Nature and Science Director - Camp Linden
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Linden, Michigan, United States, 48451
Position Summary
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. The role facilitates programs in accordance with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to ensure every camper has a fun, safe, and meaningful experience. Responsibilities include planning and managing programs in nature, STEM, and outdoor skills, and supervising 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 that 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 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 (feeding schedules, care) and create programming around them.
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 attitude, behavior, and following camp procedures.
Participate in the camp leadership team to plan and supervise camp activities and implement 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 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.
Prior knowledge and skill in camp and outdoor adventure programming (target sports, aquatic activities, camping skills, STEM activities, etc.) preferred.
Ability to collaborate with teammates and supervisors and co‑habit effectively in a communal environment.
Must become a member of Girl Scouts.
Must believe in and be able to speak with conviction about the mission and values of Girl Scouts, and 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 spans over 400 acres and offers a magical, screen‑free environment with active outdoor activities (sports, horses, swimming, boating, rock climbing, archery, low‑ropes course, etc.) that emphasize collaboration and teamwork.
Staff are expected to supervise campers at all times during duty, live in a communal setting, and adapt to changing schedules due to weather or other circumstances.
Daily routine includes three meals in a dining hall serving up to 150 people, and the camp operates Sunday through Friday (with occasional Saturdays).
Staff should be comfortable walking long distances and be willing to have limited alone time.
Participation in the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan program and the GSLE is required.
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‑mindful, 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, and openness 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 8th through August 20th, 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.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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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 that 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 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 (feeding schedules, care) and create programming around them.
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 attitude, behavior, and following camp procedures.
Participate in the camp leadership team to plan and supervise camp activities and implement 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 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.
Prior knowledge and skill in camp and outdoor adventure programming (target sports, aquatic activities, camping skills, STEM activities, etc.) preferred.
Ability to collaborate with teammates and supervisors and co‑habit effectively in a communal environment.
Must become a member of Girl Scouts.
Must believe in and be able to speak with conviction about the mission and values of Girl Scouts, and 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 spans over 400 acres and offers a magical, screen‑free environment with active outdoor activities (sports, horses, swimming, boating, rock climbing, archery, low‑ropes course, etc.) that emphasize collaboration and teamwork.
Staff are expected to supervise campers at all times during duty, live in a communal setting, and adapt to changing schedules due to weather or other circumstances.
Daily routine includes three meals in a dining hall serving up to 150 people, and the camp operates Sunday through Friday (with occasional Saturdays).
Staff should be comfortable walking long distances and be willing to have limited alone time.
Participation in the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan program and the GSLE is required.
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‑mindful, 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, and openness 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 8th through August 20th, 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.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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