Summer Positions Now Open!

  • Make a difference in the lives of kids by helping them connect with the natural world
  • Learn to be a Nature Connection Mentor, capable of igniting kid’s passion for learning
  • Join our team of skilled and experienced nature mentors
  • Have a lot of fun!

Our Teaching Philosophy

  • Nature Connection Mentoring utilizes a number of teaching styles that mimic how children naturally learn. The end result is something of an “invisible school” where kids experience having fun and playing games without even realizing how much they’re learning. We value child-led, creative, immersive play and exploration and hold a safe space for the kids to come into their own and form deep and lasting connections with the natural world and each other. 

Nature Connection

  • Children’s lives are becoming more and more screen-based and lived indoors. Wild spaces are shrinking and our impact on the planet is reaching a breaking point. It is more urgent than ever for people of all ages and backgrounds, especially children to experience and fall in love with the natural world.

Become a Nature Instructor

  • In the quickly growing industry of Forest Kindergartens and nature-based education, there is an increasing need for skilled, diverse, and experienced instructors. As one of the only nature school’s in Michigan, with 10 years of experience and part of the world wide nature connection network, we find ourselves at the cutting edge and leaders within our bioregion.
  • We strive to have a diverse population of staff that represents the students we work with because we recognize the importance of representation in creating a safer space for all children to come outside.

 

Qualifications and Expectations

  • Creativity and passion for mentoring youth in a natural flow learning environment with an open and flexible structure
  • Care about equity and diversity as well as creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all
  • Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications (or able to acquire before working)
  • Able to supervise up to 10 kids at a time with minimal support or supervision
  • Empathy, compassion, and an open mind
  • Dependable, able to show up on time and ready to go each day.
  • Able to pass a background check
  • Must demonstrate good judgment and risk assessment
  • Strong ability to work as a contributing member of a team, able to bring your unique voice, gifts, and contributions to a relational work setting
  • Willing to participate in a healthy feedback culture
  • Be a professional adult: operate with responsibility and integrity 
  • Uphold Human Nature Schools mission and policies

Preference will be given to applicants who have

  • Experience as a naturalist instructor working with youth ages 4-15 in the outdoors
  • Experience with the Coyote Mentoring method
  • Knowledge of Great Lakes Bioregion hazards, mammals, tracking, edible/medicinal plants, navigation without map/compass, field ecology, trees, survival techniques, birds/birdsong, and history of local Indigenous Nations and right relations.
  • A diverse background
  • Knowledge and/or training in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work

Location

  • The GT Commons in Traverse City, MI

Work Hours

  • Summer Camps: 7 weeks, June-August, Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
  • Homeschool Sessions, Fall/Winter/Spring, Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8am-4pm

Compensation/Benefits

  •  $20 for Lead Instructors
  •  $15 for Assistant Instructors
  • 2 days of paid training 
  • 2 hours of paid planning, prep and debrief time for each class day
  • Form deeper connections with nature, community and self each workday
  • Work with other great folks in service to the community and the natural world!

How to Apply

Applying is a 3 step process:

  • Complete the general application form below
  • Email your Resume and Cover Letter to info@humannatureschool.org
  • All applicants will receive a follow-up email within 2 weeks with the next steps.