Nature Day Camp Coordinator

Nature Day Camp (NDC) Coordinators supervise all NDC staff and volunteers, supervise daily operation of camps, conduct weekly training sessions and conduct weekly planning meetings.  

NDC Coordinators are scheduled approximately 43 hours/week. This job assignment is for May 11 – August 7. July 4 and July 25 are required workdays. Additional hours may be requested/assigned, including evenings and/or weekends. This schedule is weather dependent. 

Employees may request up to five days off, if done so by May 29. Time off requests will be considered in the order they are received. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
 

 

SCHEDULE

Training weeks (required) 

• May 11 – May 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  


• No training on Monday, May 25 

Schedule during camp weeks (June 1 – August 7)
 

• 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday  


• 7:30 a.m. - 4:30pm  on Wednesdays  

Items of note:

• May 25, June 19 and July 3 are not work days.


• Opportunities for additional hours are available during the summer.  


• July 4 and July 25 are required work days.
  


• Additional hours as requested/assigned.
  


• The schedule is subject to change, at the discretion of the Park District. 

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be at least 18 to apply.  

• Must have reliable transportation and also have proven leadership and/or supervisory experience.  


• Must have experience working with children ages 3 –12 and a strong interest in and/or knowledge of environmental education.  


• Must be insurable by Park District insurance to operate vehicles.  

JOB DESCRIPTION 

SUMMARY
 

Nature Day Camp (NDC) is a fun day camp program for children ages 3-12 to attend at either Bill Yeck Park or Grant Nature Park. Coordinators will directly supervise, schedule, and manage staff that lead a variety of recreation activities, sports, games and crafts for children will be split up by age. Each week will be planned around a different theme. Our goal is to make amazing lifelong camp memories for all campers.  

SPECIFIC DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS
 

Administrative   

• Maintain accurate records regarding day camp and participant comments.   


• Organize and distribute necessary supplies to staff each day.   


• Prepare a weekly schedule of volunteers and staff and rosters/group assignments of campers.  


• Attend weekly program staff meetings.   


• Prepare written evaluations of the programs and camps.    


• Communicate with camp supervisor regularly.

Personnel   

• Supervise all camp staff and volunteers during camp hours.   


• Conduct weekly training sessions, planning meetings.   


• Conduct mid and end of summer performance evaluations for NDC staff and volunteers.   

• Make recommendations to the Program Supervisor for staffing needs.   

Programming   

• Supervise daily operation of camp.   


• Conduct camp orientation at the beginning of each new session.   


• Review counselor schedules, make recommendations for program ideas and improvement.   


• Plan, prepare and conduct weekly all-camp morning meetings and special events.             


• Greet campers on Mondays each week, direct them to the correct groups and field parent questions.   


• Motivate and encourage staff to continue to perform at an elevated level throughout the summer   

Public Relations   

• Serve as a public relations liaison with the community.   


• Maintain a positive relationship with the School District for shared use of facilities.   


• Maintain a positive atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie between campers and staff.  
  


• Serve as liaison between (camper) guardians and staff.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Proven experience working with children ages 3-12 years old.   


• Exceptional skills in organization and communication.   
  


• A strong interest and/or knowledge in environmental education, early childhood education or childcare.   


• Staff must be able and prepared to work much of the shift outdoors in various weather conditions.  


• Demonstrated peer leadership experience.