Junior Naturalist Expectations
Definitions:
Supervising adult – One of the adults involved with camp: Director, Assistant Director, or Environmental Educator.
Camper – A child attending camp.
Participant – A person 12-17 years old participating in the Junior Naturalist program.
Participant’s adult – The parent or guardian of Jr. Naturalist
Environmental Educator – The staff working with campers.
The camp location – This includes Camp Roots, Camp Salal and Camp PlayOUT
ALL participants are expected to:
1. Take this role seriously and with maturity- it is like a “job”- you are expected to be fully a part of the camp day- if you don’t think you can fulfill this role without looking at your cell phone, please think this through before applying. No Cell Phones Allowed except during the 45 minute lunch break. Watches are required to keep time. We supply watches or you can wear your own.
2. Have fun while learning new skills.
3. Attend one of the mandatory Jr. Naturalist Training training sessions - June 14th, June 26th.
4. Participate in the daily routine of camp with a positive smiling attitude.
5. Be committed to volunteering for at least 1 FULL week of camp.
6. Inform the Director when you will be absent, need to leave early/late, and/or arrive late.
7. Exhibit sound judgment and act in a responsible and safe manner.
8. Be ready to assist the Environmental Educators. Following are some typical tasks:
- Leading games with one or more groups of campers.
-Assisting the Environmental Educator with a lesson.
- Helping with campers at lunchtime.
- Assisting with getting campers to and from an activity or hike.
- Basic group management.
- Playing with the campers
- Set up and clean up for projects.
- Clean up at the end of the day .
- Assisting with learning and playing stations.
9. Communicate with a supervising adult about any problems or frustrations you are experiencing as soon as possible.
10. Attend and actively participate in meetings with one or more of the supervising adults at the beginning and/or end of each day as scheduled.
11. Take a 45-minute break each day.
12. Let a supervising adult know when you leave the camp area.
Participants’ Adults are expected to:
1. Have their Junior Naturalist to program on time (Between 8:50 am-9:00 am).
2. Pick their Junior Naturalist up on time ( 4:00 pm).
3. Remind Junior Naturalist of the importance of informing the Director of absences, or needing to leave early/late, and/or arriving late.
4. Ensure that their Junior Naturalist can fully commit to the weeks for which they signed-up to volunteer
5. Make sure that your Junior Naturalist is here for the right reason- love of nature and kids
The PlayOUT Foundation/ Camp Roots/Camp Salal Summer Camp is expected to:
1. Provide positive role models for participants.
2. Provide participants with the training and background necessary to develop sound judgment and safe and responsible practices.
3. Train participants in how to lead games.
4. Train participants in basic group management techniques.
5. Teach participants about Pacific Northwest flora and fauna.
6. Provide optional training on a variety of topics.
7. Help participants learn the layout of the camp location
8. Provide general support for participants.
- By having at least one supervising adult available to answer questions.
- By providing supplies needed.
9. Actively participate in meetings with participants at the start and/or end of each day as scheduled.
10. Provide stewardship and leadership opportunities.