Summer Camp Naturalist

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Camp Naturalists
Shaver's Creek Camp naturalists use available resources, prior knowledge, and new ideas to create a lesson plan for their group each camp week. They provide support and leadership opportunities to assistant camp naturalists and Leaders-In-Training ("LITs," who are teenage volunteers at camp), while ensuring the safety of everyone in the group. Prior experience with children (ideally informal or outdoor education experience) and a growth-oriented mindset are crucial for camp naturalist applicants. This position is a daily blend of education, camp fun, and mentorship.

Gimme the details, please!

• At the Shaver's Creek facility, you will work 47 - 50 hours each week
• Almost all of those hours are outdoors (regardless of weather conditions) with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature.
• Access to bathrooms in stalls depends upon the schedule for the day, but is typically every 2 or 3 hours.
• Gear for yourself and activities is carried on you (in your backpack or provided pack basket) and is likely to weigh 10 - 15 lbs; with or without accommodations.
• Pay is $10.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked in a week. Hours above 40 earn time and a half. Over the course of the summer, this translates to about $4800 before taxes.
• Returning staff earn an additional $1/hour in this position.
• Housing may be available for out-of-the-area applicants. (There are a few rooms available; they are filled on need and a first-hire basis.)
• Training: Monday - Friday, typically 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for the first two full weeks in June.
• Training will include certification in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Epi-Pens.
• (Certification in advance of training is not needed.)
• Training time includes peer bonding opportunities, techniques on working with children, examples of games and activities, lesson planning guidance, time on the trails, emergency procedures, and what a day of camp really looks and feels like.
• Camp week hours worked: Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Saturday (having likely stayed overnight via camping on-site and only three times a summer) 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
• These hours include a staff meeting and limited prep time in the morning, as well as meetings at the end of the day.
• There is a "mid-season" week over the week of July 7, 2025. We will have off that Monday and Friday but be on-site 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with professional development opportunities, some social time, goal check-ins and other sessions related to grounding and centering halfway through the program season.
• It is absolutely ideal if someone can commit to the entire June 2 - August 2, 2025 time frame. While the timeframe is extensive, it is a way to get the most out of this experience. Great opportunities are missed by those who can only commit to a partial schedule as this is a time to learn, grow, try new things, and be with your new camp friends. In the words of a former employee who only committed to a limited part of summer program, during the last week of the season they commented "Now I understand why you want people to work the whole summer."
• If you absolutely cannot commit to the entire time frame, you must at least be able to commit to the two full weeks of training and three weeks of program.

If there is a specific day or time that you have an important life event (like you are graduating), we will likely be able to work with you taking time off; however, you must share that information with us during your interview so we are aware.

What are the benefits of this position?

• This position will teach you critical thinking, creativity, communication, leadership, problem solving, and adaptability which are key factors and skills that are desirable for all jobs you will ever have.
• Form connections with peers that outlast the summer.
• Professional development through sessions at the beginning and throughout the season on a variety of topics aimed at helping you to develop as a whole person.
• Possible internship credit
• Spend your summer outside in nature.
• Learn techniques for how to be present and immersed in the moment.
• Obtain 2-year certifications in First Aid, AED, CPR and Epi-Pens.
• Gain confidence through growth that you should take with you everywhere.

What would I need to do for employment before the camp season begins? (Mostly remote)

• Complete the application process, interview, and accept an offer of employment (both verbally and digitally).
• Complete all steps of the hiring process as instructed. This includes obtaining the required PA clearances (PA Criminal background, PA Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Fingerprints).
• Complete all required and assigned online PSU training (reporting child abuse, cleary act, COINS, and others)
• Read through "pre-training" materials (links to natural history information that provide a foundation for the camp topics of this year and the staff manual).
• Create a wellness plan for yourself for the summer.
• Complete and return forms by the deadlines.

What would I be responsible for during the days/weeks of camp? (All on-site)

• Keep everyone safe.
• Communicate often and effectively.
• Always uphold all PSU and Shaver's Creek policies whether that be in the presence of minors or within ear and eye shot of another adult.
• Always be a leader and engaged team member whether it be for the big things (like creating the lesson plan for the group while leaving room for LIT and assistant camp naturalist input) or the little things (like opening food containers) on a consistent basis.
• Lead games, activities, songs, riddles, and explorative exercises throughout the week with campers.
• Set goals, actively work towards them, and check-in on progress.
• Demonstrate appreciation of others (like writing the LITs in your group a thank you each week).
• Maintain energy, engagement & patience that work for your leadership style and staff/campers.
• Provide medical treatment and maintain records.
• Serve in the "Super Naturalist" role for, at most, 1 week of the summer program. During this week, you will not be with a group of campers but will spend time assisting with behind-the-scenes logistics (like cutting lifesavers candies, watering the mushroom kits, packing the van with materials for time at Whipple Dam, and walking with children to the bathroom) and observing other's teaching styles.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: