Summer Camp Counselor

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network; Portsmouth (NH); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits with a forward-thinking nonprofit dedicated to environmental education. As a summer counselor, you will play a vital role in leading engaging activities for children aged 5-13, fostering their love for the environment and maritime history. This position offers a supportive team environment where your creativity can shine as you design and implement your own program ideas. With a focus on experiential learning, you will help shape the next generation of environmental stewards while enjoying the beauty of the Piscataqua region. Join us for a summer of adventure and growth!

Qualifications

• Strong environmental ethic and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Ability to work as a team member with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead activities for youth ages 5-13 at summer camp.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of the camp site.
• Collaborate with staff to deliver high-quality camp programs.

Skills

Public Speaking

Teamwork

Communication Skills

Outdoor Education

Behavior Management

Education

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

Must be available early-June through late-August.

Our summer counselors plan and run our growing camp both on the Gundalow and on shore for kids ages 5-13. Our camps place emphasis on environmental literacy and maritime history, and are rooted in experiential place-based education. Starting with training in June, Counselors will work together to develop activities for and lead camps. Counselors will fulfill direct leadership roles, further developing competencies in: program planning, leadership, outdoor education, safety assessment, teamwork, communications, and behavior management. This is an exciting position with a supportive team, and opportunities to design and implement your own program ideas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in staff training in early June.
• Help plan, manage, and run our growing summer camp program for youth ages 5-13 onboard the Gundalow and on shore.
• Work closely with the Program Manager, Camp Manager, Captain, and crew to ensure a high quality camp program.
• Assist other camp staff, crew, and counselors in training (CITs) during the weekly camp program.
• Organize, plan, and lead a variety of small and large group activities each week. Activities may include crafts, songs, games, hikes, swimming, kayaking, etc.
• Ensure the safety of all campers and staff. Ensure a clean and hazard-free camp site.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A strong environmental ethic, plenty of enthusiasm, flexibility, skill in public speaking, and a positive attitude.
• Experience and willingness to work with youth.
• Must have or be willing to get CPR/First Aid Certification.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with or without direct supervision.
• Good communication and organization skills.
• Marine education, local knowledge, or traditional sail experience is a bonus!
• Candidates must have reliable personal transportation, and no excessive conflicting commitments including travel, work at other jobs, or other non-emergency leave of absence.
• Bonuses provided for those with a NH commercial boat license or a lifeguard certification!

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

The nonprofit Gundalow Company’s mission is to protect the Piscataqua region’s maritime heritage and environment through education and action. To fulfill our mission, we use a recently built, traditional, wooden gundalow as our floating/sailing classroom for school groups, River Rats Camp, public sails, and private charters.

The Gundalow Company is committed to working in partnership with those who have been historically and are currently excluded from access to and stewardship of the local waterways. Just as the Piscataqua River is strengthened by every stream, river, and creek that flows to it, our community is strengthened by individuals from a diversity of experiences, identities, cultures, heritages, perspectives, and values, who historically and currently use, access, and enjoy the resources of the Piscataqua Watershed.