Environmental Education Summer Internship

Camp Fire Central Oregon•Bend, OR

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Our goal is to create an internship experience that will encompass the applicants interested as well as the organizational needs. The purpose of this internship is to give the applicant experience working in the youth development field. Interns will have an opportunity to develop and implement curriculum, assist in program planning, and learn the inner workings of a small non-profit organization. This position will give the intern opportunities to engage with students from kindergarten through high school in a variety of program settings. During the internship, interns will split time between professional development training, planning, and working directly with youth in programs. There is also potential for collaboration with other local non-profit organizations. Interns will have regular meetings with a supervisor to review progress and ensure expectations are being met. Goal setting, feedback, and reflection will be integrated into the intern’s experience, with coaching and guidance from their supervisor. Interns will learn how to facilitate an inclusive environment, develop youth driven programming, and encourage equitable participation. Interns will have access to professional development training through Camp Fire’s Learning Lab - an educational resource with over 25 hours of online courses which cover a variety of topics related directly to the delivery of quality youth development programs. In addition, the position begins with a 20-hour training week, designed to prepare staff for the programs and overall workflow of the summer. Interns will have the opportunity to build curriculum, plan field trips, and practice facilitating engaging, safe and inclusive learning experiences for youth in K-7th grade. Throughout the summer, interns work in two different programs: Tumalo Day Camp: Our environmental based Tumalo Day Camp happens once a month at Tumalo State Park and takes youth pre-K through 7th grade through outdoor skill building progressions. Interns will spend three weeks working at this program. Part of this role includes mentoring high school volunteers who act as Counselors In Training (CIT's) and support the team with running the camp. In addition, one week is spent supporting as the Assistant to the Director - which creates a chance to take on a leadership role - and there are three total overnight camping evenings throughout the summer. (Note: Camp Fire offers camping gear to staff who do not have their own.) Tumalo Interpretive Progamming: In partnership with Oregon State Parks, environmental interns will create 1-2 interpretive programs which will be presented 2 separate times at Tumalo State Park and will be open to the public. Interns will propose a topic to be approved by Camp Fire Central Oregon. They will then create a 30-45 minute presentation and review it with their supervisor. Programs will be scheduled for delivery during June, July, and August in coordination with Camp Fire Central Oregon and the Oregon State Park Service.

Requirements

First Aid/CPR certified (or ability to get certified by start date or soon after)
Commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment
Demonstrated ability to create developmental relationships and connect with youth and staff
Ability to effectively manage groups of youth
Strong verbal communication skills with youth
Ability to identify and communicate personal needs for a successful working environment

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with elementary aged youth or demonstrated desire to learn
Experience with best practices in teaching, group management, planning and designing activities, social-emotional learning, and/or trauma informed care for elementary youth

Responsibilities

Youth management: Developing relationships with youth and supporting youth growth
Creating and delivering engaging activities and games
Recognizing and creating social and emotional learning opportunities
Managing a safe physical and emotional space
Communicating regularly with program manager about program needs or issues
Proactively recognizing program needs, advocating for solutions to set you and your group up for success
Supporting curriculum development and sharing program ideas
Supporting recruitment efforts
Maintaining and managing supplies as needed
Maintaining and managing program attendance and other records as needed
Participating in staff meetings and professional development
Sharing ideas and skills for all aspects of improvement for our program