Summer Camp Coordinator (Temporary, Multiple Openings)
About The Position
The University of Washington Botanic Gardens in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences seeks 2 nonpermanent, hourly Summer Camp Coordinators (Program Coordinator (NE H NI SEIU 925 Non Supv). The University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) is a leading center of botanical research, education, and outreach. With more than 320 acres of gardens and natural areas in the heart of Seattle, the UW Botanic Gardens is home to internationally significant plant collections, award-winning restoration ecology and conservation programs, and popular public programs serving youth, adults, and professionals. UWBG has two sites: the Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture. University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) Education Program Mission: Provide meaningful educational experiences that enrich participants’ connections with plants and the natural world. Camp Overview: Our day camp curricula are designed to promote an appreciation of plants and the environment through fun, educational, outdoor learning experiences. We focus on hands-on exploration, play, and the concept of “learning by doing”. UWBG offers day camp programs for 1st - 8th grade campers and volunteer and leadership training to high school students. We have two locations for UW Botanic Gardens Summer Camp. The Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture. Each has its own Coordinator. This position will coordinate the day-to-day operations of our summer day camp at one location working with Summer Camp Naturalists, high school volunteers, and UWBG Education staff. Shifts will be eight hours per business day when camp is in session, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Dates: This position begins in late spring, with time for training, site orientation, and preparation of the site and materials. Summer Camp Naturalist training will be in mid-June. Camp programs will run from late June through August. After the end of camp, there will be additional time for cleaning and wrapping up tasks. General Duties: Under the supervision of the UW Botanic Garden Youth & Family Education Supervisor, this position will utilize the UW Botanic Gardens outdoor areas to provide fun and dynamic educational and recreational experiences for campers. Serves as the primary person responsible for on-site support of summer camp naturalists, high school volunteers, and our campers and their families each week.
Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent
- Two years of experience in the program specialty (teaching diverse youth audiences in an outdoor environment) OR equivalent education/experience.
Nice To Haves
- Passion for equity and inclusion in environmental education.
- Willingness to work with students from 1st grade through high school in various capacities.
- Have excellent organizational skills, the ability to work as a team member, and strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to problem-solve and maintain a sense of calm as unforeseen situations arise.
- Experience supervising and mentoring staff and/or volunteers.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership presence throughout the camp day, supporting summer camp naturalists, high school volunteers, campers, and families
- Ensure that day-to-day camp operations run in a safe and effective manner
- Maintain and ensure safety and well-being of program participants and the teaching environment, including adhering to required health and safety precautions
- Communicate effectively with families, campers, and UWBG staff
- Collaborate with UWBG Youth and Family Education administrative staff in support of program operations
- Prepare, clean up, and maintain teaching and programmatic supplies and supporting materials in a well-organized manner
- Support and co-facilitate training sessions for summer camp naturalists
- Provide on-site orientation for high school volunteers
- Lead programs in an outdoor setting in all kinds of weather
- Other related duties as assigned, including substituting in camp groups
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
