Summer Camp Lead Afternoon Counselor

 

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

Rutabaga Toy Library’s Nature Arts Summer Camp offers a unique summer experience for children ages 4.5-12, combining key nature school principals in a small-group setting. Our mission is to foster a welcoming, engaging, and exploratory space where children can connect with nature and express their creativity through art made from found and natural materials. We are committed to sustainability, child-led activities, and providing a nurturing environment for our community of caregivers and families.

ABOUT THIS POSITION:

This role is a great fit for someone who prefers a later start and wants a meaningful leadership-support role during the busiest part of the day. You’ll join the team mid-day to support afternoon projects, coverage during staff breaks, pickup transitions, aftercare, and end-of-day reset.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Afternoon Support: Jump in mid-day to support the camp team with transitions, coverage during staff breaks, and extra hands during high-energy moments.

  • Project Support: Help facilitate afternoon projects and activity blocks alongside the Assistant Director and Lead Counselor.

  • Aftercare Lead: Lead aftercare (paired with a CIT), keeping things safe, calm, and fun through the 5:30pm pickup. You’ll have room to be creative here, planning simple, low-prep activities that match our nature + art vibe.

  • Reset + Organization: Own end-of-day cleanup and space reset so the next morning starts strong: return materials where they belong, keep storage tidy, label bins as needed, flag low supplies, and share anything the team needs to know for tomorrow.

  • Team Collaboration: Communicate clearly with the Assistant Director and Lead Counselor so handoffs are smooth and nothing falls through the cracks.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 2+ years working with kids in camp/classroom settings (camp experience preferred)

  • Calm, steady presence during transitions and end-of-day energy shifts

  • Strong cleaning/organization instincts (you notice what’s out of place and you like getting things back to “ready”)

  • Interest in hands-on making, art, nature play, and sustainability is a plus

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

  • Comfortable being outdoors and walking with the group when needed

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

  • Seasonal position (with potential to stay with Rutabaga year-round)

  • Pay: $16-18/hour

  • Camp dates: June 15–August 21, 2026

  • Typical schedule: Mon–Fri, 12:30pm–6:00pm

    • Some weeks (higher enrollment / bigger projects) would start at 10am

  • Pre-season prep: ~10–15 hours before June 15 (training + prepping space)

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re passionate about nature, the arts, and making a difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you. Please complete this APPLICATION FORM, including attaching your resume and a cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for our Nature Arts Summer Camp team. We’d plan to review candidates in early March and make a final decision by the end of the month. Thank you!

Rutabaga Toy Library is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.