Camp Counselor, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an established institution as a Camp Counselor at the Morris Arboretum, where you will inspire children through engaging activities in nature. This role involves planning hands-on experiences, leading hiking expeditions, and fostering a love for the environment among young campers. With a supportive team of education professionals, you will create memorable summer experiences while working in a beautiful urban setting. If you have a passion for teaching and the outdoors, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in children's lives while enjoying the vibrant culture of Philadelphia.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of teaching young children is required.
• Strong background in environmental sciences preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan engaging activities and supervise groups of children.
• Conduct hands-on camp activities including hiking and science lessons.

Skills

Teaching young children

Collaboration

Environmental sciences

Outdoor activities

Education

Background in environmental sciences

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer, Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Camp Counselor, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people, and place through education, research, and horticultural display. Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. Home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants, the Morris Arboretum is a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry and a special part of Penn.

Job Description

Camp Counselors will plan engaging activities and supervise groups of children. All camp activities should be hands-on and will include hiking expeditions, science lessons, arts & crafts, and games. Counselors will work collaboratively with a team of education professionals at the Arboretum.

Our camp runs for six weeks Monday-Friday from June 30th - August 8th, 2025, from 9am-3pm, with counselors expected to be present from 8:30am-3:30pm each day. Counselors will be compensated work and prep time, including orientation in late June.

Qualifications

• A proven track record of teaching young children is required.
• Willingness to work both independently and collaboratively with other camp counselors and Arboretum staff.
• Able to work outdoors all summer and spend long periods of time walking or playing games with children.
• Strong background in the environmental sciences and natural studies is preferred.
• Love of nature and desire to share this experience with children.
• Participation in camp orientation prior to the start of camp.
• The University of Pennsylvania requires that all summer employees, regardless of age, agree to submit a fingerprinting, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record check, and Child Abuse clearance through the University’s Hire Right system.

About the Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants and people through education, research, and horticultural display.

Located in the Northwest section of the city, the Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers from Philadelphia and beyond. The Arboretum is home to a collection of more than 13,000 woody plants and host to special and educational events. A hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry, the Morris Arboretum is a special part of Penn. More information can be found here: Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Morris Arboretum

Pay Range

$7.25 - $18.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.