Full Day Summer Camp Garden Educator

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Summer Camp Full Day Mentor/Playworker

About Ithaca Children’s Garden

The mission of Ithaca Children’s Garden is to connect children to nature to create a more beautiful, resilient, and just world. Our vision is that every child has the basic human right to play, learn, grow outdoors, and develop a life-long relationship with the living world. Ithaca Children’s Garden is committed to providing inclusive programming where all children feel welcomed and a sense of belonging.

Position Summary

Garden Mentor/Playworkers lead and support environmental education and outdoor free play with Ithaca Children’s Garden summer campers ages 6-10 in a public garden setting. Programs are multidisciplinary -- where science, art, cooking, gardening, ecology, and play combine to create unique and memorable experiences for young children.

Mentor/Playworkers build relationships, provide for children’s physical and social/emotional safety, and help to collaboratively solve conflict and challenging situations. Individuals in this position will work directly with young children, fellow mentor/playworkers, and ICG educators and staff. They regularly interact with parents and caregivers as well as Garden visitors.

Compensation for this position starts at $18.00 based on 36-40 hours per week. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply. This is a seasonal position, mid-June 2026 - August 2026 with opportunities throughout the year for substituting and participating in school’s out play days and field trips. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support children in multidisciplinary outdoor activities
• Support child-led free play
• Demonstrate empathy, compassionate and collaborative problem-solving
• Meet children where they are in their social/emotional and physical development, assist children in daily activities and transitions
• Prepare activities and activity supplies
• Assist with other age groups as needed
• Participate in daily and weekly site stewardship, including daily set up and clean up
• Participate fully in staff training and daily/weekly reflections
• Communicate clearly and professionally with parents and caregivers
• Cooperate as an effective team member

Requirements

• Experience and/or comfort working with children ages 6-10
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including rain, heat and humidity
• Desire to mentor and support young children as unique individuals, meeting them where they are developmentally
• Availability for the entire summer camp season (any time off requests must be submitted at the beginning of the season and will be considered on a case by case basis)
• Ability to attend 32 hours of staff training June 22-26
• Previous summer camp experience helpful, but not required
• First aid/CPR certification helpful, but not required
• Interest in working sporadically throughout the academic year as a substitute for our academic programs, school’s out play days, and field trips is desirable, but not required

We appreciate when candidates become familiar with ICG’s mission, vision, values, programs, and ethos. Learn more at

To Apply

Please apply online:

More information on ICG Summer Positions:

If you require any assistance or accommodations to successfully submit your application, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may have the opportunity to assist you.

ICG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law, where applicable.

Additional Information

Immediate Supervisor: Kelsey Brewster/Summer Camp Director

Employing Agency: Ithaca Children’s Garden (ICG)

Agency Address: 1013 W State st Ithaca NY 14850

Agency Phone: 607-319-4203

Email Address: [email protected]

Website:

Work site: Ithaca Children’s Garden, 121 Turtle Ln (southern end of Cass Park, Route 89) Ithaca, NY

Wage : $18.00

Hours per week: 36-40

Term: June 22, 2026-August 28, 2026

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person