Lead Summer Camp Counselor

National Audubon Society•Gibbon, NE

1d•$19 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary is seeking a passionate and energetic Lead Summer Camp Counselor for our summer nature day camps, known at Platte River Safari and Flying Higher camps. The Lead Counselor will work with children in grades 2-5 and 6-8 as they explore the Platte River landscape, including river channels, prairies, wetlands, and riparian woodlands across Rowe Sanctuary’s protected acres. They will oversee the daily activities of campers and will lead activities aligned with the camp’s specialized curriculum, fostering curiosity and a love for nature in a fully outdoor setting. Platte River Safari and Flying Higher are both experiential-based conservation day camps. The program aims to engage children out on the land and the water to discover the great diversity of life beyond their backyards. By using local field sites and an interdisciplinary, experiential-based curriculum that leads to conservation action, Safari and Flying Higher Camps aim to create in the minds of our children a deeper appreciation for where we live. The Lead Summer Camp Counselor is a key member of a collaborative camp team and will work closely with a Seasonal Educator, year-round Rowe Sanctuary staff, and volunteers serving as mentors and role models. This position will work with the Education Manager and Rowe’s Education staff to supervise youth and help lead and assist with games/activities at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary’s summer camp programs. This is an hourly position reporting to the Education Manager. This position is classified as a seasonal/full-time on-site position based on-site at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon, Nebraska. The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. Camp runs for 4 weeks, June 1 – July 10. There are 5 days of paid professional development and naturalist training prior to the start of camp and a week of clean-up and camp de-brief after camps conclude. Camp Schedule: Training: June 8th-12th Monday-Friday camp schedule is 8:00am – 4:30pm from June 15th-July 10th Camp clean-up and debrief July 13th-17th All camp staff will have 2 unpaid floating vacation days towards the end of the season to account for June 19th and July 3rd (observed July 4th).

Requirements

Proven experience working with children in camp, education, or youth leadership settings.
Have a familiarity with environmental science, nature education, or outdoor recreation.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying terrain and weather conditions with or without accommodations.
Demonstrated group skills; ability to guide a group of up to 20 campers (with support).
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and team members.
Love of outdoor exploration and questioning: ability to model curiosity and wonder about the natural world.
Must have a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Must have experience working with children from ages 8-14.
Must have reliable transportation to and from our Audubon Center each day for work.
Must have the ability to traverse all major trails of the Audubon Center and on uneven terrain with or without reasonable accommodations.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Nice To Haves

CPR and 1st Aid Certification are highly recommended.

Responsibilities

Attend camp training week led by professional Audubon Educators.
Ensure the safety, well-being, and active participation of all campers.
Actively guide campers during activities, transitions, and lunch/snack times.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and fun environment for campers of all backgrounds and abilities.
Assist in nature-based activities such as hikes, hands-on exploration, and team games.
Follow and enforce all camp policies, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Address camper conflicts or behavioral challenges with patience, empathy, and appropriate strategies.
Report all conflicts to the Education Manager.
Model respectful and positive behavior, setting the tone for an inclusive and welcoming camp culture.
Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment.
Communicate effectively Inform the Center Director and Programs Manager of any safety concerns, incidents, or supply needs promptly.
Assist with set-up and clean-up of daily activities, ensuring materials are well-maintained and organized.
Conduct headcounts and safety checks throughout the day, especially during transitions and off-site activities.
Share knowledge of local ecosystems with campers to encourage curiosity and environmental awareness.
Maintain Audubon’s facility and materials with daily cleaning and tidying at camp.