The White Memorial Conservation Center is a private, nonprofit nature center and museum that provides year-round education programs for children and adults. The Center is nestled in the heart of The White Memorial Foundation, a 4,000 nature sanctuary in the northwestern hills of CT. Four guiding principles direct our work: education, conservation, recreation, and research. Please peruse whitememorialcc.org for more information on our property.  

White Memorial is looking for a Summer Camp Co-Leader for 3 weeks, spanning from July 7-25, 2025 (plus a few paid training/preparation dates beforehand and clean-up dates afterward, TBD). This person will work together with another Camp Co-Leader to prepare and facilitate an onsite nature program called Discovery Camp, geared for children entering grades 1 and 2. Camp itineraries from the past can be used in conjunction with fresh ideas and activities. The camp’s “homebase” will be a small one-room building called the Mott Van Winkle Classroom. Many hiking trails are accessible from this location. The camp runs on weekdays for 3 weeks, from 9:30am-3:30pm. Employees are asked to work from 9am-4pm at $17/hour. Shared housing may be available if needed.  

Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

- Prepare and facilitate nature-related activities for young children, including onsite hikes, crafts, games, and story times
- Supervise and provide enriching activities for up to 12 1st and 2nd graders at a time
- Lead children on moderate-level hikes leaving from the “homebase” on White Memorial property and lasting up to 1 hour
- Deal with any first aid issues that may arise
- Attend training session(s) to learn lesson plans and develop any additional plans necessary for the facilitation of camp
- Attend a training session on the administration of emergency medications
- Manage the upkeep of a small meeting space and all the necessary program materials stored within it
- Oversee arrival and pick-up times (9:30 am and 3:30 pm respectively)
- Oversee lunch time (kids will bring their own lunches)
- Communicate with parents about any scheduling conflicts on their part or behavioral issues that may arise
- Always carry attendance sheets, registration forms with emergency info, and medications brought by the children
- Keep a daily log of activities and time frames
- Disinfect the meeting space daily
- Clean the meeting space at the end of the 4-week period and put all program materials back in proper storage containers

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of at least 1-3 years of college education in the fields of environmental education, natural history interpretation, conservation biology, elementary education, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- Prior experience working with young children
- Enthusiasm for interacting with children and teaching them about the natural world
- Comfort in speaking publicly and managing groups of up to 12 children, both in a classroom setting and on the trail
- Proficient knowledge of the area’s natural history
- A valid driver’s license
- Current First Aid certification (or the ability to obtain before June 15, 2025)
- An updated physical within 36 months (or the ability to obtain one before June 15, 2025)
- A background check once employment is secured