Lead Summer Day Camp Counselor

Salary: $18.00/hour

Benefits: Paid training, membership privileges, 403(b) retirement plan, and casual work environment

As a Lead Summer Day Camp Counselor at Fontenelle Forest, you will have the opportunity to share your passion for nature and the outdoors with youth of all ages! Spend your summer days motivating and inspiring young minds to explore the wonders of the natural world. From leading campers on adventures under the oak woodland forest canopy to facilitating activities that grow their appreciation of the outdoors, you'll be a part of making our summer camps unforgettable!JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Summer Day Camp Counselor is an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who facilitates nature-based day camps in the summer for youth ages 6-15 years old. Counselors guide campers as they spend time outdoors, developing an appreciation and deeper understanding of nature while engaging in nature-based crafts, recreation, and inquiry-based experiential learning. Programs take place onsite at Fontenelle Forest’s properties in Bellevue including Camp Brewster, Camp Wa-Kon-Da, and the main nature center.

The Lead Summer Day Camp Counselor is a temporary, seasonal position working from May 18, 2026, through August 3, 2026. This position generally works from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The position reports to the Education Program Manager or designee.

ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska’s oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation. Fontenelle Forest owns and manages Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue and Neale Woods in Omaha. The properties encompass over 2,100 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands along the Missouri River in the geographically significant Loess Hills. Fontenelle Forest aspires to be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the region’s premier nature center. Fontenelle Forest embraces the values of Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, Engagement, and Sustainability.

Fontenelle Forest values its employees and is committed to maintaining a positive working environment; a culture and a value proposition that attracts and retains top, diverse talent. Beyond a personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are looking for candidates with a strong commitment to integrating equity and inclusion best practices into programs and services. People who have lived experience in historically marginalized and excluded communities are especially encouraged to apply.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

? Assist in leading day camp activities including nature-based lessons, crafts, games, and recreational activities for children ages 6-15; Supervise campers ensuring their safety and well-being; Facilitate positive social interactions between campers; Identify and respond to camper behavior issues; Follow and enforce camp and organization policies and procedures; Provide basic first aid as needed according to procedure.

? Communicate with families regarding camper needs and experiences; Identify and appropriately document and communicate reportable incidents and injuries to the Education Program Manager, and/ or other Forest administrators as necessary.

? Set up prior to and clean up following the camp day; Perform light housekeeping tasks throughout the camp day as needed.

? Remain flexible and willing to perform other duties as assigned by the Education Program Manager.

? Organize and maintain camper registration records and waivers for each camp week.

? Communicate with Education Program Manager about any staff absences or staff issues affecting the operation of camp.

? Communicating the daily schedule/plan to the other camp counselors and keeping them on track with the schedule through the day.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

? High School Diploma or GED required. Preference will be given to applicants who have earned or are working toward a degree in education, environmental education, outdoor recreation, biology, ecology, or other related field.

? Must be 18 years of age or older.

? Previous experience supervising children in a formal setting (camps, classroom, after school programs, scouts, sports, etc.) required.

? Ability to work well individually and with a diverse group of people.

? Ability to be flexible with changes and problem solve quickly.

? Ability to successfully pass a background check.

? Ability to complete online training programs prior to the start of camp.

? Current first-aid and CPR certified, or willingness to be certified prior to the start of camp.

? Must commit to working Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm May 18-August 3, 2026.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

? Regularly work outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, rain, humidity, and strong winds. Position has exposure to skin irritants including plants and biting insects.

? Position requires regular physical activity. Must be able to stand and traverse/ascend/descend dirt trails and walking paths for up to 2 hours at a time.

? Must be able to perform moderate physical labor, such as setting up and striking tables and chairs, and moving program equipment and materials. Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

To Apply: Applications will be accepted only by email. Send introductory email or cover letter, resume or description of work history and related experience, and three professional references to info@fontenelleforest.org. Please reference “Lead Summer Day Camp Counselor” in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the earlier of March 27, 2026, or until all positions are filled.

Fontenelle Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its employment related policies and practices.