Program Intern | Green River Preserve

Green River Preserve Program Intern

Green River Preserve is an overnight summer camp connecting children with nature.

As the Program Intern at GRP, you will live and work outside for the summer on a 3,400-acre private wildlife preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains, sharing the magic of the natural world with children ages 7-15. Spend each day working closely with the Education Director, learning best practices in staff observation and management, helping plan and organize session materials, and running staff training sessions. In your role as a camp leader, you will also help our staff problem-solve camper challenges.

This internship will provide you with a breadth of experience that will serve you well in any career. Along the way, you’ll gain serious skills in organizing and planning, and you’ll hone your communication and leadership qualities to a fine edge. Whether you need credit for school or a rich experience after you graduate, you’ll find a fun and challenging summer in this role. It’s great for any career, but just ask our past interns — including our Director of Education and Outreach: this internship forges future directors.

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older, have strong organizational and communication skills, and have a sincere desire to work with children. Applicants must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. We only hire applicants who can commit to our full season, May 20 to August 11, 2022.

General Duties

• Participate in staff training and be willing to take leadership role
• Attend & participate in staff meetings and evaluations
• Write progress reports and evaluations of campers as needed
• Be a nurturing role model to all campers and staff
• Abide by and enforce all camp rules
• Serve in any capacity needed in the event of an emergency
• Be prompt to all camp functions
• Be willing to take over for a counselor when asked
• Keep radio in good working order and properly charged
• Assist with chores before, during and after camp sessions
• Assume other duties that may be assigned

Program Responsibilities

• Serve as Campout Coordinator. Responsibilities include monitoring/supervising all planning, logistics, equipment, food, menus, backpack rentals, supplies, and debrief meetings. 
• Assist with camp programs– free time monitoring, activity assessments, trash runs, & camp characters/heroes, and other duties as assigned.
• Organize music for council fires, candlelight, serenaders, etc.
• Set-up and monitor evening programs and theme dinners including Movie Night, Shindig, Capture the Flag, Variety Show, and Pirate Night.
• Assist in purchasing supplies for special camp programs (Grand Slams, campout, cabin night, GLP).
• If needed, serve as a substitute mentor, activity instructor, or cabin counselor.
• Serve as an Adopt-A-Mentor to assigned cabin.
• Assist Summer Camp Program Director and Director of Education and Outreach with GLP proposals.
• Assist with logistics, planning, and transportation for GLPs. Post logistics sheets in strategic places, particularly office bulletin board and counselor cubby.
• Print Activity Rosters and ensure they are placed in Activity binders with a master schedule. 
• Observe activities and fill out Instructor Activity Evaluations each session.
• Coordinate with Communications Director for camper and staff airport arrivals and departures.
• Ensure bulletin boards in Lodge, Program Office, and Staff Lounge are up to date.
• Ensure signage at camp demonstrates ACA standard compliance. 
• Manage supplies, logistics, and communication of Staff Training Campout. 
• Prepare staff activity schedule and camper activity schedules prior to the beginning of each session. Communicate the schedule to staff.
• Other duties as assigned

Program Office

• Assist Director of Education and Outreach with program planning, logistics, and scheduling.
• Scan and upload documents to CampMinder.
• Assist Expedition Directors and Executive Directors as needed.
• Assist Communications Director with registrations, billing, camp store, and year-round projects.
• Oversee swim review. Ensure review results are recorded in CampMinder.

Essential Functions

• Read written documentation both on paper and on screen
• Listen to and comprehend oral communication
• Effectively communicate in both verbal and written communications
• Work several days in a row, sometimes with little rest
• Work with and have patience for children for up to 24 hours a day
• Be comfortable and work effectively in an outdoor or natural setting
• Walk up to five miles each day
• Lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds
• Make decisions in high-stress situations
• Function and thrive in a community with very little personal space
• Respect and obey authority
• Live and/or work with other people up to twenty-four (24) hours a day
• Utilize discretion when faced with sensitive issues
• Work in a team and perform interactive behaviors
• Maintain personal hygiene and health (bathe, eat, use the restroom) without assistance of others

Pay: $300