Cabin Leader

Dunes Learning Center is the nonprofit education partner of Indiana Dunes National Park and the leader of environmental education in the area. We serve a diverse community and seek a diverse workforce. Dunes Learning Center is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate.

SUMMARY

Our outdoor overnight programs provide a critical and beneficial connection to nature for learners of all ages—inspiring curiosity, scientific literacy, and environmental stewardship. Our internship program offers training and professional development to set you up for success. Communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity are developed and practiced at camp. Supervising campers, engaging in decision-making, managing behavior, and being a role model are all necessary skills for strong leaders.

Cabin Leaders help students create connections, build confidence, and develop a sense of place by providing opportunities to explore, ask questions, reflect, and work together as a team. They facilitate the evening programs (campfire, group games, night hike, ice cream social, etc), lead meal and flag raising activities, and provide overnight supervision of campers throughout the week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prepare for and lead evening programming for a diverse community of campers; ages 8-17.
• Supervise and be responsible for campers overnight in modern cabins as well as tent camping (1 night per week).
• Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude and serve as a role model for responsible environmental behavior and literacy.
• Ensure safety and well-being of campers using sound judgment and applying appropriate decisions by following safety protocol and reporting incidents, near misses, or possible hazards.
• Attend program staff training workshops and regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Actively participate to support fundraising efforts.
• Comply with all Dunes Learning Center policies and always represent DLC in a professional manner.
• Perform all assigned duties critical to the operation of the Dunes Learning Center.

QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for the Cabin Leader Internship program, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. Dunes Learning Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. All Dunes Learning Center employees must submit to a background check and possible drug screening.

REQUIRED

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Enrolled in an Associate or BA/BS academic program for the 2024-2025 school year
• Enthusiastic about working with children in an outdoor setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Physically able to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions
• A willingness to be coached and to receive feedback
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team
• Official government identification

DESIRABLE

• Prior experience in outdoor education, residential camp setting, nature centers, or day camps
• Ability to speak Spanish
• Participation in leadership programs at school/ in your community

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Cabin Leaders are required to regularly stand for long periods of time and be active and engaging with campers with hikes, games, and campfires. Cabin Leaders are responsible for campers overnight and must be able to respond to their needs at all hours of the night. Cabin Leaders must be able to verbally communicate and have visual abilities that allow them to deliver programs safely.

COMPENSATION

• $3,822 total summer stipend, paid bi-weekly (average 40 hours per week)
• Housing in cabins on campus for the duration of the internship (shared with campers M-F)
• Professional development opportunities
• Meals and weekly s’mores while camp is in session