EarthWalk Summer Camp Forest Mentor
 We are currently seeking a Summer Camp Forest Mentor!  If you think this would be a good fit for you, please email a letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to admin@earthwalktogethervt.org

Compensation: Hourly, based on experience starting $18 - $20/hour
 
Reports to: EarthWalk Director and Mentor (Ange Gibbons)
 
Job Summary 
Summer Camp Forest Mentors facilitate rich, authentic, hands-on learning experiences rooted in nature and community-building, guiding children towards healthy and meaningful lives and active community and land stewardship. Mentors guide and inspire each learner’s curiosity through nature exploration, playing games, making crafts, sharing outdoor skills, stories, and songs, Mentors model and guide campers with the 3-cares: caring for yourself, caring for others, and caring for the Earth----all the while—-having FUN!
Mentors work closely with one another to form a teaching team and to innovate and collaborate to make sure it is a safe, meaningful, and joyful learning experience for all! Mentors interface regularly with families and the larger community and therefore carry a lot of responsibility in promoting and demonstrating the caring values and culture expressed with EarthWalk.
 
Schedule: This is a seasonal scheduled position. There will be 6 weeks of camps each summer. The daily schedule is 8am to 4pm. And there will be one full day of Summer Camp site clean-up and reorganization in August, to be scheduled with the staff team.
 
Job Responsibilities
Education & Field Work

• Participate in pre-camp staff orientation/training days: 

• Mentor children and teens in meaningful learning experiences based on the EarthWalk Nature Mentoring Curriculum, including naturalist knowledge, outdoor living skills, community building, and stewardship. 

• Guide and support “Mentors in Training” ages 13-16 who participate in each camp. 

• Uphold clear physical and behavioral safety guidelines empowering children to care for themselves, one another, and the Earth.

• Be responsible for overall safety and adhering to safety protocols.

• Participate in daily prep/logistics meetings and debrief/assessment sessions before and after each camp day.

 Leadership & Collaboration

• Work as part of a collaborative staff that is committed to using conscious/respectful communication and participating in regular feedback sessions.

• Be available to parents/guardians for check-ins regarding programs and camper experience.

• Learn, collaborate, and practice shared leadership with other Mentors.

• Manage risk throughout programs by identifying and resolving hazards related to an outdoor learning environment. 

 
Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years mentoring groups of children outdoors.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education (or working towards); or equivalent experience (Preferred)

• Love of children and the Earth with a commitment to the mission of growing caring communities rooted in nature.

• Curiosity, playfulness, humor and a positive attitude 

• Foundation in local naturalist and outdoor living skills and earth crafts 

• Strong interpersonal skills with creativity and flexibility with all ages

• Group facilitation skills and experience (engaging, inclusive, heart-centered, working through issues and empowering leadership, etc..) 

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a skilled staff team, families, community members, and grow personally and professionally.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

 
Physical Requirements

• Able to move about to meet the needs of outdoor groups of children and teens.

• Comfortable spending extended amounts of time outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, humidity, and heat for several days in a row.

• Willing to be regularly exposed to outdoor risks, including ticks, stinging insects, steep terrain, smoke/fire (cooking), hazardous weather etc.

• Ability to advocate for personal and group accessibility needs for campers and staff.