Summer Camp Instructor at Colorado State University — Fort Collins, CO

Job Description

Position Summary

Summer Camp Instructors plan and implement week-long day camps for children ages 6 to 12. Each instructor is responsible for a group of up to 12 campers per week. Instructors have a unique and important responsibility to foster a connection to nature in each camper through age-appropriate, educational, place-based, hands-on, and fun experiences. Instructors strive to create an inclusive environment in which every camper feels physically and emotionally safe and can build their confidence in the outdoors. Instructors model enthusiasm for nature, curiosity, and learning. They communicate with parents and guardians on a daily basis. Instructors are supported through open and ongoing communication with fellow instructors and the program coordinator. Summer camp instructors will work 30-40 hours a week, though some weeks may require more hours and others less.

Brief Work Unit Description

The CSU ELC is an outreach program housed within the Warner College of Natural Resources. Our mission is to inspire and educate people to connect with and become stewards of our natural world. We operate as a learning-lab; aside from our program coordinator and our director, all of our employees are CSU students interested in gaining experience in environmental education and communication. Our student educators plan and facilitate all of our programs, a majority of which serve a K-12th grade audience. Learn more at www.csuelc.org.

Full Consideration Date

April 17, 2026

Anticipated Weekly Hours

30-40

Essential Duties

• Work with program coordinator and co-instructors to plan themed, age-appropriate, hands-on, place-based lessons
• Communicate daily with parents and guardians regarding how their camper is doing
• Attend and actively participate in staff training and weekly staff meetings
• Facilitate safe, educational, fun and meaningful experiences for campers
• Model enthusiasm for nature and learning
• Model effective teaching and group management techniques for counselors-in-training
• Commit to creating an inclusive environment that values each camper, instructor, and counselor-in-training and the experiences, skills, knowledge, attitudes, and ideas they bring to the community
• Pick up after camp each day to maintain a clean and safe environment for campers
• Help out with other programs as needed and able
• Have and maintain CPR and First Aid (child and adult) certifications by start date and through employment

Required Job Qualifications

• Experience working with elementary aged children
• Have current CPR/First Aid certification (child and adult) by start date
• Be passionate about the environment and have a strong desire to create change through education

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Experience working in an outdoor camp environment
• Strong communication skills with adults and children
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Strong desire to create quality camp experiences
• Knowledge of the local environment (e.g., flora, fauna, ecosystems) or demonstrated commitment to learning about local environments
• Ability to work long days with a positive attitude
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability
• Lifeguard certification

Application Instructions

Submit current resume, cover letter, two references (name, relationship, contact information; letters not necessary), and responses to the questions below to

Please respond to each of the following –

• Briefly describe your experience working with children.
• Identify and describe 3 traits or skills that you would bring to this position.
• Describe a specific situation that has required you to be flexible.

Salary Range

$15 HR - $16HR

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

No Documents Required

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.