Summer Positions 

• 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.

Job Openings

Lead Instructor for Summer Camps

Human Nature School is seeking instructors to lead youth (ages 5-12) in outdoor, hands-on, experientially based summer day camp programming rooted in deep nature connection. For this summer’s program, our camper demographic is needing us to find an instructor who has experience working with younger children, preferably with five- and six-year-olds.

The correct person for the job will be passionate about nature education, thoughtful and responsible with safety and wellbeing, and great at connecting with children. If this sounds like you, please keep reading.  

Benefits, hours and application process:

• $20 per hour
• 35+ hours per week
• Work locations: GT Commons and Optimist Club Land near Chums Corners
• Form deeper connections with nature, community and self each workday
• Work with other great folks in service to the community and the natural world!
• Apply by: March 31, 2025

To apply:

Email resume and cover letter to info@humannatureschool.org

Qualifications:

• All program staff at HNS must be physically healthy and able to be active in an outdoor setting, must be of high moral character, and must be emotionally stable and able to negotiate the complex social situations within a group.
• Education: Previous experience with outdoor environmental education and working with children outdoors.
• Age Requirements: 18 years of age or older.
• Certifications: First Aid/CPR that is current. Preferred- Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications
• Experience: Experience working with younger children aged 5-7, preferably in an outdoor education setting
• Knowledge in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work
• Preferred: Knowledge of Great Lakes Bioregion hazards, plant/animal life, tracking, edible/medicinal plants, navigation without map/compass, field ecology, trees, survival techniques, birds/birdsong
• Preferred: Knowledge and/or training in Human Nature School or similar program.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee safety of students, staff, and wilderness during programs.
• Work outdoors with children ages 5-13 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 am- 3:30 pm);
• Attend 1 day of paid mandatory training in early June
• 1 hour of paid prep and debrief- meet daily from 8:20-9:00 and 3:00-3:20
• Attend one weekly paid meeting with all HNS staff on Mondays from 3:30-5:00
• Collaborate with Camp Director and other instructors to plan and implement child-led, nature-based instruction
• Lead and mentor assistant instructors and volunteers
• Liaison with parents when needed before and after class
• Write Story of the Day or assist Camp Director with the camp summary of the day
• Most importantly, get to know the children. Enjoy your time with them, discover wonderful things together, laugh, play, and help enrich connections!

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
• 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

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.