Camp Counselor

Type: Independent Contractor

Employment Classification: Exempt

Start Date: April 5, 2021

End Date: July 30, 2021

Apply by: Open Until Filled

Reports to: Education Coordinator

Salary: starting at $13.50

Trees Atlanta is a nationally recognized non-profit citizens’ group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Founded in 1985, Trees Atlanta works tirelessly to address Atlanta’s tree loss, protect its forests, and create new greenspace. Empowered by its wonderful community of volunteers, Trees Atlanta serves the metro Atlanta area, and has grown to become one of Atlanta’s most widely known and supported non-profit organizations.

Job Description

Trees Atlanta is currently planning to host in-person camp programs and will continue to monitor CDC, CIty of Atlanta, and other public health guidelines in program planning processes.

Trees Atlanta is looking for a temporary Camp Counselor to assist with its 2021 Spring Break Camp in April and Junior TreeKeeper Camp during the summer season. Camp Counselors will:

  • Facilitate outdoor and indoor classes and activities (e.g. tree identification, orienteering, art, tree planting, invasive removal & mulching, etc.).
  • Teach environmental lessons (many based on STEM/STEAM principles).
  • Safely lead groups of up to 20 campers on bike rides on the Atlanta BeltLine.
  • Share camp duties with one other Camp Counselor assigned to the same age group.
  • Mentor and manage Camp Interns and Junior Interns.
  • Have occasional opportunities to create and implement daily camp curriculum and activities that promote a blend of environmental education, outdoor exploration, and urban forest stewardship.
  • Lead weekly field trips to visit other Atlanta-area environmental organizations (subject to partner availability and current COVID-19 restrictions).
  • Set up and organize materials according to lesson plans,
  • Supervise and guide campers at all times.
  • Manage camper safety during all activities and excursions, including group bike rides on the Eastside BeltLine.
  • Perform minor maintenance on camp bikes (training provided).
  • Ensure a fun, adventure-filled, and safe summer experience that creates positive memories for budding environmental stewards.
  • Adhere to Trees Atlanta COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and implement these protocols among camper groups.

Requirements

  • Ability to engage children in 1-6 grade levels with environmental education. Professional experience is preferred.
  • Must be able to ride a bike; bike repair knowledge is helpful.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Be self-motivated and enthusiastic.
  • Prior camp counselor experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of forestry, horticulture, arboriculture, botany, or related field preferred.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suites.
  • Candidates who can work both Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp are strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

  • Must be capable of active days outdoors in various weather conditions with exposure to summer sun, heat, inclement weather, and natural wildlife habitats, including animals and/or insects.
  • Must be a confident and safe bike rider able to ride several miles each day of camp.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. repetitively.

Hours

There are 8 one-week sessions of Junior TreeKeeper Camp during the summer. There is no camp programming in the week prior to the July 4 holiday. The schedule for this position involves a 40-hour work week while camp is in session, with a 4-day paid orientation session before the summer begins (required). Each camp day includes variable shifts according to Beforecare and Aftercare program needs. See below for more details.

  • Spring Break Camp: April 5–9
    • Camp: 9am–3pm
    • Beforecare: 7:30–9am
    • Aftercare: 3:15–5:30pm
  • Orientation: May 24–27
    • Camp staff will observe the Memorial Day holiday May 28.
  • Summer Camp: May 31–July 30* (Monday–Friday)
    • Camp: 9am–3pm
    • Beforecare: 7:30–9am
    • Aftercare: 3:15–5:30pm
    • No camp June 28–July 2
      • Camp start and end dates are subject to change in relation to ongoing evaluation of public health and COVID-19 conditions.

Camp Counselors will report to work at the Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center (225 Chester Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316) and will work in various locations in and around the Atlanta BeltLine, Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum, and potentially in venues hosted by partner organizations during enrichment field trips.

To Apply

Please submit an employment application. Applicants must upload a cover letter and a resume in order to complete and submit the application. In your cover letter please talk about a favorite summer camp, school field trip, or outdoor experience from childhood and the role it played in your personal development.

*Final candidates will be required to pass drug and background screenings as a condition of employment*