Part-Time Summer Camp Naturalist

About the role

Camp naturalists at Shaver's Creek work with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature, leading lessons, supporting assistants, and ensuring safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop lesson plans based on available resources and prior knowledge.
• Support and lead assistant camp naturalists and Leaders-In-Training (LITs).
• Ensure the safety of all participants.
• Communicate effectively and maintain all PSU and Shaver’s Creek policies.
• Lead games, activities, and explorative exercises.
• Set and work towards goals, checking in on progress.
• Demonstrate appreciation for others and maintain energy, engagement, and patience.
• Assist with behind-the-scenes logistics during the Super Naturalist role.

Requirements

Prior experience with children (ideally informal or outdoor education experience) and a growth-oriented mindset are crucial. Daily work involves being outdoors with children and peers on/along narrow dirt trails in nature.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children.
• Outdoor education experience preferred.
• Growth-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Skills

• Lesson planning.
• Leadership.
• Communication.
• Safety awareness.
• Outdoor skills.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities.
• Connections with peers that outlast the summer.
• Opportunities for internships.
• Summer spent outside in nature.
• Techniques for being present and immersed in the moment.
• First Aid, CPR, AED, and Epi-Pens certifications.
• Confidence gained through growth.

Pay

$11.50/hour for the first 40 hours worked in a week, with time and a half for hours above 40. Returning staff earn an additional $1/hour.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, typically 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with staff meeting and limited prep time in the morning, as well as meetings at the end of the day.
• Mid-season week over the week of July 8, 2026, with professional development opportunities, some social time, goal check-ins and other sessions related to grounding and centering.
• Two full weeks of training in June.

Application Instructions

Submit via: A complete application, a cover letter explaining why you want to work at Shaver’s Creek summer camp and detailing corresponding skills, a resume containing past work history or related positions/experiences, and a list of three references including name, title, relationship to you, telephone number, and email address will be required at the time of interview.

Background Checks/Clearances

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO Statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.