Overview:

Pickering Creek Audubon Center is one of National Audubon Society’s 41 Centers located across the country. Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action.

Pickering Creek Audubon Center conserves natural habitats on Maryland’s Eastern Shore by engaging and empowering our community through exploration, education and stewardship. The Center includes 410 acres of mature hardwood forests, fresh and brackish wetlands, meadow, over a mile of shoreline along Pickering Creek, and “best management practice” agriculture. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Position Summary:

The EcoCamp Counselor position lasts from June 3rd, 2020 to August 14th, 2020. Our three counselors work closely with Pickering Creek Audubon Center’s EcoCamp Director and other Center staff to run our successful 7 week-long, nature-themed day camp for K-7th graders. Each counselor is responsible for one group of campers (12 maximum) during each week and 2 to 3 teen volunteer counselors (aka Junior Naturalists). On-site housing is available but not required. Visit the EcoCamp website to learn about the camp: http://pickeringcreek.audubon.org/programs/ecocamp

Essential Functions:

  • Lead one camp group per week (7 camp weeks total) of 12 campers and 2 to 3 volunteer Junior Naturalists. A camp week runs Monday to Friday. A typical camp day goes from 8 am to 5 pm, with campers here from 9 am to 4 pm. Some weekend and evening time is required.
    • Camp groups are arranged into 3 age groups: Fledglings (entering K-1st grades), Larks (entering 2nd-4th grades), and Shrikes (entering 5th-7th grades). You will lead each of these age groups at least once during the summer. Age groups will not be mixed within a single camp group.
  • Create a fun and safe environment so campers can explore, discover, and play at their own pace throughout our forest, creek, and wetlands. Program curriculum will not be provided, you must be prepared to get dirty and investigate the natural world alongside your campers as they self-direct their exploration.
  • Serve as a role model naturalist to our campers and Junior Naturalists. Lead by example on how to respectfully interact with nature and each other.
  • Work closely with the EcoCamp Director and other EcoCamp Counselors to plan and implement activities based on that week’s nature theme. Work together to make adjustments based on group dynamics and weather.
  • Help with animal care and handling of program animals (turtles and a snake).
  • Work with staff to clean and maintain our trails, buildings, and equipment.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • At least one year of experience working with children in an educational setting. One year experience may be achieved by combining time from multiple positions or roles (example: multiple summer or school year teaching experiences)
  • Currently pursuing post-secondary education or have completed a degree with a background in biology, education, environmental education, environmental science or related field.
  • Canoeing/kayak experience or ability to learn. Must be comfortable canoeing with children.
  • Enjoy working with others and children of all ages in an outdoor setting.
  • Energetic, flexible, patient, and self-motivated.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to supervise teen volunteers.
  • Professional and friendly manner.