Summer Camp Instructor

Position Overview:Animal Friends is seeking enthusiastic, creative educators for part-time Summer Camp Instructor roles. Instructors lead half-day, animal-themed educational experiences designed to inspire compassion, curiosity, and advocacy in young people.Programs take place both on the Animal Friends campus and at partner community locations, and therefore a valid driver's license is required.About the Program:Summer Camp Instructors facilitate meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for youth who have completed Kindergarten through those entering their final year of high school. Through experiential learning with rabbits, dogs, and cats, Animal Friends' Summer Camps and Mini Apprenticeships nurture the animal-young human bond and empower the next generation of animal advocates.Our programs are grounded in humane education and explored through five interconnected lenses:The Human Perspective Campers explore identity, inclusion, social-emotional learning, and their relationships with animals, engaging with concepts such as consent, speciesism, and empathy to ask, "Who am I?" The Beyond-Human Perspective Campers learn about animal agency, behavior, instincts, physiology, and social life to better understand, "Who are you?" The Caregiver's Perspective Through developmentally appropriate lessons, campers explore the Five Freedoms, enrichment, nutrition, and hygiene to answer, "What do you need?" The Animal Professional's Perspective Campers gain exposure to animal-related careers and services, including veterinary care, shelter operations, humane investigations, spay/neuter services, TNVR, advocacy, and adoption work, asking, "Is an animal career for me?" The Citizenship Perspective Campers connect to broader issues such as animal welfare, One Health, inclusivity, volunteering, and community engagement to reflect on, "How are we all connected?"This is a seasonal position offering between 15-40 hours per week. Summer programs run four-five days a week from June through August. This position requires a high level of energy, enthusiasm, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to work with groups of all ages, including campers, caregivers, volunteers, and staff, as well as dogs, cats, and rabbits.Schedule & Commitment:Seasonal position, 15-35 hours per weekPrograms run four to five days per week from June through AugustTeaching may occur on campus or at partner community sitesApplicants must be available for the following dates/times: Mondays, 6/8-8/10, afternoon sessions Tuesday-Friday, 6/23-6/26, morning sessions Tuesday-Friday, 7/14-7/17, morning sessions Essential Responsibilities:Collaborate with the Humane Educator, Humane Education Camps Liaison, and other staff to plan and deliver engaging camp lessonsAttend 1-2 mandatory Camp Staff meetings prior to the start of the camp seasonPrepare, organize, and maintain materials and supplies used in daily camp activitiesSet up and clean up camp spaces at the end of each daySupervise and support teen Camp Counselors and adult Assistants, providing clear expectations and feedbackDeliver approved, developmentally appropriate lessons, including coordinating animal visitors, special guests, and Adoption Floor toursMaintain a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all participantsFacilitate a brief end-of-week "Show What You Know" experience for camper familiesServe as a professional Animal Friends ambassador while on site or in the communityTrack hours worked using the Paylocity systemProvide written feedback on camps as requestedCommunicate camper concerns promptly and complete Incident Reports when requiredAssist with set up and break down of camp spaces and materials on site and at partner community locations as neededComplete additional camp-related duties as assignedRequirementsQualifications & ExperienceExperience teaching Humane Education, SEL, or animal-focused lessons preferredStrong classroom management skills requiredExcellent communication and public-speaking skills requiredAbility to lift up to 40 pounds, sit or kneel on the floor, and stand for extended periodsComfort working around dogs, cats, and rabbits of varying temperaments and medical needsValid driver's license requiredCurrent Animal Friends volunteer status preferredExperience supervising staff or volunteers preferredKnowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesFlexible, adaptable, and calm in fast-paced environmentsTrained in or open to responsive teaching and culturally responsive pedagogyCommitted to inclusion and welcoming learners of all backgroundsCreative, reflective, and enthusiastic about experiential learning Required Clearances & CertificationsTeaching certification or licenseValid Pennsylvania State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI clearancesCPR/First Aid certification (strongly preferred)Mandated Reporter training (strongly preferred)Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the primary functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of this position.

Created: 2026-04-02