Position Summary:

Seward Park Audubon Center is seeking a passionate and energetic Lead Summer Camp Counselor to deliver engaging, nature-themed day summer camp experiences for children ages 6-9. The Lead Counselor will oversee the daily operations of a group of 12 campers, supported by 1-2 interns and 1-2 volunteers. They will lead activities aligned with the camp’s specialized curriculum, fostering curiosity and a love for nature in a fully outdoor setting. The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

This position is classified as an on-site position based in the Audubon Seward Park Center, Seattle, Washington, office. This position does not offer on-site accomodations, relocation assistance or room and board.

Schedule and Commitment

• Training Period: June 23–June 27, 2025
• Camp Dates: July 7–August 22, 2025
• Overall work period: June 23, 2025, to August 29, 2025
• Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Compensation:

$22.00 - $25.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

Camper Supervision and Engagement:

• Ensure the safety, well-being, and active participation of all campers.
• Actively supervise campers during all activities, transitions, and lunch/snack times.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and fun environment for campers of all backgrounds and abilities.

Program Delivery:

• Lead daily outdoor activities, including nature hikes, hands-on science explorations, arts and crafts, and team-building games.
• Develop, adapt and deliver curriculum activities to meet weekly goals and camper needs.
• Facilitate water-based activities, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Incorporate environmental stewardship, conservation, and sustainability themes into camp activities.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Mentor and guide interns and volunteer counselors, providing clear instructions and support to foster their growth and contribution.
• Work closely with camp staff, interns and volunteers to adapt programming based on camper needs, weather conditions, or unforeseen challenges.
• Collaborate with interns and volunteers to create an inclusive and supportive camp environment.
• Collaborate with Audubon staff, interns and volunteers to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

Behavior Management:

• Address camper conflicts or behavioral challenges with patience, empathy, and appropriate strategies.
• Model respectful and positive behavior, setting the tone for an inclusive and welcoming camp culture.
• Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment.

Communication:

• Communicate effectively and serve as the primary point of contact for camper families during drop-off and pick-up times, answering questions and providing daily updates.
• Inform the Center Director and Programs Manager of any safety concerns, incidents, or supply needs promptly.

Logistics and Operations:

• Assist with set-up and clean-up of daily activities, ensuring materials are well-maintained and organized.
• Conduct headcounts and safety checks throughout the day, especially during transitions and off-site activities.
• Follow and enforce all camp policies, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.

Nature Education and Exploration:

• Lead nature-based activities such as hikes, hands-on exploration, and team games.
• Share knowledge of local flora, fauna, and ecosystems with campers to encourage curiosity and environmental awareness.
• Use creative, hands-on approaches to teach nature-based concepts in ways that are engaging and age-appropriate.

Program Evaluation:

• Provide feedback to the Programs Manager and Center Director about the program’s successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Document observations or memorable camper experiences to contribute to the program’s growth and storytelling efforts.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• Proven experience working with children in camp, education, or youth leadership settings.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including neurodiverse children or children with different physical abilities.
• Knowledge of or interest in environmental science, nature education, or outdoor recreation.
• Excellent leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Experience leading or mentoring a team, such as junior counselors, interns or volunteers.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and team members.
• Excellent storytelling skills to captivate young audiences and make nature concepts engaging and memorable.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with a calm and adaptable demeanor.
• Strong understanding of childhood behavioral development and the ability to tailor activities to different developmental stages.
• Familiarity with de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution techniques in a group setting.
• Commitment to and understanding of restorative justice principles in childhood learning and behavior management.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before the start of camp).
• Ability to swim and supervise water-based activities safely.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree (or coursework) in education, environmental science, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Pacific Northwest ecosystems, flora, and fauna.
• Training in risk management and safety practices for outdoor or recreational programs.
• Certification in Wilderness First Aid or Lifeguarding.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, Somali, or other languages commonly spoken in the Seattle area.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing hands-on, nature-based activities that engage young learners.
• Knowledge or training in trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive approaches to education.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.