Summer Day Camp Assistant

Supervisor: Day Camp Program Coordinator
Varied schedule available between 6/11/25 - 8/22/25
Varied Hours: Generally 20-40 hours/week, but may not be scheduled some weeks.
Pay: $18/hr
Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

Overview
Work with small groups of children (ages 5-13) creating a positive day camp experience and fun-filled nature-based adventures. Accompany campers on hikes, facilitate camp activities within the Arboretum. Assist lead instructor with set-up, clean-up and other preparations as needed.

Responsibility

• Communicate with, and support the lead instructor in creating a positive day camp experience for every camp participant.
• Enthusiastically help children explore, make friends and have fun.
• Manage behavior issues, paying attention to the social and emotional safety of each child.
• Maintain a safe and fun learning environment for campers, following safety procedures in emergencies.
• Communicate positively and appropriately with parents/adults/volunteers.
• Set-up, clean-up and preparation of materials as directed.
• Other duties as assigned

Required

• Enthusiasm for working with kids with patience & a sense of humor
• The desire to work in a natural setting (mix of indoors and outdoors in all weather)
• Previous experience working with children in community or education program
• Demonstrated leadership in team or group activities
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to walk, bend, and lift 20 pounds, working indoors and outdoors
• Must successfully pass a background check
• Provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination

Preferred

• Prior experience in outdoor education, informal education, or classroom settings.
• College coursework/degree and/or work experience related to horticulture, natural sciences, nutrition, agriculture, youth development, youth education or related field.
• Knowledge and excitement around popular camp themes: Minecraft, Harry Potter, spies, mad science etc.

Pay Range:$18.00 per hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Please e-mail resume, cover letter, and references to the Day Camp Program Coordinator Malia Brandt, leck0012@umn.edu.

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