Ecocamp Naturalist Counselor

Position Reports To: Outdoor Education Center Director

Location: Yellow Springs, Ohio

Start Date: June 1, 2025

End Date: August 1, 2025 

Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday

Position Description:

Join our team of Naturalist Counselors for a fun and engaging community, interested in making a difference in the lives of children. Glen Helen Ecocamp consists of week-long summer camps for children between 5 to 15 years old. Each week, Naturalist Counselors are assigned up to 12 campers and responsible for organizing and leading activities aligning with the camp theme. More information about our camp offering can be found on our website (glenhelen.org/ecocamp). Naturalist Counselors have full access to our staff support, facilities, and 1,000 acre nature preserve to develop camps they feel passionate about. This summer position will strengthen Counselor’s ability to plan, teach, and lead others. Staff live on-site, within walking distance of the vibrant and artistic Village of Yellow Springs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop plans that align with camp descriptions and implement a variety of age and ability appropriate outdoor activities
• Role model positive community engagement and environmentally conscious behaviors
• Monitor campers during their stay to ensure their safety and well-being using sound judgment and applying safety protocols
• Complete daily and/or weekly overnight rotations in camp dormitories to provide supervision of residential campers
• Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Comply with all Glen Helen Association policies and represent the OEC in a professional manner at all times
• Share in the general daily and weekly responsibilities at the OEC and participate in regular staff meetings

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Complete 1 week of Ecocamp Naturalist Counselor training.
• Demonstrate a respect and affinity for children, a passion for the natural environment, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Willing to live in community and work closely as a team.
• Pass criminal background check and fingerprinting to be completed during training.
• Completion of First Aid, CPR, and AED training prior to start of employment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk up to 5 miles a day on uneven terrain.
• Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the program.

Qualifications:

To qualify to be an Ecocamp Naturalist Counselor, an individual must be able to perform each primary responsibility. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary responsibilities. If you are interested in and passionate about our work, please do consider applying.

Compensation:

• $450 weekly stipend, paid bi-weekly
• Ongoing training includes learning hike planning, leadership mentoring, time management, and age-appropriate group management techniques
• Housing (no fee): amenities include bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen, laundry, and wi-fi
• 15 meals provided weekly, meeting dietary allergies and restrictions
• Complimentary membership at Antioch College Wellness Center
• Position may qualify for academic internship or co-op credit