The Orange Camp Coordinator works in collaboration with a team to ensure the operational success of Schoolhouse camp programs. Schoolhouse staff are expected to model kindness, curiosity, confidence, and empathy in their interactions with children, teens, parents, teachers, coworkers, and other stakeholders.
At Schoolhouse of Wonder, we look for staff in any position to:
- Be committed to Schoolhouse’s mission and values
- Be kind, curious, and confident with a “can-do” attitude
- Have great verbal, interpersonal, and listening communication skills
- Desire a cooperative, team-oriented work atmosphere
- Work toward continual improvement, including receiving and giving feedback
- Be committed to providing safe programming including following our COVID procedures
- Take your work seriously but yourself, not so much
A Camp Coordinator is a mentor worth remembering and emulating for children, teens, and staff
A Camp Coordinator takes pride and joy in mentoring children, teens, and staff. These individuals can partner energy with patience and responsibility with fun.
General Responsibilities
Orange Camp Coordinators are expected to:
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- Create and deliver activities. Partner with your Site Manager and staff to create and run high-quality, exciting, nature-based activities including games, hikes, skill-based activities, river and creek explorations, and more.
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- Prepare for programs. Assist with activity creation and preparation, set up and break down program areas, and clean and maintain program spaces.
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- Support staff through trainings, mentorship, giving and receiving feedback, modeling behavior, and creating a culture of growth. Manage programs when the Site Manager is unavailable.
- Ensure consistent program quality and set an excellent example in teaching and behavior management methods, work ethic, and attitude. Assist with the logistics of camp running smoothly with staff schedules, camp supplies, activity schedules, and maintaining program areas.
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- Safeguard the physical, emotional, and intellectual safety of participants. Model Schoolhouse values like kindness, curiosity, and empathy. Patiently process conflict and disagreements.
- Provide exemplary adherence to Schoolhouse’s values, policies, and procedures, including creating a safe environment by following our COVID procedures.
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- Provide excellent customer service. Communicate with participants, their families, other Schoolhouse staff, and park partners. Create established lines of communication built on trust and empathy.
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- Participate in all aspects of programs using Schoolhouse methodologies. Actively engage participants and deliver consistent and exceptional supervision. Be a good example and role model at all times. Play the games, sing the songs, wade in the river, hide in the leaves, build forts, and enthusiastically join in on all aspects of our programs.
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- Be a leader. Manage our CIT program to mentor and support counselors-in-training. Support staff to run the games, tell the stories, and manage their groups. Use and model behavior management techniques. Stay on schedule and manage your time. Create a culture of physical and emotional safety.
You can find a description of the physical activities common in our field staff positions here.
A Camp Coordinator Needs to…
- Be at least 18 years of age by your first day of work
- Have at least one year of relevant experience (in summer camps, youth-serving organizations, environmental education organizations, etc.)
- Have exceptional mentoring skills, including effective communication, enthusiasm, resourcefulness, sense of humor, self-control, and patience
- Have experience working with and mentoring children (5-12 years old) and teens
- Experience and skill in plant identification, naturalist skills, environmental education, survival skills, or other relevant areas
- Experience with social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, or empathy-based behavior management
- Be comfortable working on a computer including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, with the ability to quickly learn new programs
- Have a passion for the outdoors and are comfortable working in the outdoors in all kinds of weather
We require current pediatric and adult CPR and First Aid certification by the first day of work. We accept certifications from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). We also require up-to-date COVID vaccinations or a documented exemption for all staff.
Bonus points (or at least a high-five) if you have…
- A relevant degree (e.g. Environmental Science, Outdoor Education, Biology, etc.)
- Advanced knowledge and interest in plants, animals, geology, ecology, or cultural history
- Experience with experiential and inquiry-based learning techniques
- Knowledge of non-violent communication or Whole Brain Child
- Skill-based training or certifications (Lifeguarding, EMT, WFA, LNT, etc.)
- English/Spanish bilingual fluency
Evaluation
The Orange Camp Coordinator reports to the Orange Site Manager and will receive feedback throughout the year with a formal evaluation each year.
Office Location, Hours, Travel
The work of the Camp Coordinator is performed at our Orange County location with remote work possible when programs are not in session. The Camp Coordinator may also work at our other locations (Durham & Wake county) depending on programs in session.
Hours are dependent on organizational needs. During programs, hours typically total between 45 hours and 50 hours per week and range from 7:30a – 6p Monday through Friday. Outside of programs, hours typically total 32 to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
Any hours worked beyond 45 during any single week will be classified as overtime. Occasional weekends and/or evenings may be required.
Compensation
The wage range for this position is $18 to $20 hourly, commensurate with experience.
Benefits include unlimited vitamin D, a steady stream of (mostly funny) stories, and being part of a pretty great organization.
Application Instructions
The Orange Camp Coordinator position is open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
A complete application includes:
- Please include a cover letter that explains your interest in working as the Administrative Director at Schoolhouse of Wonder (maximum one page). Please include your email and phone number.
- Your resume (maximum one page). Do not include photos of yourself on your resume.
- Please include your cover letter and resume as one document to upload.
Current certification in CPR and First Aid and a successful background check are required before work can begin. Schoolhouse will pursue both indicated and non-indicated references.
This is an “at will” seasonal, non-exempt, hourly position that reports directly to the applicable Site Manager.
Qualified women, minorities, and bilingual candidates (English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply. We are fully invested in creating a supportive environment for all marginalized groups including women, people of color, and LGBT+ people by promoting community collaboration within our organization.
Schoolhouse of Wonder is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.
About Schoolhouse of Wonder
Founded in 1989, Schoolhouse of Wonder’s mission is to create kind, curious, and confident kids through nature-based outdoor adventures. We seek to achieve this mission through year-round, outdoor day camps, curriculum-aligned field trips, and leadership training for teenagers.
These core values guide our behavior and help us make decisions:
- We model and teach self-awareness and empathy
- We celebrate individuality; Different is just different
- Everyone deserves to be witnessed, heard and respected
- In nature, we’re all students
- Life should be filled with adventures and a sense of wonder
- We send every kid home dirty, tired and happy