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Brandywine Zoo Outdoor Summer Camp Intern

OUTDOOR SUMMER CAMP INTERN


Reports to: Under the supervision of the Education Programs Coordinator, reports to Zoo Camp Director.

Position Description
The Brandywine Zoo Education Department is seeking fun, mature and engaging educators for our seasonal full-time Zoo Camp Educator Internships. These internships are through the Delaware State Park Internship Program. A limited number of stipend internships are available for highly qualified candidates. However all internships will have the opportunity to apply for free housing. The Brandywine Zoo’s Internships offer hands-on experience for individuals who want to explore a profession in Zoo Education and Day Camp Management. We’re looking for people with great people skills (especially children!), self-starter, mature, energetic, positive, creative, fun, safe, conscientious, and a natural leader who gets along well with others.

The Brandywine Zoo offers children the chance to spend a week at the zoo learning about animals, zoos, and wildlife conservation. Each week is filled with Zoo visits, live animal presentations, crafts, animal -related games, songs, stories, and learning projects. Interns will also work with adult and teen volunteers, live animals, and will help children learn about our natural world.

Interns will primarily be responsible for the management, supervision, and facilitation of full day camps for campers ages 4 to 17. Selected candidates will be responsible for the implementation for full day and half day camps, including but not limited to: lesson plans, camp materials, and evaluation tools. Interns will assist by overseeing our Summer Zoo Camp program and in leading campers through our zoo-themed camps.

Responsibilities
  • Interns will be responsible for the implementation of full day camps, including but not limited to: lesson plans, camp materials, and evaluation tools. Interns will assist by overseeing our Summer Zoo Camp program and in leading children ages 4-17 through our zoo-themed day camps, with the primary responsibility of overseeing full day camps for campers’ ages 4 to 17 years.
  • Supervise, guide, and teach children ages 4-17
  • Share educational animal information in an engaging and exciting way
  • Create hands-on activities, games, and crafts that are age appropriate
  • Responsible for the proper setup and clean-up of supplies, including valuable and rare biofacts
  • Handle and present program animals as part of camp lessons and programming (this may include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates)
  • Serve as a role model and leader for our summer campers, working to ensure they have a safe and fun camp environment all summer long
  • Mentor and lead teen camp counselors with positive instruction
  • Interact with parents, guardians, staff, and other members in a professional manner
  • Report suggestions and observations
  • Complete camp paperwork as relates to our policies and procedures
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Applicants must be working toward or already have a degree in Education, Recreation, Museum Studies, Communications, Animal Science, or other Biological Sciences.
  • Must have an interest in working with the general public; especially children ages 4-17.
  • Must have some experience with children and demonstrate strength in child management and effective public speaking skills such as enthusiasm, voice inflection, and varied facial expressions.
  • Candidates must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity and self-responsibility.
  • Experience working with peers and teens is preferred.
  • Previous camp, education and/or science background preferred. First Aid and CPR certification is not required but a definite plus!

Requirements
  • At least 18 years old with valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
  • Provide proof of negative TB Test within the last 12 months before start date
  • Successfully complete a background check performed by the Division of Parks and Recreation
  • Good physical condition: able to stand/walk for extended periods of time, kneel, crouch, and able to work in all weather conditions (Zoo Camp can be a physically demanding activity, requiring long hours outside in the heat of the summer)
  • Be able to lift up to 25 pounds
  • Must be fluent in the English language (verbal and written communication)
  • Overall GPA must be 2.5 or higher
  • Good organizational skills
  • Basic understanding of age appropriate education instruction, especially for children ages 6 to 9 years
  • Able and willing to read and follow verbal and written work instructions and work independently
  • Willing to assist with administrative, customer relations, and housekeeping tasks as well as animal care
  • Able to commit to upholding all Zoo safety and personnel policies, and support the overall mission

Applicants for this position are required to have complete, uninterrupted availability from June 1 through August 21 in order to participate as a Summer Zoo Camp Intern for the Brandywine Zoo. Applicants with vacations or obligations outside their weekends off will not be considered.