Position:   Summer Camp Counselor (seasonal, part-time/hourly, non-exempt)

Site: Ashland Nature Center or Coverdale Farm Preserve

Schedule:    Varied Schedule, based on program offerings by site. There are several required trainings that occur prior to the start of camp season that this position will need to attend.

Start Date: May 31^st, 2025

End Date: August 29, 2025

Mission

Connecting people and nature to create a healthy environment for all through education, conservation, and advocacy.

 Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education programming at four sites and throughout the region, in New Castle & Sussex Counties: (New Castle) Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; (Sussex) Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. We also manage over 2,000 acres of land including four nature preserves. 

DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world. 

Position Summary

The Summer Camp Counselor position is a minimum 6-week, maximum 12-week employment. Summer Camp Counselors (Counselors) support the effective delivery of educational lessons and activities for children ages 4 to 12 during week-long summer camp programs. Counselors participate in staff training and rotate through various summer camp duties. Duties include assisting with 4-12 y/o camps and programs, assisting with extended care activities, and leading summer camp activities. Summer Camp Training will be held a few evenings and weekend days starting at the end of May. Summer camps begin Monday, June 9^th, and continue until Friday, August 29^th.

This position reports to: Education/Site Coordinator at assigned site.

Responsibilities

• Support summer camp instructors with all aspects of camp during twelve weeks of summer camp programming.
• Assist with daily camp program preparation and clean up, and with care and maintenance of education materials, equipment, and teaching tools.
• Support and participate in staff training events and activities.
• Co-lead early morning care and/or afternoon extended care as needed over the course of the summer.
• Assist with extended day events as needed.
• With guidance, develop, plan, prepare and deliver various outdoor/indoor activities, for summer camp, that are developmentally appropriate, engaging, fun, safe and incorporate the core values.

• Ensure all DelNature policies and procedures, including health and safety protocols, are followed, and always enforced.
• Record accurate work hours daily in PayCom including daily 30-minute meal break.

• Assist with other camp duties such as sign in and sign out process.
• Promote & support DelNature’s mission, values, goals, activities, and membership to a wide array of audiences.
• Perform other duties as requested by supervisor or leadership staff.

Salary and Compensation

Starting rate of $14-$15/hour. – This is a seasonal position ending in August. Summer Camp Counselors are paid hourly for the seasonal position divided into twice-monthly payments with all required federal and state taxes withheld. Camp staff are required to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break daily.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – Delaware Nature Society considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state & local laws.

Qualification and Experience

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Delaware Nature Society.
• Outdoor recreation or Farm skills and experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a team, indoors and outside under variable weather conditions.
• Ability to always interact in a positive and professional manner.
• Must possess the following traits and skills: Flexibility, dependability, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills, work as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new skills and share knowledge with others.
• 16 years of age or older – candidates under 18 years old will need to secure working papers at time of hire.