Vegan Nature Camp Counselor
1 day ago
Oakland
Job Description:\n\nNature Camp Counselor Employment Openings: Saturday camps on the second Saturdays of the month up to May 9 in Berkeley and Oakland Spring break camp in Oakland Apr 6-10, 2026Spring break camp in Cupertino Apr 13-17, 2026Summer camps in Berkeley and Oakland June 1-July 17, 2026Summer camps in Cupertino and Los Gatos July 20-August 14, 2026 Do you love working with children? Are you an avid hiker with a love of nature and the outdoors? Are you vegan for animals or the environment? How about combining your passions into one fun camp counselor job? At Inspire Behavioral Learning, LLC, we are looking for Nature Camp Counselors to work in seasonal nature camps for elementary school age kids in grades K-5. We seek experienced, enthusiastic, energetic, dynamic, and creative camp leaders to join us this spring or summer in creating and implementing educational programs outdoors. Nature Camp Counselors lead children in outdoor Call of the Wild Camps, day camps in the Bay Area. Our seasonal nature camps are for kids to connect with nature, hike, read and write, create nature-inspired art, explore, learn biology and environmental stewardship, play and make friends in forests and nature sites of the Bay Area. Job description in a nutshell: Nature Camp Counselors actively facilitate nature education and fun learning opportunities for children in forests, nature preserves, and open spaces. This is not a babysitter job or a yard duty job. Camp counselors use emergent curriculum and actively teach, capturing teachable moments and creating playful nature education throughout the day. You may be the ideal Nature Camp Counselor for Call of the Wild Camps if:You are a responsible, conscientious adultYou are a dependable team player, communicative, creative, fun, adaptable, friendly, playful, outgoing, energetic, and eager to inspire and engage children in learning by doingYou care about science, the scientific method, facts, empiricism, reason, critical thinking, and objective realityYou have experience in nature education, science education, early childhood education, elementary school education, outdoor education, environmental education, literacy education, outdoor recreation, and related fieldsYou are vegan: "Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals." - The Vegan Society WHO WE ARE: We believe that to inspire learning is to inspire action! We believe in experiential education and lifelong learning. Inspire Behavioral Learning's mission is to empower people to live happier, more independent and fulfilling lives by achieving their learning goals. Outdoor educators in Call of the Wild Camps provide a fun, safe alternative to screen addiction; inspire nature connection and curiosity; and foster healthy, positive relationships with flora and fauna in our natural environments. WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE: We believe in the wisdom of "be kind to every kind" and the benefits of veganism on animals and the environment.We value diversity and include children with disabilities and typically developing children alike in our programs.We value the integrity of the whole person and are dedicated to a well-rounded blend of head, heart, and body -- being constant learners, kind and caring, and focused on learning by doing.We use emergent curriculum and principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), the science of learning that focuses on observable interaction between the learner and environment.We are a small company focused on quality over quantity. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Complete training online and in Call of the Wild Camps locations, such as Tilden Regional Park, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, Roberts Regional Recreation Area, Rancho San Antonio County Park, and Vasona Lake County Park (initial training is before the start date of the first session of the camp season)Punctually and reliably attend scheduled work hours, rain or shine, including training, staff meetings, and camp session datesSafely lead hikes in parks up to approx. 6 miles per day for K-5th graders in small groupsMaintain a 4:1 or 5:1 student: staff ratio or ratio approved by the camp supervisorImplement age-appropriate, grade-appropriate, K-5 level nature-themed science, outdoor education, language arts, art, and motor activities for Call of the Wild CampsFor summer camps, implement activities for theme weeks such as Enchanted Forest Art, Enchanted Forest Stories, Enchanted Vegan, Trailblazers, and Nature ExplorersSupervise and engage children on occasional science museum and science center visitsTeach and facilitate fun and positive nature education curriculum on vegan topics such as animal rights, speciesism, health, food, clothing, and the environmentTeach and lead outdoor language