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Everyone Outside Summer Camp Job Descriptions

 

Farm & Forest Summer Camp at Fire Ring Farm in Portland

Our camp serves children ages 5 - 12 in three separate groups of 10-12 kids. Each group of children is guided by one Lead Mentor and one Assistant Mentor. The space we use at camp includes a working vegetable farm, woodland nature preserve with multiple streams, and an outdoor forest play space with areas for all ages. Camp staff members work together to plan activities that range from nature connection activities in the forest, harvesting and planting on the farm, shelter building, stream play and nature-based arts and crafts. We are looking for vibrant, friendly staff members who love kids and want to spend their summer active and outside. Staff do not need to have expertise in all program areas, but everyone must be ready to work outside, be active, be highly responsible, and have fun with children for all the hours they are at camp.

 

Expectations for all camp staff:

  • Curiosity about & appreciation for nature and a passion for sharing this love with children.

  • Support our camp mission and culture through thoughtful participation in camp staff week and staff meetings with the goal of creating a fun, safe, inclusive camp experience for our diverse camp community.

  • Ability and desire to work and participate in community with children and adults of all identities. Our staff team and the campers we serve are diverse in many ways, including gender and gender identity, race and culture, sexuality, socio-economic status, age, religion, and ability and disability. All staff are expected to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming camp environment.

  • Work each camp day entirely outside in nature, in all weather, with good energy and attitude! We do not have access to any indoor spaces and will cancel programs if the weather is hazardous. 

  • Supervise & interact with campers during instructional, recreation, and lunch times

  • Responsible for physical/emotional safety of all participants, including proactive behavior management and providing basic First Aid.

  • Contribute to clean-up and care for our camp space and program materials as needed at the end of each camp day.

 

Lead Mentor

Lead Mentors are responsible for the overall vision, support, leadership and safety of their group of 10-12 children as well as co-mentors. They manage the big picture of scheduling and activities for their group, interact daily with camp parents, lead lessons and activities, are the point person for medical and social/emotional needs for children in their group (in collaboration with camp directors), and meet daily with their staff team to plan and problem solve. Ideas for activities and resources are provided, and staff have time to develop these activities in collaboration with their staff team during staff training week. Lead Mentors are expected to enlist the help of their Assistant Mentor(s), other program leaders and EO leadership to plan the daily and weekly themes and activities for their group and are responsible for ensuring that these activities are carried out. They will encourage and support their Assistants as they take on appropriate tasks such as leading certain activities throughout the day and provide them with clear communication and regular feedback.

 

Assistant Mentor

Assistant Mentors work in collaboration with the Lead Mentor to support the overall vision, and safety of their group and help the Lead Mentor plan the daily and weekly themes and activities and assist in their implementation as well as provide one-on-one support for campers as needed. Assistant Mentors committed to their personal growth can shine by leading activities in their group as well as in opening/closing circles, by noting and discussing their challenges at staff meetings, and seeking regular feedback. 

 

Camp Mentor Qualifications:

  • Lead/Assistant Mentors: Age 18+ (or past experience working at Everyone Outside)

  • Experience working with groups of children ages 4-12 in formal or informal settings (school, nature center, summer camp, scouts, etc). Experience with groups of 10 or more children in outdoors settings is preferred.

  • Basic knowledge of the natural world is preferred, but not required in all roles. Experience with one or more of the following is preferred: expertise in nature camp songs and games, leading music with children, gardening, farming, hiking, playing in the woods/streams, naturalist skills, cooperative games, nature arts, building and tinkering, storytelling, role-playing games, and cooking or preparing food with children.

  • Enthusiasm for exploring nature with children using all 5 senses. Mentors must be willing to sit on logs or on the ground, touch dirt and safely handle natural objects as well as farming tools.   

  • Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather (including summer heat & humidity and/or rain) and to be physically active for most of an 8 hour day. This is a physically intensive job that includes significant movement throughout the day, including walking and hiking on uneven terrain, kneeling, bending, lifting,and carrying.

  • Ability to be emotionally and socially “on” for the majority of an 8 hour day. A typical day includes 6 hours of direct time with campers, requiring emotional presence and energy to engage with children and coworkers.

  • Ability to plan, organize, and facilitate developmentally-appropriate enrichment activities that reflect our core values with another staff member/co-leader using both personal experience, the curriculum, and resources provided. 

  • Demonstrate strong leadership, group management, safety, communication and organizational skills.

  • Current Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification or willing to become certified prior to June 15 (cost to be reimbursed by Everyone Outside).

  • Demonstrated commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous jobs

 

All applicants who love nature and children and have relevant experience are welcome and encouraged – our camp staff represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Everyone Outside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Conversations about accommodations that employees would need in order to successfully work at camp are welcome.

 

Job Schedule:

Training: TBD (likely week of June 17-21)

Camp session dates: 

Session 1: June 24-28

Session 2: July 1-5

Session 3: July 8-12

Session 4: July 15-19

Session 5: July 22-26 (tentative pending funding)

Schedule preference can be indicated in the online application form. Preference given to applicants who can work the most number of weeks. 

 

Job hours: 8 AM - 4 PM

 

Work location: Fire Ring Farm - 245 Middle Haddam Rd. Portland, CT

 

Compensation: 

  • Hourly pay rate: $16-$19/hour for new employees, depending on position and level of experience.

  • This is a temporary, seasonal position and is not eligible for employment benefits, union representation, or for a guarantee of work past July 26th, 2024.

 

To Apply:

● Complete our online application form and also email a resume to Lisa Liesener, Programs Director: lisa@EveryoneOutside.org

● Interviews will be scheduled with qualified applicants

● Applications accepted until positions are full.

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