Lead Camp Counselor Description: Earn college credit while working in the beautiful Mount Rose wilderness area! Great Basin Naturalists Environmental Science Camp comprises ten weeks of theme-based activities that capitalize on the unique natural setting of Galena Creek Park and the Mount Rose region. Themes include natural and cultural history topics that allow children to experience the outdoors through hands-on games, hikes, guided activities, field trips, guest presenters, and simple exploration and play. As the only fully outdoor environmental summer camp in Reno, our goal is to provide local youth with opportunities to experience the outdoors in a safe, fun, nurturing and engaging setting. All curricula are designed through a combination of outdoor education, adventure programs and conservation education. Counselors will implement curriculum to help campers to discover local animals, plants, birds, fish, rocks, and cultural history through hands-on games, hikes, guided activities, and more. Each week will have a different theme, listed below. Campers ages 8-12 will be divided into groups of 12-15. Teens will be participating in a Teen Leadership Academy and will serve as Junior Counselors for each group. Lead Counselors will serve as mentors to teens participating the in the Teen Leadership Academy. Position includes one week of training followed by nine weeks of day camp and one week of residential camp at Camp We Che Me.
Session Themes: Camp begins June 11 and continues through August 17 WEEK 1: Forest Ranger WEEK 7: Animal Adaptations WEEK 2: Buggin Out WEEK 8: Birds OR Imaginarium WEEK 3: Ancient Secrets WEEK 9: Designation: Wilderness WEEK 4: Choose Your Own Adventure WEEK 10: Young Naturalist Institute WEEK 5: Designation: Wilderness WEEK 6: Wet and Wild Compensation and Benefits: This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a weekly per diem of $150. Upon successful completion of a 450-hour AmeriCorps service term, members shall receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in the amount of $1,468 that can be used for paying off student loans, or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college. Shared, on-site housing may be available. College credit may be available; contact Galena Creek Visitor Center at (775) 849-4948 to learn who the faculty advisor is at your school. A first aid/CPR course will be offered during the week of training (June 4-8). Timeline: June 4, 2011 August 17, 2011 Qualifications: Outdoor school experience preferred; College level coursework preferred in education or the natural sciences; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Background working with elementary aged children and/or in natural history; Campfire skills (song leading, guitar, storytelling) desirable; Enthusiasm and commitment to youth outdoor education; Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, and otherwise maintain good physical condition. Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: 1. U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status. 2. Must be at least 17 years of age. 3. Received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using education award). 4. Eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or equivalent of 2 full-time awards), and 5. Pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their resume, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden at bwal...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
