Summer Camp Outdoor Educator

Venture Outdoors•Allison Park, PA

2d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

A Summer Camp Outdoor Educator is a seasonal, part-time employee who will report to the Youth Program Manager. They will lead or assist in all programming and activities for Venture Outdoors Summer Camps, ensuring successful, professional, and excellent experience for all youth participants. This staff member acts as a Venture Outdoors representative to promote the organization's mission. A Summer Camp Outdoor Educator leads on-site lessons and activities with summer camp groups, such as hiking, flat water paddling, biking, geocaching, STEM experiments, teambuilding activities, fishing, and more. This role will require two weeks of in-person training in June. During summer camp weeks, the position will be entirely in the field with the camp. Core working hours are Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Summer Camp Outdoor Educators are expected to work a full week at the summer camp site. Camp sites are North Park, South Park, and other various partner sites. Summer Camp Outdoor Educators may work only at one summer camp site, or they may work at multiple sites throughout the summer, as available. Those working only one camp site will have fewer work weeks/hours than those working multiple camp sites.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age
A reliable form of transportation (car, bus, bike) to get you and the necessary equipment to the activity site for in-person trips and lessons
PA Child Abuse background check, PA Criminal History background check, and FBI Fingerprinting (must be acquired prior to hiring; a finding on the criminal background clearances is not automatic disqualification, but rather a conversation starter)
Current CPR and First Aid certifications (can acquire upon hiring)
Mandated Reporter Training (can acquire upon hiring)
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or religious/medical exemption
Once hired, an Outdoor Educator will attend Venture Outdoors’ Outdoor Leadership Training and any activity-specific training to accomplish the position, including biking, fishing and kayaking.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth with disabilities is a plus

Responsibilities

Create and gather outing and lesson specific program materials when necessary
Check in on campers, provide snack, communicate with parents when necessary
Scout routes and camp areas prior to leading/assisting on trips
Lead summer camp activities for youth aged 5-18
Ensure participants’ safety, fun and complete satisfaction
Lead group introductions and manage expectations before the outing
Work with staff to develop and implement engaging new lesson plans for youth outdoor education
Attend professional development trainings
Manage participant behavior, implement a discipline and reward system
Share educational concepts, including natural history, cultural, historical information, and environmental knowledge with participants on outings
Monitor environmental conditions (high water, storms, lightning, heat, cold, etc.) before and during an outing
Care for participants’ needs, handle emergencies and contingencies
Ensure all relevant paperwork is completed and returned to the office in a timely manner including participant evaluations, risk waivers, final trip reports, etc.
Be familiar with and follow all Venture Outdoors trip leader guidelines.