Outdoor Summer Camp Intern
DESCRIPTION
Want to ignite a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors in young children? Looking for a way to share your love for the natural world? In this position you will have the opportunity to! As a part of our State Park’s Nature Camp/ Environmental Education Team you will be working with pre‐school and school‐aged children in summer camps, outdoor environmental education programs and/or specialty/recreational programs. In this position interns will be an integral part of our camp team and be expected to take on leadership roles. As an intern, you will receive summer camp and first aid training (and at some sites, canoe/kayak training). Summer camp can be a physically demanding activity, requiring interns to work outside in all weather conditions. Some weekend and evening work will also be required.
LOCATIONS
- Bellevue State Park ‐ Wilmington, DE - A duPont family estate preserved as an urban oasis for recreation and nature study
- Brandywine Creek State Park ‐ Wilmington, DE - The rolling meadows, old growth forest, and freshwater marshes at Brandywine Creek State Park are reminiscent of an agricultural landscape and way of life in northern Delaware’s piedmont region
- Trap Pond State Park ‐ Laurel, DE - Trap Pond was once the site of a large freshwater wetland and still hosts the country's northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees
- White Clay Creek State Park ‐ Newark, DE - Explore the most diverse trail system in Delaware State Parks with scenic views, the Millstone Pond, Mason‐Dixon marker, and bridges spanning White Clay Creek
- Cape Henlopen State Park ‐ Lewes, DE - A dynamic coastal habitat, including dunes, forests, and wetlands with a significant historical past
TERM OF SERVICE
- Summer – 12 weeks
- Full‐time 30‐35 hours per week
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as part of the summer camp team to provide a fun and safe experience for all campers
- Assist the park naturalists and camp director with planning of summer camps, including age‐appropriate camp games and crafts
- Prepare for, lead, and clean up from summer camp activities
- Be a role model and leader for campers, working to ensure they have a safe and fun camp experience
- Show dedication and commitment to the camp team
- Interact with park visitors and assist them as needed, be a front‐line representative of Delaware State Parks
- The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is committed to affirmative
- action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce
- Assist with weekend programs as needed (depending on site)
- Work as a team to keep nature center/camp building and all equipment clean and presentable, following all cleaning safety protocols
- Provide direction and answer questions of program participants
- Help gather materials and assist in setup and clean‐up for assigned programs
- Lead nature walks, talk to and lead a group of kids or families on trails (depending on site)
- Report suggestions and observations
REQUIREMENTS
- Appreciation and understanding of the natural environment; experience in outdoor settings
- Experience working with children of varied age groups
- Understanding of educational principles and techniques‐ experience in teaching or educational programming helpful
- Experience in summer camp preferred
- Desire to help provide environmental education and interpretive opportunities
- Present programs as instructed by Interpretive Manager or Camp Director
- Follow uniform and professional standards policies
- Works well independently or as a cooperative, contributory team member
- Able to assist with both indoor and outdoor programs
- Able to stand for long periods and walk trails
- Able to communicate effectively with a diverse public and speak publicly in front of groups or audiences
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions
- Attend training and perform duties in compliance with Division and Park Customer Service Guidelines and Safety Guidelines
- Comfortable working around boats/water; ability to pass a canoe/kayak safety course that includes a swim test (depending on site)
- May have age requirement of 20+ (depending on site)