PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Naturalists provide a safe, fun, educational experience for club youth and rental group guests that utilize VEC for summer camps and retreats. Employees in this role plan, direct, and implement programs focused on environmental education and social-emotional learning for groups of 10-40 youth. Naturalists work closely with the rest of the Voyageur camp staff and may fulfill counselor roles as needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Create a safe, fun, educational and engaging environment for youth to participate in environmental and social-emotional educational activities.
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Assist in the direction and supervision of campers throughout their stay at Voyageur.
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Plan, direct, and implement educational programs that are age-appropriate and encourages campers’ love and appreciation for the outdoors. Programs include but are not limited to aquatic studies, forest study, fishing, team-building, outdoor survival & living skills, animal studies, arts & crafts, gardening & food justice, archery, hiking, field games, waterfront activities, and more.
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Oversee the implementation of the camp garden program and recycling/composting program in conjunction with food service.
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Inventory and properly stores all outdoor/nature education equipment and assists in maintaining indoor and outdoor classroom spaces.
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Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
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Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
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Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
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Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
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Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by Health Specialist.
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Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Program Director.
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Assist in implementing covid-19 safety protocols and maintaining a safe camp.
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Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
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Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
- Participate in staff training, and all required meetings. Must be familiar with all camp policies and procedures.
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Assist in other camp operation areas (counselors, food service, maintenance, office) as needed and maintain a positive team attitude.
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Assist with daily clean-up.
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Assist with programming needs for outside rental groups and day camps that utilize VEC facility.
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Assist with programming needs off-site at other BGCTC Clubs and events as assigned by Program Director.
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Voyageur offers residential and day-camp options, and may have residential sessions that require Naturalists to stay on-site overnight either in staff housing or in cabins with campers.
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Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.
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Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
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Other tasks assigned by Program Director to fulfill the mission of VEC.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
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Must be eighteen (18) years of age.
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At least one (1) year of experience working with youth in a childcare setting, learning environment, camp setting or similar. Preferred educational or work experience in environmental science or comparable field.
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Have the ability to work with youth outdoors in varied weather conditions.
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Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
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Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
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Experience working with diverse populations.
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Good interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
LICENSURE(S):
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Certifications in First Aid and CPR, Wilderness First Aid or Responder preferred. Certifications may be obtained during a pre-camp training.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position is located at Voyageur Environmental Center, a 100+ acre outdoor facility with over a mile of trails over hills and through forests and an active waterfront on Little Long Lake. This position has a significant amount of outdoor work and individuals must be able to be outside in all kinds of weather.
Individuals must be able to climb stairs, lift at least 50 lbs., be able to stand for long periods of time, walk moderate distances, move objects, reach for objects, and bend/twist at the waist. This is a moderately stressful position that requires the candidate to be in good physical and emotional health.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is seeking staff for the summer camp season! At our Voyageur Environmental Center, we host residential summer camp and need staff members from June until August! This position is paid at a weekly rate plus room and board for living on the camp site during the duration of the season! Employees will have access to staff cabins and a house with a kitchen, on-site laundry and showers. Many meals will be provided and cooked by the kitchen team in a commercial kitchen. The staff kitchen will be socked with standard items for community use. Transportation will be available to go to town for errands and additional grocery items as needed as well.
We're looking forward to meeting you!
