Overnight Camp Student Nurse Extern

Overnight Camp Student Nurse Extern

Summary

The Student Nurse Extern at Camp DREAM is an AmeriCorps position, responsible for providing basic first aid and assisting the Camp Nurse as needed. This position offers students currently enrolled in a nursing program with hands-on medical experience with youth and adults in a wilderness environment. The student 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

• 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.
• Assist the Camp Nurse in the Wellness Center, which may include:
  • Assist with wellness checks for each camper as they arrive by taking vitals and performing a lice check
  • Maintain the first aid station, ensure sufficient supplies
  • Document all injuries and illness in Campbrain (EHR)
  • Provide first aid to campers and staff
  • Cover for the Camp Nurse on their day off, along with other advanced medical personnel (EMT or other RN)
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• (Optional for those who have a driver’s license) Pick up/drop off counselors and campers in either a personal vehicle or the Camp vans
• 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

Student Nurses Externs 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
• 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

• Gain hands on experience with physical and mental health first aid
• 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. 
• Proof of current enrollment in a licensed nursing program, with a minimum of 1 year completed, and at least one semester of clinical 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: 

• Current LPN, Medical Assistant, or LNA license
• Completion of a clinical rotation in pediatrics
• 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)
• Current 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.)

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.

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.