Naturalist Intern

Naturalist Intern – Summer 2026

Camp Tapawingo jobshiringnearme.org Mishicot, WI

position Summary

Camp Tapawingo is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Naturalist Intern to join our Summer 2026 team. Naturalists play a key role in creating meaningful outdoor learning experiences by serving as educators, mentors, and caretakers for campers. Interns work closely with the Camp Director and Camp Tapawingo leadership to deliver fun, safe, and engaging environmental education programs for youth and community groups.

This is a hands-on opportunity to build leadership skills, gain professional experience in outdoor education, and make a lasting impact on young learners.

What You’ll Gain

• Professional experience in outdoor and environmental education
• Leadership and youth development skills
• Experience working with diverse age groups
• Resume-building opportunities in education, recreation, and nonprofit work

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and teaching nature and environmental education programs
• Lead outdoor learning activities for campers of all ages
• Prepare and deliver rainy-day and alternative indoor programming
• Maintain a clean and organized nature center and interpretive displays
• Care for educational trails, prairie gardens, and riverwalk areas
• Inventory and maintain environmental education equipment and supplies
• Support evening camp activities including campfires, night hikes, skits, and group games
• Enforce safety and risk management procedures
• Attend staff meetings and trainings
• Assist with end-of-season packing and program evaluation
• Support field trips and open house programs
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Interest in environmental education and working with youth
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Previous camp or outdoor education experience preferred
• Ability to lead groups and teach hands-on activities
• Enthusiastic, patient, and reliable
• Must maintain First Aid & CPR certification
• Must complete required youth safety training and pass a background check

Work Schedule & Pay

• Allocated 500 hours per year
• Average work May through August
• Average 30-40 hours per week during May through August
• Staff will participate in the preset camp schedule for 2025 and develop additional programming for Field Trips and open-house activities.
• Hourly Wage of $14.00 per hour

Scheduled Unpaid Time Off: Interns receive planned unpaid time off during periods of large facility rentals and around the Fourth of July holiday, allowing for rest, personal travel, or holiday plans.  We understand that some candidates may have limited, pre-existing summer commitments. These may be considered if disclosed during the hiring process and approved in advance. Due to the nature of camp programming, availability during core camp weeks is required.