Join Our Summer Camp Team at Friends of Rye Nature Center! 

Looking for a fun, meaningful summer where you can make a difference, build leadership skills, and spend your days outdoors?

Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) is hiring Summer Camp Counselors, Group Leaders, Activity Specialists, and Volunteers to help create an unforgettable ecology camp experience for children ages 3.5–13.5.

This is more than just a summer job, it’s a chance to inspire young explorers, form lasting friendships, and grow personally and professionally in a supportive, nature-filled environment.

Positions Available

Volunteers (Ages 15+) – Earn community service hours while assisting with activities, lessons, and camper support
Counselors (Ages 16+) – Supervise campers, lead games, and help deliver daily programming
Group Leaders (Ages 18+) – Lead camper groups, mentor staff, and oversee daily activity schedules

Important Dates

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Staff Orientation (required): June 1–4, 3:00–5:30 PM

Camp Sessions:
• June Bugs: June 8–26
• Summer Camp: June 29–August 21

Why Work at FRNC?

  1. Be part of a fun, supportive camp community

  2. Build leadership & teamwork skills

  3. Hands-on outdoor education experience

  4. Ongoing feedback and professional development

  5. Supportive leadership & open communication

  6. Work outside every day

  7. Great experience for college & resumes

3 Steps for Camp Employment:
(Both New & Returning Camp Staff) 

Step 1: Fill out the general work Summer Camp Staff Application
Step 2: Fill out your Camp Form
Step 3: Provide your Job References 

All paperwork due 3/15.

Next steps:

  • We hire staff on a rolling basis beginning in early 2026. Applicants should apply as early as possible. Please complete the online application forms and job references. 

  • Scheduling an interview  

    • The Camp Director will review your application. They will contact you if you are selected for an interview.  

  • Reference Verification & Additional Paperwork 

    • The applicant must send the form link to their reference so they can complete it directly. Appropriate references include teachers, coaches, supervisors, or current or former employers who can speak to your skills and character. 

    • After the interview, we may ask you to complete further paperwork as part of the onboarding process. (W4 & I9 Forms)

Our Educational Philosophy


FRNC believes the best way to foster a lifelong connection to nature is by engaging in meaningful outdoor activities as a child.

Our educational model utilizes:

  • Place-based philosophy—children’s immediate natural surroundings promote knowledge acquisition.  

  • Nature is the primary teacher—the outdoors is the principle setting where childhood experiences and learning occurs, and this early connection and understanding will shape our futures.  

  • Learning by doing—experiential education develops gross and fine motor skills and allows for the mastery of STEAM and literacy skills.

Interested in volunteering?

Please see our volunteer page for more opportunities.

Work with us!

Join our passionate team at Friends of Rye Nature Center and help us make a difference in environmental education and conservation. Explore our current job openings below!.

Open Positions

Our only current open positions are for Summer Camp staff (see above).