arts activities for children with nature and wilderness themes, including circle time with story time and singing, literary show-and-tell, skits, nature journaling, mapmaking, creative writing, and authoring and illustrating booksTeach and facilitate science activities on topics in biology, ecology, zoology, life science, environmental science, outdoor education, stewardship, conservation, preservation, etc., integrating naturalistic observation, group discussion, games, children's books, and writing activitiesTeach and engage children in outdoor activities that blend recreation and education, such as nature-themed field games, hide and seek and chase games, forest "I Spy" games, and scavenger huntsTeach and facilitate nature-themed arts and craftsEngage children with a fun teaching style and high energy, creativity, adaptability, spontaneity, dynamism, and positivitySupervise and facilitate children's rest breaks, snack and lunch breaks, and physical play breaksProvide naturalistic executive function teaching across diverse activitiesImplement teaching and behavior management based on principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), including prompting, positive reinforcement, and contingencies of reinforcement based on student preferences and choicesFacilitate emergent curriculum and child-centered, student-centered, experiential, incidental, and play-based teaching and learning opportunitiesCreate both structured and incidental learning opportunitiesKeep work materials neat, organized, and in good working conditionRecord accurate, objective incident reportsDrive by personal vehicle during the work shift for emergency or safety-related situations or to access reception as needed under supervisor directionFollow the three camp rules: (1) be kind, (2) be safe, and (3) leave no trace, and make sure campers follow themFollow all health and safety requirements, and make sure campers follow themFollow all seven leave no trace principles, and make sure campers follow themActively contribute and participate in staff training and meetingsProactively communicate camp questions and concerns with the camp director and supervisorFollow directions and implement feedback from supervisorsInteract with students and staff in a kind, caring, respectful, positive, and professional mannerRepresent Call of the Wild Camps in a positive and professional manner with customers, staff, and park visitorsMentor and support Counselors in Training (CITs) participating in the internship programMeet all of the physical requirements for the job, including standing, bending, sitting, squatting, walking, occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., hiking up to approx. 6 miles per day on varied terrain in varied weather with a backpack weighing up to 20% of your body weight, visual acuity for reading books, maps, interpretive panels, and signsPerform other duties as assigned REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Proof of your high school diploma or higher degreeMost recent academic transcript (unofficial is permitted) in good standing with a 3.5 minimum GPA. If your school does not provide grades, you do not qualify for this position.Proof of a declared major or minor in a relevant discipline or completion of one or more relevant courses, such as biology, environmental science, or education Certification and Safety Requirements: Proof of CPR and First Aid certification that remains unexpired through all camps dates you are applying to work. The only accepted CPR and First Aid certification involves passing a live skills assessment with an instructor. In person or hybrid in-person/online courses are the only acceptable courses. Entirely online courses are not acceptable.Proof of current COVID-19 vaccination obtained within 12 months of hire before hire or obtain an exemption for medical or sincerely held religious belief reasons.Pass a DOJ and FBI background check. Experience: Minimum 12 months of experience working in person with GROUPS of elementary school age children at K-5th grade level, ages 5-10, as a camp counselor, outdoor educator, naturalist, recreation leader, coach, instructor, or classroom teacher. Babysitting or nannying are not equivalent experience.Frequent, regular experience hiking, running, or backpacking trails on varied terrain at least 6 miles in a dayExperience working in person with culturally, linguistically, and developmentally diverse childrenExperience working in person with students with widely diverse abilities, such as giftedness, typically developing children, children with disabilities (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia, speech and language delays), and English Language Learners (ELL)Experience leading extracurricular enrichment activities in person for groups of children in grades K-5, ages 5-10Experience implementing effective and