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.
Job Summary: Join a team of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect children with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. CNC is in search of Nature Day Camp Counselors with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children by providing powerful, dynamic programs in the outdoors. Counselors will teach campers from preschool to 9th grade, including children with special needs. They will facilitate experiences in the areas of field ecology, historic farm life, sensory awareness, wildlife studies and nature crafts. Canoeing, kayaking and overnight camping trips are also included for some programs. Campers attend programs from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Objective: To develop and implement programming of predetermined camps to support and strengthen campers’ relationships with the natural world.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Supervise campers, ensuring their safety and well-being
2. Plan and teach daily lessons following the goals and objectives for each program
3. Follow and enforce all camp policies, rules and regulations
4. Provide first aid to campers according to camp policy
5. Communicate with families regarding camper needs, safety concerns, dietary considerations and camp highlights/experiences
6. Supervise and evaluate Teen Volunteers who are assigned to your group
7. Mentor Junior Counselors who are assigned to your group
8. Communicate regularly with the Leadership Team
9. Participate in pre-camp and on-going trainings
10. Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Assistant Director
Required Qualifications:
• Experience working with children
• Experience and desire to work in an outdoor setting
• First aid and CPR certifications (or ability to become certified)
• 18 years of age or older by the beginning of the first camp session
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to work varied hours, including some evenings
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preference will be given to those who have earned or are working toward a degree in outdoor recreation, biology, ecology, environmental education or other related field
- Knowledge of local natural resources (ecology, identification of birds, plants, etc.)
- Camping, canoeing and kayaking skills helpful
- Chauffeur’s License (if 21 years or older, can be obtained after hire
Schedule: Paid staff training: May 26 -June 2 and June 29- July 1. Camp sessions run June 3 through August 7 with no camp July 2-3. Exit evaluations and clean up days will be Aug 10-12.
Salary & Benefits: Starting salary is $600 per week ($15/hr.) with additional stipends for overnight camps ($75/night in the field), staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on program fees.
Status: Full time, seasonal
Application Procedure: Send cover letter and resume to Steve Frisbee, Camp Director at [email protected] or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640 Application Deadline: January 30, 2026 (Interviews will be held by invitation February 14, 2026)
Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 2,000-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement: Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people. Equal Opportunity Employment: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws
