Specialty Counselor, Nature/STEM - Club (Youth & Family Programs)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution; New York (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a vibrant community dedicated to youth development and education at a historic summer camp! As a Specialty Counselor in Nature/STEM, you will play a crucial role in creating a safe and engaging environment for campers aged 7 to 16. Your responsibilities will include planning diverse activities that promote environmental awareness and teamwork, ensuring all participants feel welcomed and valued. This seasonal position offers flexible scheduling with an average of 30 hours per week, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Chautauqua Lake. Embrace this opportunity to inspire the next generation and foster a love for nature and learning!

Benefits

Traditional Chautauqua gate pass

Flexible scheduling

Access to various programs

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years or older and pass background checks.
• Experience working with children and planning activities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe environment for campers and staff.
• Plan and facilitate engaging daily activities for youth.
• Maintain equipment and comply with safety regulations.

Skills

Child Engagement

Activity Planning

Safety Compliance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Specialty Counselor, Nature/STEM - Club (Youth & Family Programs)/Seasonal Employment

Job Category: Youth Programs

Requisition Number: SPECI004104

Posted: February 4, 2025

Employment Type: Part-Time, On-site

Rate: $17 USD per hour

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Chautauqua’s Boys and Girls Club is the longest running summer day camp in the United States. The program, for youth in second grade to tenth grade, embraces both tradition and the latest trends in youth education and engagement including field activities, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, nature, crafts, individual and team sports, music and experiences in the arts. The program hours are 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–4 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $17.00 and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $17.75.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming environment in which all program participants, staff members, and families can fully participate.
• Plan and facilitate daily activities for campers across all age groups. Activities may include games that help campers identify and categorize plants and animals; locate and identify fossils in the nearby creek, ravine, and woods; identify factors and activities that contribute to air and water pollution.
• Provide guidance to group counselors regarding expectations for assisting with programming in specialized areas.
• Maintain supply inventory and work with supervisor to place orders as necessary.
• Ensure all equipment is in safe, working order.
• Understand and comply with policies and procedures set forth by Chautauqua Institution and regulations determined by New York State legislation as related to operating a licensed children’s camp.
• Work with various departments at Chautauqua (Performing and Visual Arts, Recreation) to provide unique programming opportunities.

Schedule

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.

Will be primarily scheduled to work Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an average of 30 hours/week. Scheduled hours will include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

The week before the first day of operations a mandatory in-person three-day staff training session is scheduled. Virtual trainings may be held prior to the season.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age or older per regulations set by New York State for licensed children’s camps.
• Must pass review by the Department of Social Services Central Register of Abuse and Maltreatment and be acceptable to the local permit-issuing official.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and experience in specialty field.
• Experience working with children of diverse ages.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities.

Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan. We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.