Summer Camp Intern

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is offering two paid Summer Camp (School Age) Internships. This intern program is designed to provide undergraduate or graduate college students with an opportunity to gain practical experience teaching students from elementary through middle school. By working with professional Environmental Educators, interns will develop outdoor teaching skills and learn how to incorporate their knowledge of Wisconsin natural history into lesson plans for young students.  Schlitz Audubon’s Summer Camp Internship is a challenging and highly rewarding experience for someone considering a career in environmental education.

Summer Camp Interns are expected to maintain professional and communicative relations with parents and guardians of summer camp children. This may include addressing issues as outlined in the Summer Camp Policies & Procedures Manual (as administered by the Director of Summer Camp). Interns report to the Director of Summer Camp.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist Environmental Educators in all aspects of Summer Camp
• Assist in development of Summer Camp curriculum as needed
• Actively participate in all camp related meetings
• May spend time working in other departments at the Center to learn all aspects of nature center life
• Maintain proficiency in current philosophies of environmental education
• Keep all program areas neat, clean, and safe
• Occasional care and handling of live animals
• Other camp assignments in various capacities including engaging in the creation of camp signage and promotion; materials and equipment preparation and maintenance; support in classrooms and lunch periods; serve as a table attendant to greet campers and parents during the first day of each camp week
• Camp leadership skill development can be included at the discretion of the Summer Camp Director and in consultation with the academic advisor

 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate/graduate student in the natural science or education field
• Good communication and interpersonal skills including leadership qualities
• Basic knowledge of ecology and a desire to learn about environmental education
• Current CPR/AED certification from an accredited institution such as the American Heart

Association, American Red Cross is required at the time of hire

• Must be skilled in computer usage, typical word processing and database interpretation and have the ability to check and answer both email and phone messages on a regular basis
• They must be skilled in a variety of scientific equipment such as microscopes, identification guides and sampling nets

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT USE

• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and carry loads
• Ability to do moderate physical activity such as hiking, playing outdoor games and limited lifting (under 40 pounds)

HOURS & DURATION

Internships are nine (9) weeks in duration with an expected schedule of 25-35 hours per/week.  All programs take place at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. Training is provided during the week prior to camp (June 9) and shadowing experienced Environmental Educators during the initial weeks of camp. 

The 2025 summer camp program runs from June 16, 2025 through August 15, 2025. 

There are no camps during the week of June 30-July 4.