Job Description
Camp Support Staff
Classification: Full-time, Seasonal, Hourly/Non-Exempt
Supervisor: Camp Director
Schedule: ~8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday, June 1 - August 17 (week of July 4 off)
Compensation: $13.25/hr ($14/hr for returning staff)
Benefits: 1-year KNC household membership, 10% discount at Trailhead gift shop, access to robust employee assistance program
Be the Heart of Camp Operations This Summer!
Spend your summer outdoors helping create memorable, nature-filled experiences for children! The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is seeking energetic and adaptable Support Staff to play a vital role in keeping camp running smoothly.
At KNC, our mission is to connect people with nature - and every member of our team, from counselors to support staff, contributes to that goal. Whether you're ensuring camp spaces are ready for adventure, helping a camper find their way, or assisting with daily routines, you'll be helping kids explore, play, and fall in love with the outdoors.
About the Kalamazoo Nature Center KNC is a nonprofit organization on 1,500 acres of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands - recognized as one of the top nature centers in the country. With more than 15 miles of trails and a mission to welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature, KNC offers a truly special setting to work, learn, and grow.
We value diversity, inclusion, and community representation, and we're building a team that reflects the people we serve.
About the Role Support Staff are the behind-the-scenes heroes of KNC Camp - helping things run safely, smoothly, and joyfully. You'll support both campers and counselors through a mix of hands-on tasks like organizing supplies, assisting with activities, cleaning and sanitizing materials, helping with registration and daily drop-off/pick-up, and jumping in wherever needed to make the day a success.
This is a great opportunity for someone who loves being active and outdoors, enjoys helping others, and takes pride in teamwork.
No Experience? No Problem! You don't need a background in childcare or outdoor education to be a great fit here! We'll provide all the training you need. What matters most is your positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to help wherever needed. If you're the kind of person who loves being outside, enjoys variety in your day, and feels good knowing you made a difference - you can succeed at KNC.
What You'll Do - Support camp operations, including registration, check-in/out, and daily logistics.
- Assist with setup, cleaning, and organization of activity spaces and materials.
- Help maintain safe, welcoming spaces for campers and staff.
- Step in to assist counselors and provide extra help for groups or individual campers.
- Communicate regularly with the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director.
- Prepare or distribute snacks and lunches as needed.
- Administer medications and complete necessary reports.
- Step into counselor duties as needed to ensure a seamless camp day.
- Other duties as assigned by the Camp Director.
What We're Looking For - Must be 18 years or older by the first week of camp.
- Friendly, flexible, and ready to work in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.
- Commitment to KNC's mission and to environmental stewardship.
- Reliable communicator and team player.
- Able to work the full camp season and follow safety procedures.
- Prior experience working with children or in customer service is a plus but not required.
- Lifeguard certification preferred.
Working at KNC Joining the KNC Camp team means joining a community that values learning, teamwork, and fun. You'll gain practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership while spending your summer outside surrounded by nature.
Support Staff are essential to creating a smooth, positive experience for campers - and they often go on to return as counselors or move into other leadership roles in education, recreation, or environmental work.
Physical & Environmental Conditions - Nature based camp means walking several miles per day on hilly terrain and rustic trails.
- The work is outdoors in hot, humid Michigan weather.
- Work environment may be loud with active groups of children.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
Join us this summer and help create a camp experience where everyone feels welcome, supported, and inspired by nature!
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Summer work, Seasonal work, Local area, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours,