Overnight Camp Nurse

Camp Nurse

Summary

The Nurse at Camp DREAM is an AmeriCorps position, responsible for providing basic medical care for campers and camp staff, as needed. The nurse lives in a single person wood cabin or canvas tent, and provides first aid from the Wellness Center and around the Camp property. You will serve in a team of camp staff and be an integral component of providing a safe, fun, enriching overnight camp experience at our Camp DREAM property to the youth we serve who come from Vermont, Boston, and Philadelphia. 

Dates: June 7 - August 12

Job Responsibilities

The Camp Nurse will function as part of the Leadership Team, attending LT meetings each morning to coordinate with other members of the team and discuss the upcoming day. As a member of the LT, responsibilities include (AND are not limited to):

• Attend scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions which will start on your first day.
• Work with staff members to ensure the physical and emotional wellbeing of campers and staff at Camp DREAM.
• Communicate injuries, illness, and concerns with families of campers as needed.
• Manage the Wellness Center, which may include:
  • Maintain the first aid station, ensure sufficient supplies
  • Document all injuries and illness in Campbrain (EHR)
  • Give all scheduled medications on time and document the administration
  • Coach other staff in providing first aid if necessary (as in the event of multiple campers being wounded)
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Help counselors problem solve, coach counselors through difficult situations and conversations
• Pick up/drop off counselors and campers in either a personal vehicle or the Camp vans (Optional for those who have a driver’s license) 
• You will be viewed as a leader among the team of AmeriCorps members and will be responsible for cultivating an effective, positive environment at Camp DREAM. 
• 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.
• Know the scheduled work and rest times. Report to work 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 Director and other leadership staff.

***Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. As part of the Camp community, especially the LT, you will very likely be asked 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 similar activities that every camper must attend with 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, and campers do not use devices during any part of the program day nor are campers permitted to wear headphones outside of the cabin; and

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

Camp Nurses have the option to live on-site for free, or commute. If living on site, accommodations will include:

• A large canvas tent (12’x12’) shared with 1-2 other staff members, or a single person cabin (dependent on availability)
• A wooden bed frame with a 5” camp mattress, or a camping cot (you can choose)
• 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
• 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. 
• Current Vermont RN license, compact state license, or ability to acquire VT license prior to start of service term. This includes a current CPR/First Aid for the medical professional  or ACLS certification
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant nursing experience
• Commitment to the entire service term (June 7 - August 12th) 
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
• 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.
• 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

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 2-3 years of pediatric nursing experience
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Current driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record. (**NOT REQUIRED but strongly preferred to support session transportation)

Term and Compensation:

• Dates of service: June 7, 2026 - August 12th, 2026 
  • 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 of $1,956.35 (pre-tax). Click here to learn more about the Segal Education Award. 

• Free housing for your entire term is included. 
• 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.

The Experience of Service as a Registered Nurse:

• Option to live at camp for the service term or live off site.

• Flexible hours and a caring and supportive work environment
• You will operate at Camp DREAM for 40-60 hours weekly. 
  • There is the option to live at Camp DREAM if you'd like, but it is not required. 
  • Part time or part time on-call options are available, but full time is preferred. 

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.