Summer Nature Camp Staff

SUMMER NATURE CAMP STAFF - SEASONAL

Position Description & Primary Responsibilities:

The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for the seasonal positions of Summer Nature Camp Counselor and Summer Nature Camp Assistant. Summer Nature Camp is an enrichment program that connects children to the natural world through joyful, hands-on experiences and meaningful peer interactions. Serving children ages 5 to 10, Nature Camp integrates playful explorations of the gardens with seasonal, nature-themed science, art, and cooking activities. Each week is a different theme. Explore our 2025 Summer Nature Camp weekly themes, descriptions, dates, and Frequently Asked Questions: https://arboretum.org/events/summer-nature-camp-4/

We are hiring for the following positions: Camp Counselor, $19 per hour; Camp Assistant, $19 per hour. Both positions will report to the Camp Director and Cohort Lead. All camp staff will receive one year family membership to The Arboretum. These are seasonal positions with the potential of assisting with additional programs in the future such as Scouts programs, school field trips, and weekend workshops.

Primary Responsibilities:

Candidates must be able to commit to all 9 weeks of camp, June 16-August 15. Schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5pm.

• Camp Counselor: Assist in implementing fun, hands-on educational activities with children; Lead and supervise outdoor explorations of the garden; Assist children with process-driven projects; Engage with children in a playful capacity while ensuring a safe environment is maintained; Help to connect children to nature-themed concepts through inquiry-based learning techniques and informal education pedagogy; Serve as role model for children and youth volunteers; Assist camp director with camp operations; Help children regulate emotions and work through developmental processes with peers. All curriculum will be provided.
• Camp Assistant: Assist Camp Director and Cohort Lead with supply preparation and procurement, prepare materials, delegate tasks to volunteers, coordinate various operations and logistics, help maintain an organized camp space, support camp counselor efforts, and assist children with camp activities as needed.

Position Requirements:

We are looking for candidates who will see this as more than just a summer paycheck. The ideal candidate will feel genuinely excited to spend a summer inspiring children out in nature and welcome an active, hard day’s work. Summer Nature Camp is a unique, boutique camp program that demands significant maturity and dedication from staff. This position requires an energetic person with a positive disposition, strong work ethic, ability to juggle shifting priorities and circumstances, good initiative, and a genuine love for working with children. Desired Skills: Experience working with children ages 5 to 10; Excellent judgment and high emotional intelligence; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Interest in and appreciation for the outdoors and nature-based experiences; Ability to communicate well with both children and parents; Ability to adapt to changing circumstances with ease; A positive, respectful, easy-going attitude; Familiarity with informal education pedagogy and inquiry-based teaching methodology; Understanding of child development ages and stages, as well as child-centered education theory; Ability to be playful and silly while maintaining a leadership stance; Ability to walk moderate distances outdoors in the heat and be on one’s feet for most of the day. This is a robust, fast-paced work experience - Please consider this before applying. Experience working with children with special needs a plus.

To Apply:

Email resume and a cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for the position to Brooke Applegate, Director of Education: brooke.applegate@arboretum.org

*APPLICATIONS WITHOUT COVER LETTERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.