Columbia Springs offers our community a unique setting where educational experiences foster greater awareness of the natural world, inspiring stewardship. Our educational facility is located on one hundred acres of urban natural area at the historic Vancouver Trout Hatchery. Columbia Springs offers exciting hands-on, experiential nature programs for all ages. Programs include family events, school field trips, summer nature day camps and more! Additionally, visitors can hike on nature trails, observe birds and other wildlife, and explore the working trout hatchery.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Columbia Springs Summer Camp Interns will work under the guidance of our Environmental Education Staff for our Summer Nature Camp season. Interns will receive training on environmental education, small group facilitation, Pacific Northwest ecology, and sustainability practices. Additionally, interns will assist with leading summer day camps for youth ages 7-13. As a Summer Camp Intern, you will be an ambassador of Columbia Springs and a role model to youth participating in summer camp programs. Academic credit for your internship experience may be available through your school.
SCHEDULE
This temporary position includes training, prep, hosting summer camps and clean up. Interns will complete between 120-130 hours by the first week of August. A minimum number of hours may be required by your educational institution if you are receiving academic credit. The schedule below includes some training and prep time that is flexible so interns can balance other commitments, however, it is expected that interns can be available from 8am-2pm during the weeks of camp (in bold below).
- 1-2 days of Orientation, and camp set up the week of June 20-23
- June 26-30 Camp
- July 10-14 Camp
- Week of July 4th – no camp, team meeting and projects
- July 17-21 Camp
- July 24 -28 Camp
QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible for the position interns must be able to commit to the hours and dates listed above. The following qualifications will also be considered.
- Must be excited to work hard, learn a lot, and get dirty!
- Experience working with youth a plus (but not required)
- Interest in mentoring & working with youth, and environmental issues
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent work ethic (reliable, punctual, hard-working, positive)
RESPONSIBILITES
Summer Camp Interns will be responsible for providing a safe and respectful learning environment, assisting with all crafts, game and activities, doing set-up/clean-up after activities, interacting with camp parents and care-givers, supervising campers during lunch and snack breaks, assisting with behavior management, following and modeling all health and safety-related policies, and leading activities during check-in, check-out and lunch.
COMPENSATION/ SKILLS GAINED
Summer Camp Interns will receive:
- Valuable teamwork, leadership and small group management experience
- Skills in working with and engaging youth in a variety of settings and activities
- Knowledge of Pacific Northwest ecology and sustainability issues
- Camp t-shirt and instructional materials
- Access to resume development coaching
- $16.50hr – up to 130hrs of work.
To apply:
• Email a cover letter sharing why you are interested in the internship and how it will fit into your life, a resume with relevant experience and the contact information for two references, preferably past supervisors, or mentors.
• This position requires a background check and fully vaccinated status, including any boosters.
• Please contact Shelly Skolfield, Camps Coordinator with any questions.
Email: learn@columbiasprings.org
Phone: (360)882-0936 ext. 225
Columbia Springs is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels of the organization.
Columbia Springs is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that our organization truly benefits from the diversity of our team. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability including sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Applicants of color, immigrants, and other underserved persons are encouraged to apply.