Nature and Science Director - Camp Linden
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Linden, Michigan, United States, 48451
Camp Counselor Position
To further the mission of Girl Scout camp through the planning and delivery of nature/science activities and programming that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers' age and abilities. Facilitate programs in accordance with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to ensure that every camper has a fun, safe, and meaningful experience at camp. Responsible for the planning and management of programs including nature, STEM, and outdoor skills. Also supervise on-site excursions. Essential Functions: Plan, direct, and supervise safe, fun, and educational activities. Create and deliver educational, creative, and adaptive lesson plans for nature, STEM, outdoor skills, backpacking excursions, and team building activities which will appeal to a variety of age levels and learning styles. Adapt activities as necessary to create a progression based on the needs and experience of the participants. Apply basic youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections. Coordinate backpacking excursions and other outdoor education-based programming. Manage daily care of the camp chickens including feeding schedules, care, and creating and facilitating programming based around the chickens. Coordinate camp activities, camper activity choices, and special events in accordance with the weekly theme and camp goals. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and following camp procedures. Apply youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections. Participate as a member of the camp leadership team to plan and supervise camp activities and the implementation of staff training including leading educational and training sessions for counselors. Support counseling staff with daily care and supervision of campers, including conducting bed-checks and sleeping in units as assigned. Take the initiative to ensure that everyone has a great summer at camp. Other duties as assigned. Competencies: Camper-focused Behavior management & conflict resolution Risk management Youth development Leadership Teamwork Activity instruction & facilitation Initiative Education and Experience: Age 21 or older preferred. Experience working with children of all ages. Desire and ability to work outdoors. Previous experience working in an overnight camp setting preferred. Experience facilitating outdoor skills and team building activities. Experience creating and implementing lessons and activity plans preferred. Previously demonstrated knowledge and skill in camp and outdoor adventure programming, including but not limited to target sports, aquatic activities, camping skills, STEM activities, etc. preferred. Ability to collaborate with teammates and supervisors and cohabit effectively in a communal environment. Must become a member of Girl Scouts. Must have belief in and/or ability to speak with conviction about the mission and values of Girl Scouts, be willing to subscribe to the principles expressed in the Promise and Law and be aware of the needs of youth in our pluralistic society. Must be able to pass State and National background checks. Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to obtain Working at Camp: Camp Linden is a magical place! It is a wonderful experience for youth and staff role models of all kinds. It is important for every staff member to understand the essential nature of the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan program and Girl Scout Leadership Experience to ensure participation, with or without accommodation. You should be able to supervise campers at all times while on duty at camp, which is broadly described in the following: A communal living situation that means actively socializing and being surrounded by other campers and staff from when you wake up until you go to sleep. Lots of active outdoor activities, such as sports, horses, swimming, boating, rock climbing, archery, low ropes course, and similar activities that every camper must attend with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. 3 daily meals in a dining hall with up to 150 people who create a busy, bustling, and often loud environment, with excited talking, cheering, large group singing, and games A screen-free environment (during work hours) in which we disconnect from cell phones, video games, and the internet, and campers do not use devices during any part of the program day nor are campers permitted to wear headphones outside of their unit. It is important to remember that by the nature of overnight camp: You will likely have a lot less "alone time" than you might find at home. Camp Linden is a rather large property that spans over 400 acres. You should be comfortable walking long distances. Your schedule may change with little notice due to weather or other circumstances, and flexibility is key. The typical schedule is Sunday through Friday, though some Saturdays may be required. You should feel ok being away from home and having an independent group-living experience with a hundred other kids and staff. Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not directly oversee other positions. Organizational Values: Integrity: Our People are hardworking, honest, effective communicators, and take responsibility for actions and outcomes, even when no one's watching. Positive Mindset & Attitude: Our People choose to perceive and react through a lens of empathy, enthusiasm, curiosity, and helpfulness while being passionate, solution-oriented, service-minded, and driving towards goals. Unquestionable Excellence: Our People actively take initiative to fulfill our mission and are willing to work hard to bring our vision to life through resilience, determination, inspiration, personal growth and continuous learning. Mission Driven: Our People are inclusive and care deeply about girl development. In partnership with stakeholders throughout the organization, they utilize strategic planning and patience to move strategy and the mission forward. Collaborative Changemaker: Our People are intentionally present and forward thinkers dedicated to inspiring others and sharing skills through mentoring, service leadership, practicing radical candor, taking risks, intentional youth development, who are open to change and feedback. Compensation: Room and board. $80 per day (position requires a 6-day workweek). Paid training and certifications. Professional development. Leadership development training. Access to an extensive Girl Scout alumni network. Location employment Dates: June 8 through August 20, 2026 Equal Employment Opportunities Statement: Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
