| Description: URI's Environmental Education Center is seeking qualified individuals to teach and lead campers in a summer day camp program for 60 children each week ages 5-11. Responsibilities: supervise 8-12 day campers; teach outdoor lessons in sustainable agriculture, humane animal care, early American history, organic gardening, cultural history, forest ecology, wetland ecology, and outdoor skills. Day Camp Counselors participate in cleaning classroom areas, animal feeding and care, cleaning stalls, gardening, etc. The day starts at 8:00 am with animal chores and preparation for the campers. Campers arrive at 8:30 am and stay until 3:30 pm. During the program, students are divided into groups of eight to twelve with one Counselor. Most groups will also have a Junior Counselor to assist. At the Woodvale Farm Day Camp, campers age 5-8 help out on the farm, work in the gardens, prepare food, participate in farm demonstrations, and go on hikes. At the Eco-Zone Day Camp, campers age 8-11 participate in activities involving forest, field, and freshwater wetland ecology and go on a Thursday night camp out. All campers go on hikes, make crafts, and swim. After the campers leave, there is a clean-up period followed by gardening, farm projects, and animal feeding and cleaning chores. The day ends at 4:30 pm. Supervising campers while riding the shuttle bus to and from camp is required for some staff members. |
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The Site: The URI Environmental Education Center is situated on 2,300 acres of forests, wetlands, and old farmland—the W. Alton Jones Campus. Dedicated to environmental education, the Center has been offering quality day and residential programs for over 30 years. The Woodvale Farm Day Camp utilizes the historic 19th century Woodvale farm, which is home to sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and ducks. The scenic pastures, organic gardens, historical barn, and farm classroom provide an ideal day camp setting. The Eco-Zone Ecology Day Camp uses the botanically unique Nettie Marie Jones Nature Preserve. The Nature Preserve has woodland and swamp trails, fields, wildflower meadows, brooks, and a classroom building all adjacent to a 75-acre lake. |
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Qualifications: Previous experience working with young children is required. Enthusiasm, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated interest in the environment and education are a must. Current certifications in standard first aid and community CPR are required. Minimum age is 18 years, 21 or older is preferred. Pets are not allowed on site. All final applicants will be subjected to a criminal background check. |
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Compensation: $300 per week. Additional $50 per week for shuttle bus supervision and campout supervision. Includes a paid training period. Room and board is not included. |
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Dates of Employment: June 18 - August 17.
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To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, application form, and three phone references to John Jacques, Manager, URI Environmental Education Center, 401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich, RI 02817, (401) 397-3304, ext. 6043. FAX: (401) 397-3293. E-mail: altonjones@uri.edu |