Volunteer

• Volunteer Instructor Assistant

Whole Earth Nature School depends on passionate and reliable volunteers to make our programs a success. Volunteers support staff instructors during programs, mentoring youth and supporting them in their personal growth and nature connection. We are looking for volunteers who want to gain experience in leadership and mentoring youth. We encourage volunteers from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of nature connection experiences to apply.

Desired Qualifications

• Desire to learn and develop experience in leadership and youth mentoring

• Interest in youth development and sensitivity to participants’ life experiences and physical and emotional needs.

• Ability to take direction from camp director or lead instructor

• Must be able to comfortably carry a 10-pound backpack outdoors for at least three miles in all types of weather, potentially through uneven terrain.

• Ages 16 and up (under 16 please consider our CIT program)

• Able to pass criminal background check

Responsibilities (Training is provided)

• Attends required mentoring training (minimum of 12 hours)

• Commits to at least one full week (M-F) of summer nature camp

• Connects with individual students to ensure they are supported

• Supports instructors in managing student safety

• Supports instructors with student behavior management

• Treats participants with kindness and respect while consistently maintaining group agreements

• Respects and preserves outdoor and indoor teaching spaces for current and future users

• Embodies Whole Earth Nature School’s Core Values 

• Be willing and prepared to lead games and teach skills 

• Be willing and prepared to share riddles, stories, and songs

• Be responsible for keeping count of students and taking up the back of the line

• Participate in group games and activities to motivate students

• Remain alert and aware of hazards in the environment

• Receive and incorporate feedback from lead instructor and camp director

Position needs:

• Flexible commitment
• Ability to walk, hike, and move easily 6+ hours in the woods
• Comfortable working one on one with children
• Offer assistance to lead/assistant instructors
• Assist camp director with projects and errands
• Be the 3rd adult in a group
• One on one support for children with challenges
• Assist with morning and end of day games
• Will step in as assistant in cases where other volunteers are absent

Position needs:

• Commit to morning, afternoon or both shifts
• Approaches campers when dropped off to bring to game, nature table etc
• Spend one on one time with shy children during drop off
• Manage nature table and connect with kids
• Help kids get signed out at end of day
• Manage and play end of day game
• Help with Friday potluck set-up and assist with games during transition

Bring a certain skill that pertains to camp:

• storytelling
• survival skills
• plant knowledge
• character/actor
• What is your specialty?

Smaller commitments – hours or a day