Camp Counselor, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

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

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum seeks a Camp Counselor for summer programs. Responsibilities include planning activities and supervising children in an outdoor setting, emphasizing environmental education. Candidates should have a strong passion for nature and a proven track record in teaching. Join us for a rewarding summer experience!

Benefits

Health and Life Insurance Benefits

Generous Retirement Plans

Qualifications

• Proven track record of teaching young children is required.
• Strong background in environmental sciences preferred.
• Willingness to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Plan engaging activities and supervise groups of children.
• Conduct hands-on activities including hikes and science lessons.
• Collaborate with a team of education professionals.

Skills

Teaching young children

Working collaboratively

Outdoor activities

Knowledge of environmental sciences

Love of nature

Job description

University OverviewThe 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 TitleCamp Counselor, Morris Arboretum & GardensJob Profile TitleTemporary Employee - Non-ExemptJob Description SummaryThe 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

Duties

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, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolMorris ArboretumPay 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity StatementThe University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.Special Requirements
A 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.University Benefits

• Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.