Nature-Based Summer Camp Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description
Summary

Turtle Island Children's Center (TICC) in Montpelier, VT is offering a nature-based summer camp for a small group of children ages 5-12. These children are all related to current TICC staff members. Camp runs for seven weeks in the summer, beginning July 7. Our program day is 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, except for holidays and staff meeting days.

Campers enjoy on-site games and activities each day before they take off for the trails! With backpacks packed for day-long adventures, children will explore the North Branch Nature Center Hubbard Park trails surrounding TICC, our summer camp's home base. Equipped with practical tools for hands-on fun, campers will have the chance to engage with the natural materials in the forest, splash in streams, run through the woods, and form new relationships with each other and with the land.

On extra hot days, campers take advantage of the Montpelier Recreation Center Pool which is just next door to TICC, and on occasion throughout the summer, they may have the opportunity to take field trips to destinations that are a bit farther away, like VINS Nature Center in Quechee.

The Summer Camp Teacher will substitute in one of the early childhood classes if/when camp attendance is low.

The Summer Camp Teacher position at Turtle Island Children's Center is a full-time, non-exempt position. This person will ideally begin training, planning and preparation work the week of June 23, which will be worked out in collaboration with the TICC leadership team. If you are qualified for and interested in the position but not available for the full seven weeks, please go ahead and apply, as we may have some flexibility in our staffing arrangements.

Duties

We are looking for folks who love to be outdoors and want to foster a connection to nature in young children. The primary responsibilities of the Lead Teacher role include, but are not limited to:

Supporting the daily operations of summer camp
Implementation of practices aligned with TICC policies and Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations
Working collaboratively in a team
Construction of emergent curriculum activities for children in an outdoor setting
Leading activities, games, and field trips
Ensuring children are safe and well cared-for, while allowing for safe risk-taking

Requirements

*At least 18 yrs old.
*Experience working with children in grades K-3, ideally in an outdoor setting.
*Patience and flexibility in an ever-changing environment.
*Experience with planning curriculum/activities, and managing a daily schedule.
*Open and effective communication with coworkers, children and families.
*Experience communicating with parents.
*Commitment to social environmental justice.
*CPR and First Aid Certified or willingness to complete CPR/First Aid training.
*Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry 50+ lbs.

Nice To Haves

Relevant coursework in education or environmental/outdoor education

Benefits

Working in a beautiful outdoor environment with a strong and passionate team of educators.
Paid time off, accrued based on hours worked.
50% off camp tuition for your child.
Professional development, as available.