Summer Camp Lead 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:

The Lead Counselor is a steady, engaged presence with campers all day, helping lead activities, support daily walkable outings, and bring our nature + creativity + sustainability vibe to life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support the Daily Flow: Help run transitions, routines, and the overall rhythm of the day alongside the Assistant Director.

  • Camper Care + Group Leadership: Supervise campers, support social-emotional needs, and maintain a warm, steady tone.

  • Younger Camper Support: Be especially strong with our youngest campers (ages 4.5–6) by leading gentle transitions, helping with regulation, and keeping routines steady.

  • Program Facilitation: Lead activity blocks and projects using our established weekly plans (nature-based + creative + sustainability-minded).

  • Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Assistant Director and other staff (Afternoon Counselor, Junior Counselor, CITs) to keep camp organized and fun.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

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

  • Interest in art, nature play, environmental learning, or hands-on making

  • Comfortable spending time outdoors daily and staying flexible when plans shift

  • Strong communication and relationship-building with campers, families, and teen/young adult staff

  • Steady, kind energy and a willingness to take feedback and work as a team

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

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

  • Pay: $16–$18/hour, based on experience

  • Camp dates: June 15–August 21, 2026

  • Daily schedule: Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm (flexibility required)

  • Pre-season prep: approximately 16–24 hours before June 15 (training + planning)

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLE:

  • Make a meaningful impact by leading a program that combines creativity, nature exploration, and sustainability.

  • Strengthen leadership and program management skills in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

  • Become a key member of a community dedicated to promoting sustainable living and fostering connections among families.

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.