Chippewa Nature Center
Nature Day Camp
Employment Opportunities
Join a team of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect children with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. Inspire children to build a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world as you help them to catch frogs at the pond, create a miniature homestead village in the woods or learn how to paddle on a river.
Nature Day Camp staff have a passion for making a difference in the lives of children by providing powerful, dynamic programs in the outdoors.
Chippewa Nature Center offers competitive pay and staff benefits!
FAQs
- What is the work schedule?
Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Paid staff training: May 30-June 6 and July 5-7. Camp sessions run June 7 through August 11, with no camp July 3-4. - What are the salary and benefits?
Starting salary is $6,150 for the camp season ($14/hr, $560/wk) with additional stipends for overnight camps ($60/night in the field), staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on program fees. - What is the employment status?
Full time, seasonal - Is housing available?
CNC does not have accommodations available. We are within driving distance of CMU in Mt. Pleasant and SVSU in Saginaw, where sublets are available. Each candidate is responsible for their own housing. - How do I apply?
Send cover letter and resume to Steve Frisbee, Camp Director at sfrisbee@chippewanaturecenter.org or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640 - When is the deadline to apply?
February 3, 2023 (Interviews will be held by invitation February 11, 2023)
Questions? Please contact Steve Frisbee, Camp Director, at
sfrisbee@chippewanaturecenter.org or 989-631-0830.
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| Nature Day Camp Counselor |
Nature Day Camp Early Childhood Counselor |
Nature Day Camp Junior Counselor |
Nature Day Camp Adventure Trip Leader |
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| Counselors teach campers from preschool to 9th grade, including children with special needs. They facilitate experiences in field ecology, historic farm life, sensory awareness, wildlife studies and nature crafts. Canoeing, kayaking and overnight camping trips are also included for some programs. | Work alongside full-time Nature Preschool Teachers in the nationally known LEED Gold Certified Margaret Ann (Ranny) Riecker Nature Preschool Center, as well as the Visitor Center, 1870s Homestead Farm, and Nature Study Building. Early Childhood Counselors teach campers ages 3 to 9 years, including children with special needs. | Junior Counselors assist with teaching and supervising day campers from preschool to 9th grade, including children with special needs. They help to support a variety of activities in field ecology, historic farm life, sensory awareness, wildlife studies and nature crafts. Canoeing, kayaking and overnight camping trips are also included for some programs. | Adventure Trip Leaders lead 5- to 9-day programs, introducing 10-16 year olds to backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and backcountry camping in the state of Michigan. | |||
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Also open: NDC Program Coordinator NDC Before and After Care Coordinator See full position descriptions and current employment opportunities |
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What I liked
Hands on experience with leadership team as well as individual responsibilities while out on trips with the groups we led. What I wish was different Not much really, it was really well run and an enjoyable experience. Advice
Patience is key. Some things don't work out the first time, or the tenth time they're tried. Keep at it and a solution will be found.
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What I liked
This place! It is another version of home to me. The nature is beautiful, the people are amazing and the experience was unbeatable. What I wish was different
I can't think of anything I would change.
Advice
Take the time to fuel your passions.Pursue what you came their for. Ask coworkers, your boss, visitors, etc., and leave with a wealth of knowledge. Be curious.
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What was the interview process like? The "interview" session was a full day of camp that the returning staff put on for all of the candidates involving fun and games, team building exercises, slideshows, information sessions, etc. All the while the staff indirectly and discretely observed our interactions with others; however there was no tension in the air as one may expect. There was a short sit down interview with each candidate about why we wanted to work there, what our background was, and any ideas we had for camp - conducted by camp director and member of leadership team. |
Teen Volunteers
Enthusiastic teens who enjoy connecting with young children outdoors can volunteer with Nature Day Camp! Volunteers assist CNC staff in caring for campers throughout the day by leading games, helping with crafts and supervising lunchtime activities. Teens must be between the ages of 13 and 17 and be available for week-long assignments, Monday to Friday. (Leaders-In-Training participants will have the opportunity to volunteer after they complete their camp session).
Online applications are accepted Jan-April each year. We ask that volunteers commit to at least two weeks of volunteer work. All training is provided. To learn more, visit the Nature Day Camp page.