Forest School Summer Camp, Counselor (seasonal)

Visit https://summercamps.learningwithmeaning.org/ to learn more about our programs.

Currently Hiring for:

K-2nd Forest School Camp Counselor

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Forest School Camp Counselor

Do you want to spend your summer outdoors, teaching and learning alongside rising K-2nd graders in Missoula, Montana? We spend our summers with kids on 140 acres of private wildland just on the edge of town exploring, playing, getting dirty, creating, building community, mentoring youngsters, working hard, and having fun. The Forest School summer program focuses on making a deep connection with nature and having lots of choices and opportunities for open-ended play and learning.

Class Structure: We have areas set up to invite play the moment children enter our space. Once the class has all arrived, we gather for a circle. We sing songs, share stories, and set up an invitation to learn and explore. We usually head out on a hike to investigate weather/season specific topics (animal tracks/signs, animal homes, plants, insects, fungi, birds, etc). Other times we will go on hunts for things hidden by the instructors to playfully explore some theme/concept (maps, trail markers, animals adaptations, etc). From there we will enjoy some free play, or a game or guided play, depending on the needs of the group. Then we head back to Base Camp to eat, drink, play, and explore the areas set up for play (Mud Kitchen, Creation Stations, Den Building Site, Water play station etc). Each day is filled with both out and about time as well as base camp down time. We close camp with refreshments and shade in the warmer months. We also read a chapter book aloud, journal, and enjoy a Gratitude Circle to end our sweet time together.

We rotate through 4 themes throughout the summer:

1. Super Survival Skills

2. Friendly Foragers

3. Camo Up!

4. Treasures, Feathers, Stones, and Bones

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Counselor Qualifications and Expectations:

-Enthusiasm for and some experience working with young children
-Creativity and interest mentoring children outside in a nature-based learning environment
-Care about equity and diversity as well as creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all
-Ability to supervise up to 10 kids at a time with minimal support or supervision
-A love for the outdoors and getting kids connected to nature
– Some experiences in outdoor education and nature connection would be helpful but it is not required.
-Empathy, compassion, a positive attitude, and an open mind
-Be a professional adult – operate with responsibility and integrity
-Minimum age of 18 by June 5
-Be able to pass a background check
-Have current first aid and cpr certification
-Life guarding experiences a plus but not required
-Uphold Learning with Meaning’s mission and policies

Summer Schedule:

-7-8 hour shift, day shift
-Hours: Monday-Thurs 9:00am – 4:00pm
-Paid Training Days: June 5-7, 9:00am-3:00pm
-Camp Dates: June 23-Aug 15 (July 3-4 off)
-Paid Post Camp Work Day

Compensation/Benefits:

–Pay scale: Counselors $16-18/hr DOE;
-Paid training and access to opportunities for additional development
-Housing: Employees may camp on the property free of cost the entire summer.
-Be a part of a growing team of passionate people in our Outdoor Education program doing important work!

How to Apply:

-Submit application on really or

-Email your resume and cover letter to office@learningwithmeaning.org

-Contact us at 406.493.6886 with any questions

-Positions Open until Filled

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to take a MT background check?

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Required)
• First Aid Certification (Required)
• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Missoula, MT 59804: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18