Nature Day Camp Junior Counselor

Inspire children to build a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world as you help them to catch frogs at the pond, create a miniature homestead village in the woods or learn how to paddle on a river.

Job Summary: Join a team of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect children with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. CNC is in search of Junior Camp Counselors with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children by providing powerful, dynamic programs in the outdoors. Junior Counselors will assist with teaching and supervising day campers from preschool to 9th grade, including children with special needs. They will help to support a variety of activities in the areas of field ecology, historic farm life, sensory awareness, wildlife studies and nature crafts. Canoeing, kayaking and overnight camping trips are also included for some programs. Campers attend programs from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. Over the course of the summer, Junior Counselors will assume increased responsibility for the planning and implementation of camp programming.

Objective: To assist the Counselors to develop and implement programming of predetermined camps to support and strengthen campers' relationships with the natural world.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervise campers, ensuring their safety and well-being

Help the teaching team plan and teach daily lessons following the goals and objectives for each program

Follow and enforce all camp policies, rules and regulations

Provide first aid to campers according to camp policy

Communicate regularly with Counselors and the Leadership Team

Help organize and direct parents and campers on the first day of camp

Provide a Monday orientation for middle and high school volunteers [Counselors-in-Training (CITs)]; organize and supervise CITs during lunchtime activities, including recycling and games

Participate in pre-camp and on-going trainings

Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Assistant Director

Required Qualifications :

Experience working with children in a formal setting (camp, after school programs, scouts, sports, etc.)

Experience and desire to work in an outdoor setting

First aid and CPR certifications (or ability to become certified)

High school diploma or GED

Physically able to lift 50 pounds

Ability to work varied hours, including some evenings

Preferred Qualifications:

Natural science knowledge

Experience teaching in an outdoor setting

Knowledge of local natural resources (ecology, identification of birds, plants, etc.)

Camping, canoeing and kayaking skills

Schedule: Paid staff training: May 26 -June 2 and June 29- July 1. Camp sessions run June 3 through August 7 with no camp July 2-3. Exit evaluations and clean-up days will be Aug 10-12.

Salary & Benefits: Starting salary is $600 per week ($15/hr.) with additional stipends for overnight camps ($75/night in the field), staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on program fees.

Status: Full time, seasonal

Application Procedure: Send cover letter and resume to Steve Frisbee, Camp Director at [email protected] or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640 Application Deadline: January 30, 2026 (Interviews will be held by invitation February 14, 2026)

Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 2,000-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC's fa