Camp Cherokee Environmental Education Field Instructor
YMCA of Upper Palmetto
On-site
Blacksburg, South Carolina, United States
POSITION SUMMARY:
To further the mission of the camp through the development and delivery of nature or environmental activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities and reflect the camp’s commitment to stewardship of the natural environment.
To further the mission of the camp through the development and delivery of nature or environmental activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities and reflect the camp’s commitment to stewardship of the natural environment.
- Develop and deliver a nature or environmental program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the campers and utilizes the camp’s natural environment.
- Write lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers and encompass environmental studies with topics such as geology and soils, plant adaptations, wildlife habitat, basic astronomy, water ecology, animal science, and natural history.
- Implement a variety of age and ability appropriate activities in the above stated environmental areas.
- Evaluate the success of the nature or environmental program.
- Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures
- Assist in the implementation of staff training for nature or environmental studies.
- Train other staff in their responsibilities in their nature or environmental studies.
- Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
- Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the nature or environmental program area
- Maintain the program equipment including iPads, Labquest Verniers, high rope equipment, waterfront equipment (boats, PFD’s, paddles, etc.), and any other equipment used at Camp Cherokee.
- Be responsible for observing hazards or enhancements in the natural environment and alerting other appropriate staff.
- Ensure that the nature or environmental equipment and supplies are inventoried and steps are taken to replace or fix them in a timely manner.
- Conduct a daily check of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
- Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.
- Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
Equipment Used:
- Environmental education supplies, including but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, iPads, Labquest Verniers, high rope equipment, waterfront equipment (boats, PFD’s, paddles, etc.), cabins, common areas and other buildings, and more.
- Communication devices; cell phones and radios.
Qualifications:
- Documented experience in nature or environmental instruction or documented training and experience.
- Teaching or substitute teaching experience preferred.
- Current certification in first aid and CPR (offered through the YMCA).
- Bachelor’s or associates degree, in progress or graduate.
- Training and experience in teaching nature or environmental studies to children.
- Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions.
- Knowledge of natural history, biology, ecology, and related fields.
- Experience with care and maintenance of natural displays and exhibits.
- Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to participants and staff.
- Ability to observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
- Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
- Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
- Endurance and strength to hike for up to 5+ miles a day during instruction, ability to paddle water vessels for 3+ hours at a time.
- Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, and carry up to 50lbs.
- Willingness to work irregular hours delivering programs in any given element – rain, sun, snow, and extreme heat or cold.
- Staff training is typically late February or early March.