We’re assembling our 2024 team of leaders and mentors. Apply now and spend summer in the forest!
Flying Deer staff are chosen based on their felt connection with nature, their capacity to share nature and wilderness teachings, and their ability to create space in which campers can thrive.
Flying Deer Nature Center is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to widening the circle of nature connection to include people of all cultures, races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We value diversity and the different perspectives and skills of all our staff.
Click here to learn more about the camps we’re running this summer.
Please direct any inquiries to info@flyingdeernaturecenter.org.
Applications
Counselors (ages 13–17)
Counselors are instrumental to the safety and smooth running of the camp. They bring enthusiasm, energy, and helpfulness to their group and to the larger camp community. To learn more about becoming a Counselor please read the Counselor Handbook below.
Please note that to be a Counselor this summer, you must attend Counselor Orientation on Sunday, May 19, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
FDNC Counselor Handbook
Instructors (ages 17+)
Instructors are the core of Flying Deer’s summer team. They provide a strong leadership presence in each camp group, as well as in the wider camp community. Instructors deliver daily curriculum in environmental education and survival skills, lead games and crafts, and keep campers safe. Instructors are supported by Instructors-in-training and Counselors, and in return provide feedback and mentoring. Pay rates for Instructors start at $17/hour and increase with experience and skill level.
Instructor Responsibilities
- Act as a strong and positive role model at all times.
- Maintain clear, positive communication and professional conduct at all times.
- Arrive on time each program day, with all props, equipment and personal gear needed.
- Deliver dynamic, engaging lessons and experiences in nature.
- Collaborate with other staff on planning curriculum and the flow of the day.
- Support and mentor Counselors in their role.
- Maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning atmosphere, including holding awareness of group dynamics and environmental hazards.
- Keep a clean, well-supplied first aid kit and offer basic first aid when needed.
The Instructor-in-training role is for those who are new to FDNC’s curriculum, or for past Counselors with no experience as Instructors. Instructors-in-training receive comprehensive mentoring, including at least one paid week of “shadowing” a camp—both mentoring and being mentored. Instructors-in-training work closely with experienced Instructors, planning and debriefing each program, and are responsible for carrying out lessons, games, adventures, crafting projects, and stories. At the end of a successful shadowing period, an Instructor-in-training becomes an Instructor. The pay rate for Instructors-in-training is $16/hour.
Please note that employment as an Instructor is contingent on your attendance at Instructor Orientation, June 12–13 and June 17–18.