Summer Camp Counselor

Supportive, camper-facing role with Aftercare leadership

 

ROLE:

Rutabaga Toy Library’s Nature Arts Summer Camp is a creative, nature-based program for children ages 5–12. Each day includes outdoor adventures, art-making with natural and upcycled materials, and joyful, small-group experiences rooted in curiosity and sustainability.

We’re looking for a Summer Camp Counselor to join our team! This is a supportive, camper-facing role perfect for someone with a few seasons of experience working with kids. Counselors help run daily activities, guide small groups, and serve as the lead adult during our relaxed, play-based Aftercare program (3–5:30pm). This position is ideal for someone who’s dependable, playful, and ready to jump into hands-on work with kids—all while working alongside a passionate team.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in daily camp activities, helping facilitate art projects, nature play, and group routines

  • Support group transitions, safety checks, and camper supervision throughout the day

  • Step into leadership as needed, occasionally guiding your own small group

  • Provide gentle oversight and creative energy during Aftercare, offering relaxed play options and helping kids wind down

  • Serve as the primary caregiver from 3–5:30pm, followed by daily cleanup and prep through 6pm

  • Collaborate with and support our CITs

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2+ years of experience in summer camp environments 

  • Enthusiastic, dependable, and flexible team player

  • Creative and calm—especially during unstructured play and transitions

  • Excited to work outdoors and engage with kids through art, storytelling, nature, and open-ended fun

RATE & Info:

  • This is a seasonal full-time position (Monday–Friday, 9:30am–6pm)

  • Pay is $15–17/hour, depending on experience

  • Includes 2-3 days of paid prep and training prior to the camp start 

  • 2025 camp season runs 10 weeks, June 16 through August 22 + June 12 & 13

  • Opportunities for continued work with our Nature Arts Days Off Camps and school-year programming

why you’ll love it:

  • Be part of a small, supportive team doing meaningful, creative work

  • Gain hands-on experience with kids and build confidence in group leadership

  • Help shape a nurturing, eco-minded space for children and families

  • Spend your summer unplugged, outdoors, and in community

How to Apply:

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 and make a final decision by the end of May 2025 or sooner. 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.