Camp Counselor

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc•Mission Canyon, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s mission is to conserve California native plants and habitats for the health and well-being of people and the planet. The Garden is a living museum which fosters the conservation of California’s native plants through our gardens, research, and education, and serves as a role model of sustainable practices. Within the scope of this mission, the goal of the Education team is to enable transformative experiences through native plants for the Garden visitor. Camp Counselors work with other Education staff to lead outdoor activities as part of the Garden’s Summer Camp program. Camp Counselors should be passionate about connecting kids with nature, creative and flexible in their teaching approach, and able to work either as a team or individually to provide effective and impactful programming. This is a full-time (around 40 hours), temporary position, and reports to the Youth and Family Programs Manager.

Requirements

First Aid/CPR certified or able to obtain prior to start date
Mandated Reporter certified or able to obtain prior to start date
Must pass a Live Scan background check prior to hiring
Experience working with children ages 5 to 12

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ecology, botany, and/or natural history of California preferred
Basic understanding of conferencing and streaming technologies
Understanding and experience with inquiry-based teaching styles
Working understanding of outdoor etiquette and basic Leave No Trace principles
Spanish fluency preferred
Excellent time management skills
Flexibility and ability to respond appropriately to diverse group situations
Excellent verbal communication skills with both children and adults
Completed or pursuing a degree in education or relevant science field preferred
Experience in a botanic garden, environmental education, and/or a museum setting preferred
Experience with informal education activities in a natural setting preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise groups of up to 16 students outdoors (ages 5-12) with another counselor.
Provide exploration and engaging outdoor, nature-based activities as well as other camp activities such as arts and crafts
Ensure campers follow Garden rules, policies, and standards
Enforce safety and discipline policies as needed
Help coordinate child drop-off and pick-up
Manage group needs and safety, for example, by keeping them hydrated and cool, or away from poison oak, etc.
Be adequately prepared to facilitate camp programs by attending training and reading curriculum materials
Work with volunteers to help facilitate camp activities
Help evaluate camp programs by providing feedback and performing periodic evaluation activities with campers
Clean spaces and materials throughout the day as needed
Interact with camp parents/guardians during camp drop-off and pick-up
Prepare camp activities by prepping materials ahead of time and coordinating with education staff and volunteers
Assist with clean up, breakdown and inventorying of equipment and materials at the end of the camp season
Answer general questions about the Garden and its Education Programs to the public