Overnight Camp Gardening and Sustainability Counselor

Overnight Camp Gardening and Sustainability Counselor

Summary

Gardening and Sustainability Counselor at Camp DREAM is an Americorps position, responsible for creating a supportive, safe, and fun environment for campers with shared life experiences to explore and express their identities, experience happiness, and establish healthy relationships with their peers. In addition to the responsibilities of a cabin counselor, garden and sustainability counselors are also responsible for maintaining Camp’s homestead area, which includes a garden, greenhouse, and animal areas. Camp Counselors live in a cabin with campers and help to run camp activity areas during the day. The Camp Counselor is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of each camper under their supervision at all times while on duty and serves as a mentor for youth, helping to nurture the self-esteem, confidence and core values of every camper. Americorps members are expected to work 10 day sessions, with one 30 hour period off; as well as 3 days off between sessions. 

Dates: June 7 - August 13

Commitment to DEIB

The DREAM Program is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that affect our youth and families. This organizational commitment means that members should join this space with an intention of learning, unlearning, and diving into ways that your involvement will directly contribute to DREAM’s mission of reducing the Opportunity Gap while also supporting the dismantling of other systemic inequities. We seek members who contribute to The DREAM Program’s diverse community, as having different perspectives, identities, and skills are what allow us to excel in our service. DREAM seeks members who are ready to engage in and foster an inclusive environment, and who strive to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant programming to the youth we serve. Incoming members and staff should understand that we serve marginalized communities, which means that it is imperative that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are infused into every aspect of our work as an organization.

Job Responsibilities

• Attend scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions.
• Share a living/sleeping space with 8-10 campers and 1-2 counselors. 
• Care for all Camp animals which may include goats, chickens, and ducks
• Create a garden environment ready for programming and experiential education
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Supervise assigned cabin campers during meals, clean-up time, rest hour, evening activities, and overnight, ensuring their safety and supporting their success, with the support of co-counselor(s) or, oftentimes, solo, during the co-counselor’s off time.
• Escort campers to dining areas, cabins, recreational activities, and camp events; assist with the set-up and clean-up of recreational events, equipment, and program activities.
• Regularly communicate with co-counselor(s) and the leadership team about the status of the campers, including incidents that might require intervention or further monitoring and areas requiring additional personal support. Communicate with leadership staff regarding potential hazards, concerns, or incidents that may need follow-up based on individual circumstances.
• Facilitate morning activities as a leader or assistant in one of the following areas: Garden, Arts & Crafts, Performing Arts, Biking, Archery, Ropes, or Field. Plan and facilitate Camp’s “Nature” activity every afternoon.
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Get to know campers and develop positive, healthy relationships. Maintain appropriate boundaries with campers and follow camp policies regarding disclosure, confidentiality, and social media involvement.
• Interact with and observe campers. Immediately report all injuries and illnesses, regardless of severity, to leadership staff after the nurses have taken control of the situation.
• Know the scheduled service and rest times. Report to service on time as scheduled.
• Abstain from the use of personal electronic devices, such as tablets or cell phones, during on-duty hours. These devices may be used during time off.
• Perform additional functions or assume additional responsibilities throughout the facility as needed or as requested by the camp leadership.

***Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. As part of the Camp community, it is likely that circumstances will arise which require you to do things that are not on this list. If you have specific questions about this, please email us or ask for clarification in your interview. 

Description of Camp: 

Camp DREAM is a joyfully rambunctious camp! We are a rustic forest environment with minimal electricity and wifi, and no phone reception. 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 sun up to sun down;
• Lots of active outdoor activities, such as sports, swimming, boating, archery, low ropes course, and more. Every camper attends these activities, and there is a focus on collaboration and teamwork;
• 3 daily meals in the lodge or outdoor pavilion with up to 60 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. Campers do not use devices during any part of the program day nor are campers permitted to wear headphones outside of the cabin. 

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.
• You or your campers' schedules may change with little notice due to weather or other circumstances, and flexibility is key
• You should feel ok being away from home and having an independent group-living experience with 50-60 other kids and staff.

Sleeping accommodations include:

• Cabin (4 walls and a roof) or Lean-to (3 sided cabin with roof) with 2-3 co-counselors and up to 12 campers
• A wooden bed frame with a 5” camp mattress
• Composting toilet facilities up to a 5 minute walk from your tent
• No water or electricity at the tent site

Benefits of Serving at Camp DREAM

• You will grow your adaptability, flexibility, and problem solving skills
• You will build your skills in behavior management.
• This position offers the opportunity to see new perspectives and connect with folks of many different backgrounds and lived experiences. 
• This role involves high levels of teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.
• You will provide youth with magical, memorable, enriching summer experience in an outdoor environment.

Required Qualifications: 

• To be an AmeriCorps member you MUST be 17 years or older, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien. 
• Excitement and passion around working with youth. 
• Commitment to the entire service term June 7th through August 13th
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
• Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.
• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.
• Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice with a commitment to continued learning as it relates to serving our diverse community in a manner that is respectful and aware. 
• A passion for supporting your own and others’ ongoing work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to those who you are serving, your fellow team members, the organization, and the self.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Excitement for engaging youth in gardening and sustainability activities and willingness to be a role model for youth. 
• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Current driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record. (**NOT REQUIRED but preferred to support session transportation)
• First aid and CPR certification by the time summer sessions begin. (If not currently certified, DREAM will offer opportunities for certification during our summer orientation.)
• Mental and physical ability to manage stressful situations, work well under pressure, and maintain a positive attitude while working long days on less sleep than accustomed to

Term and Compensation:

• Dates of service: June 7, 2026 - August 12, 2026
• Hours and Compensation
  • 60-75 hours per week, 450 total service hours. 
  • $750 biweekly, $4,500 total (6 pay periods) 
    • These are PRE-TAX amounts.
  • Upon completion of dates and total hours, you will receive an education award $1,956.35 (pre-tax). Click here to learn more about the Segal Education Award. 

• AmeriCorps members are also eligible for:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps)
  • Child care assistance
  • Student loan deferment (forbearance)
  • Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.
• If you engage in work-related travel in a personal vehicle outside of your commute, DREAM will provide reimbursement for mileage.
• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

Travel:  Staff who meet the driving requirements for DREAM will be expected to assist with camper transportation to and from camp weekly. Drives will be done in pairs, and may be 1-9 hours long. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be occasionally expected.

Work environment:  This position primarily operates in an outdoor environment with active children and other service members, for extended periods of time, and in all types of weather and environmental factors (heat, cold, wet, etc.). This role will operate occasionally in an office-type environment and may use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: 

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather.  This position can be very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.  
• The employee/member will occasionally be required to lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

AAP/EEO Statement:  The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment:  The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.