camp (NDC) Counselors plan and implement hikes, activities, games and crafts to meet the needs and interest of a weekly group of 8 – 12 campers. Campers range in age from 3-12.   

Full Day NDC Counselors are scheduled approximately 40 hours/week. This job assignment is for May 20 through August 2. July 4 and July 27 are required work days. Occasional evening and weekend shifts may be available if interested. This schedule is weather dependent.  

Employees may request up to five days off, if done so by May 31. Time off requests will be considered in the order they are received. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  
  

SCHEDULE* 

Training weeks (required) 

• May 20 – May 31, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  
• No training Monday, May 27 

Camp dates and times (June 3 – August 2) 

• 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday  
• 7:30 a.m. - 4:00pm Wednesdays 

July 4 and July 27 are required work days. 

*Schedule is subject to change, at the discretion of the Park District. 

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be at least 16 to apply. 
• Must have reliable transportation and also have proven leadership and/or supervisory experience.  
• Must have a strong interest and/or knowledge in environmental education and working with children.    
• Must be insurable by Park District insurance to operate vehicles.  

JOB DESCRIPTION 

SUMMARY  

Nature Day Camp (NDC) is a fun all day camp program for children ages 3-12 to attend at either Bill Yeck Park or Grant Nature Park. Staff will plan and lead a variety of recreation activities, sports, games, and crafts for children who will be split up by age. Each week will be planned around a different theme. Our goal is to make amazing lifelong camp memories for all campers.  

SPECIFIC DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS  

Administrative   

• Maintain accurate program attendance and camper health records.   
• Submit bi-weekly camp activities planned for your camp group.   

Programming   

• Based on weekly environmental education themes plan and implement hikes, activities, games and crafts to meet the needs and interests of the campers.   
• Demonstrate, lead and teach nature activities to campers daily.   
• Supervise a weekly group of 8-12 children, ages ranging 3-12.   
• Teach a sense of care for the natural environment through proper actions, activities and games.   

Public Relations   

• Serve as a public relations liaison with the community.   
• Maintain an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie between campers and staff.   

GENERAL DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS  

• Attend all staff training sessions including CPR and First Aid Certification.   
• Ensure the safety of all campers by maintaining a safe, clean and controlled environment.   
• Enforce and follow all park rules and regulations.   
• Be responsible for all park equipment issued to you.   
• Perform basic first aid as necessary.   
• Other duties as assigned.  

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS  

• Proven experience working with children ages 3-12 years old.   
• Skills in organization and communication.   
• Reliable transportation.   
• A strong interest and/or knowledge in environmental education.   

JOB FIT  

• Availability and ability to commit to working Monday –Friday during summer camp hours for the entire summer.    
• Must work some evenings and weekends.  
• Staff must be able and prepared to work much of the shift outdoors.