A great staff is what any program is built upon.  This is your chance to be a part of an exciting, growing program while spending the spring along the shores of beautiful Torch Lake and Arbutus Lake in northern lower Michigan.  YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps provide fun, outdoor learning experiences to youth of all ages and from all parts of Michigan. Our Experiential Environmental Education (E3) staff teach science classes such as forest and animal ecology, geology and earth education, as well as adventure classes including orienteering and survival. We facilitate both low challenge teambuilding activities and high challenge activities like our 50 foot climbing tower, zip line, and 2 story Track and Trail High Ropes course. Over 3,000 children will attend 1-5 day programs at both YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camp sites on Torch Lake and Lake Arbutus and YOU can be a part of the fun and excitement! We are currently looking to fill spring E3 Naturalist positions with the potential for continuing employment through the summer and fall. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the general safety and guidance of all participants.Will have many roles and duties, including but not limited to: teacher, facilitator, mentor, chaperone, kitchen assistant, and housekeeper

2. Must be a positive role model representing the State YMCA of Michigan and Hayo-Went-Ha Camps.

3. Will treat the entire camp with respect and keep the property clean and safe.

Naturalists will be responsible for the basic duties within the daily operation of the E3 Program. By working closely with students, teachers and other staff members, naturalists will ensure the educational goals of the program are being met. Naturalists will follow all safety guidelines explained and demonstrated in staff training and the staff manual.  Staff will work closely with both school and conference and retreat groups five days a week. Staff will facilitate challenge course and environmental education activities as well as performing basic housekeeping duties to keep the camp clean and safe.

• Have Fun!
• Teach environmental and adventure based classes and lead big group and evening activities for groups in residence.
• Be a leader and role model for students in residence.
• Provide a safe and exciting environment for students to step outside their boundaries.
• Have Fun!
• Assist team leaders and site coordinators as needed in ensuring students and teachers have amazing experiences.
• Assist in upkeep of facility.

Naturalists at Hayo-Went-Ha Camps need to be:

• Flexible
• Fun
• Energetic
• Have a Sense of Humor
• Timely
• Student/Customer Centered
• Self-Motivated
• Demonstrated Responsibility
• Willing to Learn
• Willing to Lead
• Have a Sense of Humor
  
  

Experience with children is required.  Experience in challenge courses, team building, biology, and ecology is helpful but not required. A college degree or the equivalent experience is preferred but not required.  

Staff training begins April 2, 2013.