Summer Camp Counselor

The Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) seeks several seasonal camp counselors to join our 2024 Pond to Pines Summer Camp team in facilitating nature-based outdoor learning adventures for children ages 5-11 (grades K-5).

About KEEN: KEEN’s Pond to Pines Day Camp is in its tenth season of operation! Our day camps take place at the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center at Helen McCabe Park from June 24 – August 2, 2023, Monday to Friday, from 9am-3pm. Our camps focus on fulfilling KEEN’s mission “to cultivate an active understanding of the impacts of climate change on the endangered shrub-steppe and foster commitment to environmental stewardship by providing culturally relevant nature-based education.”

This year, our camp themes are Animal Olympics, Apple Festival, Camp Survivor, Pirate Hunt, Be a Superhero, and Water Carnival. Each week includes a visit from a guest expert. We fill the rest of the day with traditional camp activities like swimming and boating, nature exploration and free play, and arts and crafts, songs, and games.

Our camp counselors should have an interest in education, outdoor learning, and working with children of different ages ranging from kindergarten to high school. Candidates should also be prepared for vigorous outdoor activity during the summer Central Washington climate. Pond to Pines Summer Day Camp is held at the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center at Helen McCabe Park five miles south of Ellensburg and has no indoor spaces or amenities. This is true outdoor education immersion.

Essential Position Functions: The primary responsibilities of the Seasonal Camp Counselor will be to support the Environmental Education Director and Programming Supervisor in themed nature and science education and camp programming for children. The Camp Counselor will:

• Facilitate learning for a group of campers that includes:
• Weekly themed outdoor activities
• Educational and recreational games
• Field investigations
• Assist in the oversight of the safety of students during activities
• Assist in collection of program assessment and evaluation data
• Be able to work outdoors, during hot weather, cold weather, and all conditions, in vigorous and athletic situations
• Possess boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor skills
• Be able to confidently share experiential learning opportunities (identifying local flora and fauna, climate, habitat, and other natural interpretive opportunities encountered at Helen McCabe Park)

Required Skills and Qualifications:

The successful candidate will:

• Be dependable, self-motivated, and well-organized
• Have experience working with kindergarten-12th grade students preferably in a camp or outdoor learning environment
• Be able to manage outdoor learning experiences, identify any safety concerns, and comply with relevant safety policies
• Be in possession of a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle
• Be able to pass a criminal background check to work with youth

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or education in Environmental Education, Science Education, or related field
• First aid and CPR certification (training is offered)
• Experience in camp environments – either as a camper or as a counselor
• Teacher or student working to achieve a teaching degree
• Spanish language proficiency preferred

Position Duration, Schedule, & Benefits: This is a 328-hour seasonal position that begins on June 11, 2023 and ends August 7, 2023. Seasonal Camp Counselors earn a summer salary of $5,740. Returning staff are eligible for a raise. KEEN is not able to offer health care benefits or paid time off at this time; however, every employee in the State of Washington is entitled to 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Housing is not provided on location; applicant must have or obtain housing locally. A reliable vehicle is recommended.