Potomac Valley Audubon Society
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Position Description:
Audubon Discovery Camps are week-long (Monday through Friday) summer day camp that run from 9 am to 3 pm each day; camp counselors are expected to be on-site from 8 am to 4 pm. Camp session themes differ each week and camps are held at Yankauer Preserve (between Martinsburg and Shepherdstown, WV) and Cool Spring Preserve (south of Charles Town, WV). Counselors. The camp focuses on natural and cultural history as kids explore forests and fields, build forts, turn over rocks and logs, and play games. Training and all supplies and materials are provided. Required First Aid/CPR certification is provided.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Supervise small groups of children (generally 8-10 children, ages 6-10, though there are a few sessions for preschoolers, middle schoolers, and high schoolers).
- Supervise teen “Counselors-in-training” and delegate age-appropriate responsibilities to them.
- Lead hands-on nature exploration activities, games, crafts, and hikes.
- Teach local natural history, promote sustainability, and foster an appreciation for nature in children.
- Develop program activities and daily itineraries.
- Help with animal care and cleaning (turtles, snake, hissing cockroaches, worms, and others)
- Participate fully in all trainings provided by PVAS and AmeriCorps.
- Communicate clearly and frequently with co-counselors and Site Director about daily plans and camper needs.
- Clean up all spaces and clean/restock equipment after use. Store all cleaned and organized items in the appropriate location.
- Serve as a positive role model for youth with whom you interact.
Qualifications:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Available Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 4:00 during the weeks of camp
- Positive role model and desire to work with children
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and with co-counselors
- Must be responsible and have good decision-making skills.
- Outdoor-related interests/skills such as arts & crafts, hiking, fort building, local natural history, Leave No Trace, and primitive survival skills.
- Be task-oriented, take direction well, demonstrate initiative, and have the ability to interact and communicate effectively with children and young adults.
- Willingness to be outside all day under varying weather conditions
- Enthusiasm for working with children, a sense of humor, flexibility & desire to have fun!
- Teaching, natural history, and science background preferred
Details & Benefits:
- All AmeriCorps must sign a contract committing to 12 weeks of service. The start date is May 20, 2024. All positions are full-time. There is a mandatory in-person training at High Rocks May 20-21, 2024.
- Service members receive a $776.33, pre-tax, paid twice monthly, living stipend.
- Year-long, full-time members who complete their 450-hour commitment by the end of August 2024 will receive an educational award of $1,824.07. The educational award can be used for existing student debt, current or future education expense – and the member has seven years in which to use it.
- Healthcare benefits while in service (if you are eligible)
- Childcare assistance while in service (if you are eligible)
- Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
No phone calls, please. Send inquiries to [email protected].
Candidates must also apply to and be approved by AmeriCorps. Details of that process will be shared once PVAS approves the applicant. A sample of the application packet and reference forms will be provided upon request. All AmeriCorps members will undergo a fingerprint background check and a national sex offender check.
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