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Nature Camp Counselor
About us: The Downers Grove Park District enriches our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow, play, imagine and explore. Learn more at dgparks.org.
The Opportunity: As the Nature Camp Counselor you will lead Nature Day Camps for ages 3-14 at Lyman Woods and/or Gilbert Park facilities. You will also help guide high school age volunteers. You may work with any age group, but will be predominately placed in either our Early Childhood (3-6 year olds) or Youth Age (5-10 year-old) camp groups, depending on your skills and interests.
Pay:
- Pay Rate: Starting at $16.00/hr for newly hired staff, and $16.50/hr for returning staff.
Additional Benefits:
- Free membership to the 4500 Fitness Center
- Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certification Training
- Various District Discounts
Work Schedule:
- Monday – Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
- You may work morning shifts (8:30am-12:30pm), afternoon shifts (12:30pm-4:30pm), or full day shifts (8:30am-4:30pm) depending on your personal availability and our camp scheduling needs.
- We offer 12 weeks of half-day and full day camps- June 2 to August 29
- You may work 20-40 hours depending on enrollment and staff availability
- Flexible time for weeks or days off as needed and approved by Supervisor
- 1 week of staff training and orientation May 27- May 30.
- Applicants should be available to start no later than May 28.
A Day in the Life:
- Supervise a camp group in accordance with planned lessons and outlines.
- Lead crafts, hikes, games and other hands-on activities.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with participants, parents and co-workers.
- Ability to collect and submit all necessary records including daily attendance sheets, rosters, emergency forms, and accident reports in accordance with District policy.
- Responsible for program equipment and material used for camp activities, as well as keeping program supplies well-organized.
- Manage camper behavior and encourage participation.
Requirements for the Role:
- Follow and implement Downers Grove Park District policies and guidelines, including safety practices
- Performs all other duties and responsibilities not covered above, but directed by Lyman Woods Supervisor
- Attend staff meetings, trainings and special events
- Ensure all Park District’s safety policies are being followed and implemented
- Must possess certification in CPR and First Aid or complete First Aid and CPR certification training within 3 months of start date
About you:
- 16 years of age or older
- Self-motivated
- Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- Able to adapt to changes in environment and program structure
- Experience working with children and leading them in outdoor activities; prior day camp experience a plus
- Knowledge of or experience pertaining to local wildlife, ecology, environmental studies, natural history, or similar life-science based content preferred.
- College-level coursework in environmental education, interpretation, education, natural sciences or related field preferred
- 1+ years informal or formal education teaching experience a plus
- Able to hike, stand, sit, crouch for extended periods of time, as well as occasionally lifting objects up to 30 lbs.
What sets us apart:
- Flexible hours
- Supportive and friendly coworkers
- Collaborative and connected management
- Develop your problem-solving, communication, and leadership experience
- Learn important life skills such as time management and influencing others
- Work for a Distinguished Agency Park District
The Downers Grove Park District is an EOE.
The District is required by Illinois Statute (70 ILCS 1205/8-23) to obtain a criminal conviction information concerning applicants, and shall perform a criminal background check for applicant for all positions, including the position for which you have applied. Applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of convictions. Conviction of offenses enumerated in subsection (c) of said statute shall automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration for working for the District. All other convictions shall not automatically disqualify the applicant from consideration, but rather, the conviction will be considered in relationship to the specific job.
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