Outdoor Education Instructor
New Country Day Camp
Description
New Country Day Camp is an open-tent community that celebrates and sustains joyful, outdoor summer experiences where all can thrive. We maintain a proud legacy as a Jewish camp comprised of a multicultural community, representing and celebrating the heartbeat of NYC. We build meaningful connections with ourselves, each other, and the natural world around us through innovative programming that is rooted in Jewish tradition and guided by universal values.
New Country Day Camp is an 8-week, outdoor summer camp for campers in kindergarten – 8th grade. NCDC operates M – F, 8:00am – 5:00pm, and provides transportation for staff and campers to and from our campgrounds on Staten Island via multiple locations throughout Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. NCDC is a neurodiverse camp community, and all staff members are responsible for supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical campers and staff to have successful summers.
The Outdoor Education Program Specialist is responsible for creating and implementing high-quality outdoor programming for New Country Day Camp. Campers in this unit will plant and maintain the NCDC garden, prepare simple foods with what they’ve grown, and learn how to navigate the natural world around them. The Outdoor Education specialist is also responsible for doing some pre-camp work to prepare the garden for the campers’ arrival.
Program Specialists are passionate about teaching their area of expertise in an informal, outdoor, educational setting. They teach multiple groups of K – 8th grade campers daily, for 30 – 60-minute program blocks each.
Compensation
Requirements
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Program Management
• Incorporate NCDC values and seasonal themes rooted in Jewish sensibilities into programming
• Submit lesson plans in pre-camp months to supervisor and consultants
• Develop and execute 30-60 minute activities for groups of ~30 campers at a time grouped by
age and inclusive of varying needs and abilities
• Develop and execute week-long, progressive, and comprehensive programs for afternoon
elective time for 10-40 campers at a time – for campers in 4th
-6th grades inclusive of varying
needs and abilities
• Assist in creating and implementing activities for Kindergarteners and 1st Graders for their
independent playtime
• Participate in and lead portions of weekly Shabbat celebrations
• Be actively involved in the development and implementation of NCDC Maccabi Games (color
war)
• Develop rainy day programming pre-camp and execute programming as needed over the
summer
Logistics
• Supervise campers and staff on a camp bus, riding the bus to and from camp, interacting with
caregivers at drop-off and pick-up, conducting camper check-in and check-out on camp’s
attendance database
• Be responsible for overall cleanliness and organization of program spaces and supplies
• Work with Operations Manager and Program Coordinator to order supplies for program units,
as well as maintaining an organized inventory and balanced budget
• Assist campers and counselors in pool changing rooms, lunch service, and other non-program
spaces as assigned
• Exhibit and maintain strong time management capabilities
• Actively participate in NCDC’s sustainability and waste management efforts
• Submit weekly elective programming written/photo content to Communications team for
shareable family content
• Communicate/consult as needed with Division Supervisors and Support Supervisors regarding
camper needs and concerns
• Provide additional support for counselors and campers outside of lesson time as needed and
assigned, particularly on days when it is rainy and/or counselors are absent
• Ensure the proper storage of all program equipment so that it is maintained in good repair,
removing any unsuitable program equipment from use immediately
Leadership and Staff Supervision
• Task manage staff when attending your program spaces and 1-2 Counselors-in-Training who are
assigned to work as assistants in your program
• Model professional behavior for campers and other staff at all times
• Attend required days of orientation and training, camp, and staff meetings during the camp
season
• Proactively solve problems and motivate colleagues as difficult moments present themselves
throughout the camp season; encourage flexibility and understanding as means to achieve
common goals
• Establish and promote a commitment to the values, mission, and vision of New Country Day
Camp
• Develop clear roles for counselors during programming, with special attention paid to
afternoon programming during elective periods
• Conduct daily check-ins with direct supervisee(s) and attend a weekly team meeting with
supervisor, consultants, and colleagues. Be receptive to feedback and apply as needed.
• Learn and implement NCDC’s approach to supervision and behavior management
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Required Knowledge
• 3+ years of experience working with elementary school-age children
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required
• Professional-level experience in the field of expertise (outdoor education, recreational
programming, etc.)
• Previous experience as a supervisor or mentor preferred
• Excellent organizational and oral communication skills
• Ability to successfully interact with children and colleagues of diverse cultural and social
backgrounds
• Fast learner with ability to work independently and collaboratively
How to Apply
Email your resume to Meshi at MZilberstein@14streety.org