Summer Camp Lead Instructor

Supervisor: Day Camp Program Manager
Overview: Plan and instruct exciting day camp experiences that inspire awe and wonder while connecting children to plants and the natural world.
Varied Dates from: 6/16/25 - 8/22/25
Varied Hours: 0-40 hrs/week
Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

Responsibilities

• Act as lead instructor of assigned day camps creating a positive experience for every participant
• Enthusiastically help children explore, make friends, and have fun.
• Manage behavior issues, paying attention to the social and emotional safety of each child
• Communicate positively and appropriately with parents/adults/volunteers
• Maintain a safe and fun learning environment for campers, following safety procedures in emergencies.
• Document /update camp activities and needed supplies
• Prepare, set up and clean up all materials
• Delegate tasks and provide guidance and feedback for assistants and counselors-in-training
• Share updates and photos with caregivers
• Prepare post-camp documentation providing feedback and suggested improvements for future sessions

Required

• Bachelor's degree in education, horticulture, natural sciences or related field/educational experience equivalent to 4 years.
• Experience teaching in a classroom or informal setting
• Enthusiasm for working with kids using patience & a sense of humor
• The desire to work in a natural setting (mix of indoors and outdoors in all weather)
• Love of plants and the natural world, and an excitement to inspire that love in others
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to walk, bend, and lift 20 pounds, working indoors and outdoors
• Must successfully pass a background check

Preferred

• Knowledge and excitement around cooking with children as well as popular camp themes: Minecraft, Harry Potter, Pokemon, survival skills
• Knowledge of, and willingness to play camp games, dress in costume and get messy!

Pay Range: $19.00 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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