The application period for this position for the 2026 season has closed. Applications for the camp counselor position will be accepted again in early spring of 2027.

Location
Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education - 140 Camp Lighthouse Road, Waretown, NJ 08758

Position Summary

The Natural Resource Education Foundation is looking for experienced and enthusiastic individuals to help run our Nature Discovery Camp this summer! Nature Discovery Camp is an environmental education day camp program that aims to foster a positive relationship between children and the natural world. Each week of camp explores a different environmental topic, making every week unique for campers. Each week involves nature hikes, musical activities, arts and crafts, outdoor and indoor games, and much more, with activities tailored to the developmental needs of each age group.

Camp counselors will provide programming focusing on ecology and natural history to campers ranging from ages five to twelve years old. This position is ideal for those passionate about nature and environmental education and involves working with children in an outdoor setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engaging lessons and activities on topics related to natural history and conservation.

• Work closely with NREF board members in the development of educational materials and lesson plans.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers throughout the program.

• Lead nature exploration walks and other outdoor activities

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

• Experience working with children.

• A demonstrable understanding of child development and age-appropriate pedagogy.

• Strong communication and leadership skills, especially in group settings.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Familiarity with outdoor recreation and natural sciences.

Helpful but not required

• B.A. or B.S. in environmental science, biology, education, or related field preferred.

• Previous experience as an educator or in environmental science related fields preferred.

• Experience communicating science topics to children ages 5-8 or 9-12 preferred.

• Current First Aid and CPR certifications preferred (on-site First Aid & CPR training will be provided by NREF for those who do not currently hold valid certifications).

Background Clearances: NREF conducts thorough background checks, including a review of criminal history and sex offender registry checks, as part of the onboarding process for all positions. Candidates must successfully pass all required background checks before their start date.

Dates of Employment: Nature Discovery Camp begins on June 22nd, running Mondays through Fridays until August 21st. Three days of mandatory staff orientation and training will be held in late May/early June.

Compensation: $18.00/hr - $21.00/hr, commensurate with experience. Counselors are required to commit to all nine weeks of camp, plus three days of orientation and training. Note: Housing can be provided if necessary.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

About the Natural Resource Education Foundation:

The Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey is an environmental education non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation. Founded in 1976, we are dedicated to habitat conservation and fostering environmental stewardship through immersive learning experiences. Our goal is to engage with people of all ages to learn and interact with the natural environment thus encouraging the protection, enhancement and resilience of these natural resources long into the future for generations to come. NREF operates the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, located within the Upper Barnegat Bay Wildlife Management Area in Waretown, New Jersey, under a lease agreement with New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. There, we undertake coastal habitat restoration projects, maintain hiking trails on the property, and host hands-on educational programming run by our own organization or through other educational institutions and conservation organizations.

The application period for the 2026-2027 Student Ambassadorship has closed. Applications for the volunteer Student Ambassador position for 2027-2028 will be accepted in early spring of 2027.

Position Summary

This role is intended for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The NREF Student Ambassador is a part-time volunteer role with flexible hours determined prior to program enrollment and based on the student’s desired outcomes. The Student Ambassador will:

• Act as a representative of NREF and communicate with peers to promote awareness and participation in NREF

• Attend monthly board meetings either in person or virtually through Zoom.

• Work with the NREF Media & Outreach committee to create educational content for social media profiles.

• Participate in at least one education or habitat conservation event held at the Lighthouse Center.

• Lead a project or event at your school or in your own community that supports coastal habitat conservation and stewardship. This could be a beach cleanup, an ocean literacy presentation, a campaign to reduce waste and promote sustainability, tree planting, or starting an environmental club at school. The main focus of the project or event is up to the Student Ambassador, and will be proposed to at least one NREF board member for approval. The Student Ambassador is encouraged to seek support from NREF board members while they work on their project.

• Check and respond to emails in a timely manner.

Outcomes for Student Ambassador

• Develop valuable skills such as time management, leadership, and team-building.

• Develop the skills to become a coastal habitat conservation leader, including climate literacy, project management, and community outreach.

• Strengthen your interest and knowledge in environmental conservation and education.

• Learn about conservation and education career paths and future opportunities with our network of partners.

• Earn a certificate of achievement upon the completion of role requirements over the course of one year.

• Use the time and effort spent in this role to fulfill requirements for

  • National Honor Society

  • Higher education scholarships

  • Scouting America and Girl Scouts badges

  • Other community service awards and goals as identified by the Student Ambassador

Location

This is a hybrid position, with in-person activities based at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown, New Jersey.

How to Apply

Please submit a letter of interest telling us about yourself, your interest in environmental conservation, and why you want to be a Student Ambassador for NREF. If you have a resume, you may submit that as well.
Please do not use AI to write your letter of interest or resume. We want to know how you think and write.

If you are under the age of 18, you will need the consent of a parent/guardian to apply for this position. Parents/guardians can access the online consent agreement here prior to providing a digital signature on the Student Ambassador application page.

Click here to apply