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 Junior Camp Counselors with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children by providing powerful, dynamic programs in the outdoors. Junior Counselors will assist with teaching and supervising day campers from preschool to 9th grade, including children with special needs. They will help to support a variety of activities 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. Over the course of the summer, Junior Counselors will assume increased responsibility for the planning and implementation of camp programming.
Objective: To assist the Counselors 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. Help the teaching team 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 regularly with Counselors and the Leadership Team
6. Help organize and direct parents and campers on the first day of camp
7. Provide a Monday orientation for middle and high school volunteers [Counselors-in-Training (CITs)]; organize and supervise CITs during lunchtime activities, including recycling and games
8. Participate in pre-camp and on-going trainings
9. Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Assistant Director
Required Qualifications:
• Experience working with children in a formal setting (camp, after school programs, scouts, sports, etc.)
• Experience and desire to work in an outdoor setting
• First aid and CPR certifications (or ability to become certified) \
• High school diploma or GED
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to work varied hours, including some evenings
Preferred Qualifications:
• Natural science knowledge
• Experience teaching in an outdoor setting
• Knowledge of local natural resources (ecology, identification of birds, plants, etc.)
• Camping, canoeing and kayaking skills
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.
