Summer Camp Instructor (2 positions available)

OVERVIEW

Oxbow Education (“OxEd”) is seeking two Kids’ Farm Summer Camp Instructors to lead summer camp groups for 5 week-long day camp sessions, and to assist with occasional delivery of summer field trips and other programming as needed between camp weeks. Summer Camp Instructors will lead groups of 9-12 campers, ages 4-11, during day camp sessions. As a Camp Instructor you will facilitate a successful camp experience for campers by keeping them engaged with a variety of educational games and activities, while being responsible for their safety and a majority of their daily schedule.

Summer Camp instructors will develop and lead nature- and farm-based activities, and will have the opportunity to learn more about organic farming and environmental education. This position would be a great fit for an energetic person who enjoys and appreciates the outdoors and who has experience leading summer camp groups and facilitating outdoor games and activities.

Camp instructors must be available to work ALL training and camp weeks, as outlined below. Between camp weeks there may be opportunities to lead summer field trips, work on farm projects in our Kids’ Farm, and lead programs on Oxbow Saturdays and other public event days as needed.

Two weeks of our day camp will feature concurrent camp sessions: one session for campers ages 4-6 (Dig In!) and one simultaneous session for a smaller group of pre-teen campers ages 11–13 (Dig Deeper). Camp instructors will contribute to programming and mentorship of the pre-teen camp, and at times will welcome them into their small camp groups to support the early learners with farm, culinary, or nature connection activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead your group of campers, ages 4-6 or 7-11, in farm- and nature-based camp activities
• Ensure safety of campers at all times
• Contribute to planning and prep in advance of summer camp sessions, typically the Friday before the upcoming camp session is used as a planning day on site at Oxbow
• Plan and lead most day-to-day activities of your summer camp group
• Facilitate games, songs, stories, and activities
• Participate in all-camp activities & farm tasks
• Behavioral management of campers and parent communication
• Work with and give direction to volunteer(s) assigned to your group, or the pre-teens during camp collaboration times
• Setup and cleanup of daily camp activities

• Participate in daily planning and debriefing meetings, and in team-building activities that contribute to the development of the education team

• Document camp sessions using personal cell phone or digital camera, uploading photos at the end of each camp week

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous summer camp instructor experience preferred
• Experience facilitating educational outdoor games and activities
• Ability to do light physical work, including standing for several hours, squatting/kneeling
• Experience working with children, especially ages 4-11
• Ability to take direction, ask for help/clarity when necessary, and accept constructive feedback on work and technique
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• High-energy and playful; exceptionally positive attitude
• Self-driven, motivated, timely
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Flexible, creative, and able to perform well in diverse conditions and under pressure
• A musical inclination, video or photo-editing skills, theatrical experience, or any other sort of artistic expertise is a plus! Please make note of any skills you have in your cover letter
• Ability to work independently and within a team

Additional desired qualities include: environmentally conscious, detail oriented, self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

To be considered, candidates must be available for ALL of the following camp weeks:

OxEd  is part of a larger non-profit organization. A commitment to Oxbow’s overall mission and working as part of a team is critical.

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COMPENSATION

This is a seasonal, full-time position, paying $14-$15 per hour , with some paid time-off and access to food from the fields.

REPORTS TO:

The OxEd Program Manager, with direct oversight from the Camp Director

TO APPLY

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Email a resume, letter of interest, and 3 references to:

Megan Boyce-Jacobs
Deputy Director
Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center
thedirt@oxbow.org

Please write Camp Instructor in the email subject line and include where you found this position in the message body.

We are looking to fill 2 camp instructor positions. Applications are due Monday, February 18, 2019 for first consideration. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after February 18^thuntil both positions are filled.