4-H Forest, Farms and Rivers Day Camp
Summer Intern Job Description
Job Title: Outdoor Camp Naturalist Internship
Reports to: Oregon State University Extension 4-H Faculty and Camp Director.
Position Purpose:
To further the mission of 4-H Farms, Rivers and Forest Day Camp through the development and management of
the youth Camp Naturalist Program.
The 4H Forests, Rivers, and Farm camp allows campers to explore the ecosystems of Portland from farms and
forests to fields and rivers in a fun, creative, and nurturing atmosphere. Campers develop skills in a variety of
areas from fort building to cooking, gardening, botanical arts, sewing, theatre production, fishing and much
more. Approximately 50-60% of the campers come from low-income, culturally diverse communities.
Essential Job Functions:
 Communicate with Camp Director and OSU Extension 4-H Faculty on a regular basis
 Create and develop a naturalist program at camp – curriculum should be finalized prior to arrival at
camp, allowing for minor tweaks if needed. Curriculum could include but not limited to: morning
camper tribe naturalist challenges, forestry classes, nature hikes, archery, nature journals, map and
compass courses (geo caching), fort building, wilderness survival and more!
 Be a positive role model for the entire camp community
 Coordinate all aspects of of the naturalist program throughout the camp day within parameters set by
the Director and the Camp Programming Committee along with other aspects of the camp program
 Implement a naturalist curriculum of relevant, fun, engaging, age appropriate, and educational
programs for campers in grades K-5, according to the outline laid out by the Camp Programming
Committee
 Work with camp specialists to help guide them in integrating and incorporating naturalist content into
their activity areas.
 Research, schedule, and conduct field trips, buses, and speakers as needed.
 Communicate with parents as needed to deal with parental concerns as it relates to the naturalist
program.
 Seek and analyze input from youth, families, and staff regarding the quality, safety, and enjoyment of
the naturalist program and make changes as needed.
 Oversee the daily operation of the naturalist program
 Provide training and support to adult volunteers and teen counselors who will be teaching and assisting
with naturalist classes and activities to ensure they have the supplies needed, lesson plans, and teaching
strategies
Other Job Duties:
This job may include work in other areas of the camp program, such as camper check-in, developing the camp
schedule, and assisting with camper tribal meetings.
Equipment Used:
Candidates must have knowledge of some maintenance, office, and kitchen equipment as well as ability to drive
different vehicles.
Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience)
 Desire and ability to work with children and young adults in a camp setting
 Well-versed and have access to natural resources and topics
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Be a self-starter and able to work with minimum amount of supervision
Must have leadership skills, ability to motivate, manage, and counsel
Ability to communicate with, relate to, and serve as an example to all campers and staff
Willingness and ability to take full responsibility for safety and security of campers
Ability to give and receive guidance, constructive feedback, and support
Physical Requirements:
This position would require the ability to listen to others, observe others’ actions, read text and information;
comprehend instructions and manuals, and physical ability to move about the camp property in various
environmental conditions.
Time Frame and Hours (approximately 100-120 hours total)
Camp Staff Training: 8 hours on July 2nd
Camp Dates and Times: he camp is held from July 8-12 and July 15-19. The hours of the camp are 9:004:00 pm. Camp staff are expected to be on site from 8:00 am t- 4:30 pm.
Camp Pre-Planning: Approximately 15-20 hours will be required prior to camp for camp staff training
and education planning
Location of Camp
The camp site is located in NW Portland less than a mile from the St. Johns Bridge. The site is backs up to Forest
Park in a beautiful wooded setting. It is ½ mile walk from Bus 16.
Compensation:
This position is primarily an education/learning opportunity. However, we offer a $300 stipend to help cover
personal expenses. For those without housing in Portland, lodging (camping on site) can be arranged with
access to a kitchen for cooking, and bathroom/shower facilities.