To further the mission of Girl Scout camp through the planning and delivery of nature/science activities and programming that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers' age and abilities. Facilitate programs in accordance with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to ensure that every camper has a fun, safe, and meaningful experience at camp. Responsible for the planning and management of programs including nature, STEM, and outdoor skills. Also supervise on-site excursions. Essential Functions: Plan, direct, and supervise safe, fun, and educational activities. Create and deliver educational, creative, and adaptive lesson plans for nature, STEM, outdoor skills, backpacking excursions, and team building activities which will appeal to a variety of age levels and learning styles. Adapt activities as necessary to create a progression based on the needs and experience of the participants. Apply basic youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections. Coordinate backpacking excursions and other outdoor education-based programming. Manage daily care of the camp chickens including feeding schedules, care, and creating and facilitating programming based around the chickens. Coordinate camp activities, camper activity choices, and special events in accordance with the weekly theme and camp goals. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior, and following camp procedures. Apply youth development principles to empower campers, embrace diversity, aid in competency development, and build connections. Participate as a member of the camp leadership team to plan and supervise camp activities and the implementation of staff training including leading educational and training sessions for counselors. Support counseling staff with daily care and supervision of campers, including conducting bed-checks and sleeping in units as assigned. Take the initiative to ensure that everyone has a great summer at camp. Other duties as assigned. Competencies: Camper-focused Behavior management & conflict resolution Risk management Youth development Leadership Teamwork Activity instruction & facilitation Initiative Education and Experience: Age 21 or older preferred. Experience working with children of all ages. Desire and ability to work outdoors. Previous experience working in an overnight camp setting preferred. Experience facilitating outdoor skills and team building activities. Experience creating and implementing lessons and activity plans preferred. Previously demonstrated knowledge and skill in camp and outdoor adventure programming, including but not limited to target sports, aquatic activities, camping skills, STEM activities, etc. preferred. Ability to collaborate with teammates and supervisors and cohabit effectively in a communal environment. Must become a member of Girl Scouts. Must have belief in and/or ability to speak with conviction about the mission and values of Girl Scouts, be willing to subscribe to the principles expressed in the Promise and Law and be aware of the needs of youth in our pluralistic society. Must be able to pass State and National background checks. Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or willingness to obtain Working at Camp: Camp Linden is a magical place! It is a wonderful experience for youth and staff role models of all kinds. It is important for every staff member to understand the essential nature of the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan program and Girl Scout Leadership Experience to ensure participation, with or without accommodation. You should be able to supervise campers at all times while on duty at camp, which is broadly described in the following: A communal living situation that means actively socializing and being surrounded by other campers and staff from when you wake up until you go to sleep. Lots of active outdoor activities, such as sports, horses, swimming, boating, rock climbing, archery, low ropes course, and similar activities that every camper must attend with a focus on collaboration and teamwork. 3 daily meals in a dining hall with up to 150 people who create a busy, bustling, and often loud environment, with excited talking, cheering, large group singing, and games A screen-free environment (during work hours) in which we disconnect from cell phones, video games, and the internet, and campers do not use devices during any part of the program day nor are campers permitted to wear headphones outside of their unit. It is important to remember that by the nature of overnight camp: You will likely have a lot less "alone time" than you might find at home. Camp Linden is a rather large property that spans over 400 acres. You should be comfortable walking long distances. Your schedule may change with little notice due to weather or other circumstances, and flexibility is key. The typical schedule is Sunday through Friday, though some Saturdays may be required. You should feel ok being away from home and having an independent group-living experience with a hundred other kids and staff. Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not directly oversee other positions. Organizational Values: Integrity: Our People are hardworking, honest, effective communicators, and take responsibility for actions and outcomes, even when no one's watching. Positive Mindset & Attitude: Our People choose to perceive and react through a lens of empathy, enthusiasm, curiosity, and helpfulness while being passionate, solution-oriented, service-minded, and driving towards goals. Unquestionable Excellence: Our People actively take initiative to fulfill our mission and are willing to work hard to bring our vision to life through resilience, determination, inspiration, personal growth and continuous learning. Mission Driven: Our People are inclusive and care deeply about girl development. In partnership with stakeholders throughout the organization, they utilize strategic planning and patience to move strategy and the mission forward. Collaborative Changemaker: Our People are intentionally present and forward thinkers dedicated to inspiring others and sharing skills through mentoring, service leadership, practicing radical candor, taking risks, intentional youth development, who are open to change and feedback. Compensation: Room and board. $80 per day (position requires a 6-day workweek). Paid training and certifications. Professional development. Leadership development training. Access to an extensive Girl Scout alumni network. Location employment Dates: June 8 through August 20, 2026 Equal Employment Opportunities Statement: Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.