Mentor / Naturalist
We belong outside, and GRP Mentors take us there.
As a Mentor, you will join a small cohort of experienced educators who are dedicated to learning, exploring, and sharing knowledge about the natural world. They come from many fields, and from many stages in life. What they all share is a passion for working with children and young adults.
Almost every day, you will lead up to 12 campers on a leisurely hike to one of Green River Preserve’s coveted destinations. We value your teaching skills most of all, and we’ll train you to lead hikes to our cave, to swim in the headwaters of the Green River, to climb to the highest peak on our property, to take a polar plunge under Uncle’s Falls, and more. We hire Mentors for our full summer season and our fall and spring school programs.
Supported by a strong team of directors and peers, Mentors are leaders in our community.
Each Mentor will adopt a set of campers and cabin staff. You won’t live with them, but you will build strong relationships. Mentors support our Counselors as they learn and grow through a challenging summer job.
For example, Mentors support their counselors during the planning process of the Counselor-led backpacking trip, and then spend one of the two nights in the field. By providing limited guidance and then pushing Counselors to be independent, Mentors help them grow into their role as educators, trip leaders, and thoughtful people.
Mentors are the heart of Green River Preserve.
As a GRP Mentor, the peak of your teaching experience will take place at the end of our two- and three-week sessions.
You will lead one to three all-day programs that you design or co-design. We call these Group Learning Projects. Ranging from archery intensives to epic hikes, from crafts and music to lazy reading days, GLPs offer a chance for Mentors to get creative and flex their teaching muscles. (As part of your application process, we will ask that you submit a lesson plan for one of these after your interview.)
Mentors have an honored place in our community.
For their kind attention, star-power, and knowledge, campers love and admire them. For their humor, support, and wisdom, Counselors revere and respect them. Thanks to their leadership and passion for connecting children to nature, our Mentors make GRP a rich and hopeful place to work.
Requirements
Experience
Mentors must be 24 years of age or older. Mentors must also have passion, expertise, and experience in teaching children in an outdoor environment. A background in natural resources, physical science, or environmental education is preferred, but not necessary.
Time
First year Mentors must commit to our full season, which runs from May 30 to August 10, 2023. Please only apply if you can make that commitment. Additionally, we have 4-6 weeks of school programs in the spring and fall we will hire a few mentors to work. A full season contract for spring, summer, and fall is appoximately April 15-October 15. Returning Mentors may work on a session basis, depending on our needs.
Behavior
All staff sign a camp covenant, which holds our community to high standards of behavior while employed at Green River Preserve. This covenant includes a commitment not to do illegal drugs or drink alcohol on GRP property. These actions are grounds for immediate dismissal from your job. If you cannot honestly make this commitment, please do not apply.
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid is preferred. All Mentors must must have Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder. If it’s not possible for you to acquire this certification before camp, we offer the WFA course the weekend prior to staff training beginning.
Employment Eligibility
Mentors must be U.S. Citizens or authorized to work in the United States. GRP participates in the U.S. Department of State J-1 Cultural Exchange program that brings international visitors to American summer camps. If you are an international candidate, please contact us to learn more about the agencies we partner with.
Pet Policy
We have a strict no-pet policy for seasonal staff. If you wish for a dog or other pet to reside on site, please do not apply.
Pay
Mentor pay is $400 a week plus room, board, and laundry. Extra weekly pay is included for a Lifeguard Certification.