Summer Camp Support Staff

North Branch Nature Center is seeking a qualified individual to ensure campers have a successful camp experience by providing behavioral support during our outdoor, nature summer day camps for preschool to 3rd grade. The program day includes group games, arts and crafts, sensory awareness activities, storytelling, singing, and lessons in natural history and field studies. This person will use observations, registration information, and staff feedback to help campers with identified increased needs participate positively in the camp experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Share your love for nature and the outdoors with children.
• Develop a positive rapport with camper(s).
• In collaboration with Camp Directors, other camp staff, registration documentation, and parent/caregiver communication, identify campers who may need extra support during the camp day.
• Collaborate with other camp staff to promote a nature- and place-based approach to learning. Provide modifications to summer camp activities, as needed, to allow all campers to participate in the camp day. This could include altering activities, sitting out with a camper, providing emotional support, helping regular camp staff plan, etc.
• Communicate and collaborate with camper parents and caregivers and other camp staff on best practices to support campers.
• Document any support or accommodations provided, including any communication with camper guardians.
• Adhere to NBNC’s safety protocols and manage risk in an outdoor setting.
• Uphold NBNC’s commitment to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI.)
• Participate in a week-long staff training and daily debriefs with camp staff.
• Act as a substitute, when necessary, to maintain adult to camper ratios.
• Position takes place outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and involves frequent hikes over uneven and steep terrain.

Qualifications

• Comfort spending up to six hours in an outdoor environment with campers.
• Experience with autism spectrum disorders, neurodiversity, and other behavioral or social-emotional needs.
• Experience identifying and meeting individual needs and supporting children with challenging behaviors in a large group setting or one-on-one.
• Patient, energetic, fun-loving, hardworking, and possessing a sense of humor.
• A positive and encouraging attitude towards all students’ abilities and autonomy.
• Experience communicating with parents and caregivers.
• Comfort working with new Vermonters and those who are new to US culture, including camp culture. Comfort working with English Language Learners.
• Awareness of or training in Trauma Informed teaching practices.
• Awareness of or training in Social & Emotional Learning teaching practices.
• Experience in childhood education, special education, behavioral intervention, or high support needs. 2-3 years of experience is preferred.
• Flexibility, given the new nature of this role and the diverse needs of campers.
• Ability to work well with others, and having an open and effective communication style.
• Certification in standard First Aid and CPR, at a minimum.
• Willingness to complete a background check.