4-H Summer Educator

4-H Summer Educator: Overnight and Day Camp Positions

The 4-H Camps at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove provide environmentally focused summer camps for Maine youth in Lincolnville and Tenants Harbor.  Programs emphasize community living, respect for others, fun, safety, responsibility, and the joy of being a part of the natural world. 

As an Overnight Camp Educator, you’ll spend your weeks working with youth aged 8-14 in an outdoor setting. Staff work in teams to plan and lead morning focus programs, afternoon electives, and evening programs (creative arts, STEM, archery, general ecology, gardening & cooking, marine ecology, wilderness skills, 4-H Hunter Safety, conservation education, and drama are examples of potential themes). 

As a Day Camp Educator, you’ll spend your days working with youth ages 5-11 in an outdoor setting. Day Camp Staff work in teams to plan and lead hands-on, engaging programming that encourages community, creativity, and respect for one another and the environment.

Regardless of your role, all staff are mentors first and foremost to our future leaders! 

Goal: A successful Summer Educator models a positive, accepting, and respectful attitude to create an inviting and supportive environment in which all can grow, learn and thrive alongside the Earth.

Overnight Camp Educator Responsibilities:

• Live in a cabin with campers and, along with a co-counselor, create the necessary atmosphere for a safe and positive camp experience (staff/camper ratio = 1:4-8).
• Plan, implement and evaluate a hands-on curriculum for youth in a week-long, morning program (8-16 youth per group, 1:8 ratio max).  
• Help to plan and carry out camp activities such as afternoon elective programming (teaching 1 lesson per day), special events, opening and closing ceremonies, evening programs, campfires, etc.
• Actively engage with campers during all program activities, cabin times, and mealtimes.

Day Camp Educator Responsibilities

• Work in a team to develop, coordinate, and implement daily camp programs that offer hands-on environmental learning for campers ages 5-11. Activities will be offered in outdoor and indoor areas and topics may include gardening, ecology, watersheds, art, drama, STEM, music, and cooperation. Topics can be taught through exploration, games, puppetry, art, songs, and stories.
• Welcome parents and provide communication regarding schedules, individual campers, safety, behaviors, etc.

Shared Responsibilities

• Work closely with the camp team in all programming to create the necessary atmosphere for a positive camp experience.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times.
• Help manage and maintain supplies, equipment, and living spaces in a way that ensures equitable, safe, and sanitary use in an organized and respectful manner.
• Role model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship for the environment.
• Participate in staff meetings, community chores, and miscellaneous maintenance duties as required to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the camp.
• Strictly and responsibly follow all health-related protocols during working and non-working hours.
• Develop a good rapport and positive relationships with fellow staff and parents. 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years previous camp or related experience working with youth; for day camp specifically in early childhood education. 
• Demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming.
• Ability to work with children in a high-energy outdoor setting with long hours. 
• Capability to lead groups outdoors over various terrain (camp trails and facility), while carrying a small backpack with teaching and first aid supplies.
• First Aid and Basic Life Support certification or the ability to get certification before the start date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lifeguard certification
• Wilderness First Aid certification

Dates and Compensation:

• June 16-August 16, 2024
• $450/week (pre-tax) with increases dependent on experience, certifications and responsibilities; additional bonus added for overnight responsibilities
• Includes rustic, shared housing, meals during program sessions, laundry, and internet access

Apply online at umaine.edu/tanglewood/online-application-form. For more information please contact extension.tanglewood4h@maine.edu

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).