appropriate behavior management in person for children in grades K-5, ages 5-10Experience with child development and implementing age-appropriate, grade-appropriate, developmentally appropriate activities in person for children in grades K-5, ages 5-10 Skills: Ability to model and educate about veganism as more than a dietAbility to hike trails of moderate difficulty on hilly and uneven terrain up to approximately 6 miles a day five days a week for multiple consecutive weeksAbility to carry a hiking backpack weighing up to 20% of your body weight for the duration of each camp dayAbility to meet all other physical requirements for the job, including standing, bending, sitting, squatting, walking, occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., and visual acuity for reading books, maps, interpretive panels, and signsDemonstrate a fun and engaging leadership style with high energy, creativity, adaptability, spontaneity, dynamism, and positivityFriendly, kind, caring, compassionate, and patient teaching style for learners of all skill levelsEagerness and openness to continually learn and develop your skill setCommand of American English phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmaticsExcellent ability to break concepts down into simple and easy stepsExcellent time-management and organizational skillsOutstanding oral and written communication skillsEco-conscious skills with a demonstrable love of nature and the outdoorsYou can articulate how veganism benefits animals, health, and the environmentHealth-conscious skills with a demonstrable love of active and healthy livingEnthusiasm for nature-themed language arts and literacy teachingEnthusiasm for making education relevant to children's livesDemonstrate care for children and a desire to help the whole child learn and grow in enjoyable ways, in addition to subject-matter competence in language arts and relevant life sciences Other Requirements: You are an adult (age 18 or older) or will be an adult before the start date of all camp sessions you're applying to workProof of a valid California driver's licenseProof of auto insurance PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience hiking in the parks you're applying to work in. Check the Call of the Wild Camps pages on to view the locations.You are vegan, as defined by The Vegan Society and as described on Inspire's website here: PERKS AND BENEFITS: Have fun teaching and inspiring kids in the great outdoors!Employees get paid training; paid rest breaks; off-duty lunch breaks; and retirement plan if working at least 30 daysReferral bonusSupportive and friendly environment with coaching and mentorshipBecome part of a company that truly cares about both the employee’s and student’s happiness and success! LOCATIONS: Bay Area parks. Check the Call of the Wild Camps web pages for more information on all locations. Saturday Camps: second Saturdays of the month Oct-May, remaining locations at UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley & Lake Merritt in Oakland Spring Break Camps:Oakland: Reinhardt Redwood Regional ParkCupertino: Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space PreserveSummer Camps:Berkeley: Tilden Regional ParkOakland: Joaquin Miller Park, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Roberts Regional Recreation AreaLos Gatos: Vasona Lake County ParkCupertino: Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve SCHEDULE: Training: before the start date of camp sessions at your assigned sitesSaturday Camps: 8:55 AM-5:05 PM, remaining sessions Apr 11 & May 9 Spring Break Camps:Oakland: 8:25 AM-4:35 PM, Apr 6-10, Mon-Fri Cupertino: 8:25 AM-4:35 PM, Apr 13-17, Mon-FriSummer Camps:Oakland and Berkeley: 8:25 AM-4:35 PM, Jun 1-Jul 17, Mon-FriLos Gatos and Cupertino: 8:25 AM-4:35 PM, July 20-Aug 14, Mon-Fri CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt employee for temporary, seasonal work COMPENSATION: $21.00/hr - $23.00/hr DOE RECRUITMENT PROCESS: 1) Application 2) Interview via Google Meet for qualified applicants 3) Employment verification, plus reference checks with two supervisors who have overseen your work with children 4) Conditional job offers are made to selected candidates 5) Final job offers are made, contingent upon successfully completing all requirements for hire JOB TITLE: Nature Camp Counselor may be variously known as or similar to camp leader, camp teacher, camp instructor, outdoor educator, youth leader, youth group leader, program leader, lead counselor, lead camp counselor, elementary program leader, outdoor camp counselor, forest camp counselor, naturalist, summer camp counselor, spring camp counselor, winter camp counselor, fall camp counselor, hiking camp counselor, science camp counselor, writing camp counselor, reading camp counselor, academic camp counselor, K-5 camp counselor, nature instructor, naturalist