Environmental Educator - Camp Counselor

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is hiring Camp Counselors for their Nature Explorers Camp, running from June 29 to August 7, 2026. Candidates should have experience teaching young children and a passion for nature and education. Responsibilities include supervising campers, planning activities, and ensuring their safety. The position requires outdoor work and collaboration with a team. Applicants must apply on the UPenn jobs site with a resume and cover letter.
Note: Candidates MUST apply on the UPenn jobs site at https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Morris-Arboretum/Camp-Counselor--Morris-Arboretum---Gardens_JR00117323

Only applicants who have applied on the Penn job site with a resume and cover letter will be considered.

Description:

The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania is seeking Camp Counselors for our vibrant full-day Nature Explorers Camp. Our campers are between the ages of 4-10 years old and will be divided into groups based on age. Campers will spend most of their time outdoors in our beautiful garden setting, and counselors should have an interest in both nature and education. Counselors will plan engaging activities, and the camp day will include hiking expeditions, science lessons, arts & crafts, and games. Counselors will work collaboratively with a team of education professionals. In addition, lead counselors will also help to direct an assistant camp counselor and CITs.

Summer Camp runs for six weeks from June 29 – August 7, 2026. There will also be a mandatory orientation during the week of June 22. Counselors must be available for all 7 of those weeks.

Qualifications:
• A proven track record of teaching young children as well as planning and implementing curriculum.
• Able to work outdoors all summer and spend long periods of time walking and playing games with children.
• Love of nature and desire to share this experience with children.
• Strong curiosity for the natural world and interest in environmental sciences.
• Candidates for the lead counselor position must be over 18. Preference will be given to assistant counselors who have completed the CIT training program or who are over 16.

Duties:
• Supervise and engage campers during daily activities, meals, and outdoor exploration. Build relationships with campers and ensure the physical and emotional safety of every child.
• Plan and implement creative and engaging hands-on activities based on our camp themes. Read the curriculum binder, be aware of available camp supplies, understand the layout of the gardens, and be ready to use this knowledge to educate and inspire campers in an informal setting.
• Lead or co‑lead all activities (crafts, nature, games, movement, story time) following program plans.
• Ensure safety and well-being by following health, safety, and emergency procedures; maintain accurate attendance and incident records.
• Support setup and cleanup of activity spaces and materials.
• Participate in staff meetings and training prior to and during the program.
• Work collaboratively with all staff and CITs.
• The University of Pennsylvania requires that all summer employees submit a fingerprinting, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record check, and Child Abuse clearance through the University’s Hire Right system.

Optional Lesson Plan Submission: In addition to your cover letter, candidates may also submit a hypothetical lesson plan or describe an activity you would lead at a nature camp as a supplemental part of their application. The themes and descriptions for camp for 2026 can be found on our website. https://www.morrisarboretum.org/learn-discover/kids-families/summer-camp

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Application Question(s):
• Have you submitted your application on the UPenn Jobs site: https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Morris-Arboretum/Camp-Counselor--Morris-Arboretum---Gardens_JR00117323
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Do you feel comfortable being outside with children all day at a nature camp?

Ability to Relocate:
• Philadelphia, PA 19118: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person