Camp Educator

ABOUT SOLAR YOUTH Solar Youth, Inc. is a New Haven-based nonprofit dedicated to youth development and environmental education. Our mission is to empower youth from New Haven’s under-resourced neighborhoods to achieve lifelong success—nothing less!

Many of the young people we serve face significant challenges, with limited access to positive role models and meaningful opportunities. At Solar Youth, we strive to be a consistent and supportive presence, building long-term relationships that begin as early as age 4 and continue through high school.

Through our neighborhood-based programs, youth explore their environment, develop skills and confidence as agents of positive change, and teach others what they have learned—a model we call Kids Explore! Kids Do! Kids Teach! We emphasize thoughtful decision-making, personal responsibility, and FUN, while helping youth cultivate the skills and motivation to become engaged members of their communities, build healthy relationships, develop both physical and mental well-being, and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

At the heart of our work are five core elements, which connect youth to nature, their communities, and each other: Environmental Exploration, fostering a deep appreciation for the world around them; Youth-Led Problem Solving, encouraging leadership and critical thinking; Nonviolent Communication, promoting empathy, conflict resolution, and strong relationships; and Mindfulness Practice, instilling self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Learn more at solaryouth.org.

SOLAR YOUTH CAMP Solar Youth’s Camp is a five-week summer program designed to provide up to 100 youth with opportunities to explore their local environment, develop essential life skills, and build confidence as community leaders. Open to youth ages 5 to 13 at no cost to families, our camp nurtures a deep connection to nature, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Throughout the program, youth engage in hands-on environmental exploration, learning about New Haven’s diverse ecology and urban infrastructure while gaining a broader understanding of conservation and sustainability. Camp activities include active games, arts and crafts, team-building exercises, outdoor learning experiences, mindfulness practices, literacy support, community service projects, and weekly field trips beyond their neighborhoods.

By fostering curiosity, leadership, and joy, Solar Youth’s Camp empowers youth to see themselves as stewards of their environment and agents of positive change.

POSITION OVERVIEW: We are looking for someone with a passion for youth development who has the skills, creativity, and personality to effectively engage young people facing major life challenges. Camp Educators must be enthusiastic, positive, and adaptable individuals who are committed to supporting youth success and fostering positive change. Candidates should be creative problem-solvers who embrace challenges and thrive in an outdoor, hands-on learning environment.

Camp Educators create and lead interactive, nature-based activities that align with Solar Youth’s mission and programmatic themes, goals, and outcomes. Ideas and resources are provided, and staff collaborate with their team to develop and refine activities during staff training. Educators are responsible for:

• Planning and leading engaging outdoor learning activities, with a focus on hands-on STEM education, environmental exploration, and leadership development.
• Managing group schedules and engagement, ensuring a balance of structured and free-choice activities.
• Fostering strong relationships with campers and families, including daily communication with parents/guardians.
• Acting as a key support for campers’ medical and social-emotional needs, in collaboration with the Camp Director and Camp Nurse.
• Problem-solving and adapting programming to meet youth needs in a dynamic outdoor setting.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Ideal candidates should have:

• Experience leading and engaging groups of 10+ children in formal or informal settings (schools, nature centers, summer camps, afterschool programs, scouts, etc.).
• A passion for outdoor learning and youth development, with enthusiasm for fostering curiosity, exploration, and hands-on experiences in nature. Basic knowledge of the natural world is preferred but not required.
• Expertise or strong interest in one or more of the following areas:
  • Outdoor exploration & adventure – leading hikes, teaching navigation or survival skills, facilitating team-building challenges.
  • STEM & environmental science – engaging youth in hands-on experiments, ecological investigations, or engineering challenges.
  • Creative nature-based activities – storytelling, role-playing games, music, arts, or other forms of imaginative outdoor play.
  • Sustainability & stewardship – gardening, composting, wildlife observation, or environmental conservation projects.
  • Youth leadership & social development – guiding cooperative games, mentoring young leaders, and fostering group cohesion.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and positive camp experience for children of all backgrounds and identities.
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions (including heat, humidity, and rain) and being physically active throughout the day. This role involves hiking on uneven terrain, lifting supplies, and maintaining an energetic presence with campers.
• Emotional and social stamina to engage with children and coworkers for extended periods, maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and professionalism in previous roles.
• 21+ years of age preferred with a clean driving record.

All staff are expected to contribute to a camp culture that is safe, positive, and engaging, modeling Solar Youth’s values of youth empowerment, environmental education, and community-building.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Start Date: May 1st or Mid-May (exact date to be determined)
• End Date: Between August 8th-15th
• Location: (IN-PERSON) New Haven, CT
• Pay: $18–$22 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• Job Schedule: SY CAMP dates are June 30th - August 1st . Camp is daily M-TH 8:30AM-3:00PM (subject to change). Fridays are training days for all staff including our Youth Educator Interns. In addition time allotted for administrative duties: such as updating data, shopping for supplies, and 1on1s. There will be 1-2 weeks training at the end of June. Camp Educators are expected to work full days, Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Fridays are reserved for additional needs and will be scheduled in advance at the discretion of the Camp Directors.
• Candidates can expect a phone call, zoom, and/or in-person interview.
• Longevity: Interested candidates may be considered for a full-time position for the academic year.

TO APPLY: go to THIS JOB APPLICATION FORM. You will be asked to upload your resume and cover letter (a one page description of how your values drive your work and why your experiences are a fit for the role).

Please note that we are a small organization and aim to respond to all candidates, but due to the volume of responses may not be able to in a timely manner. If you follow the above directions, you should get an automated email response confirming receipt of your application. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be contacted by us directly. NO CALLS PLEASE.

Solar Youth is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.