Camp Fire Central Oregon - Environmental Education Summer Internship

Location: Central Oregon - please note that housing is not provided.

Status: Temporary, summer seasonal

Eligibility: 18+ years old, high school graduate

Schedule: Internships run from June 9-August 31 2026. While there is some flexibility within the schedule, interns can anticipate the following schedule for the summer:

June 8-12: Training based on availability

June 15-20: Training and Program Prep (30 hours)

June 22-26: Tumalo Day Camp (25-47* hours *may include 1-2 nights overnight camping)

July 13-17: Program Prep (10 hours)

July 20-24: Tumalo Day Camp (25-47* hours *may include 1-2 nights overnight camping)
Aug 10-14: Program Prep (10 hours)
Aug 24-28: Tumalo Day Camp (Tumalo 25-47* hours *may include 1-2 nights overnight camping)

*Additional hours creating, preparing, and delivering interpretive program

Organization Background:

Camp Fire Central Oregon connects youth to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves. We build strong relationships and provide powerful youth experiences in out-of-school time programs where youth can learn, lead, have fun and be themselves. This is how we support young people as they navigate the challenges of growing up in the world today and learn the life skills they need to thrive.

Camp Fire’s Statement of Inclusion:

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships.

People of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ2S+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Camp Fire is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our applicants and employees with reasonable accommodations when requested. Camp Fire is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions.

Position Overview:

Our goal is to create an internship experience that will encompass the applicants interested as well as the organizational needs. The purpose of this internship is to give the applicant experience working in the youth development field. Interns will have an opportunity to develop and implement curriculum, assist in program planning, and learn the inner workings of a small non-profit organization. This position will give the intern opportunities to engage with students from kindergarten through high school in a variety of program settings. During the internship, interns will split time between professional development training, planning, and working directly with youth in programs. There is also potential for collaboration with other local non-profit organizations.

Interns will have regular meetings with a supervisor to review progress and ensure expectations are being met. Goal setting, feedback, and reflection will be integrated into the intern’s experience, with coaching and guidance from their supervisor. Interns will learn how to facilitate an inclusive environment, develop youth driven programming, and encourage equitable participation. Interns will have access to professional development training through Camp Fire’s Learning Lab - an educational resource with over 25 hours of online courses which cover a variety of topics related directly to the delivery of quality youth development programs. In addition, the position begins with a 20-hour training week, designed to prepare staff for the programs and overall workflow of the summer.

Camp Fire Environmental Programs Overview:

Interns will have the opportunity to build curriculum, plan field trips, and practice facilitating engaging, safe and inclusive learning experiences for youth in K-7th grade. Throughout the summer, interns work in two different programs:

Tumalo Day Camp: Our environmental based Tumalo Day Camp happens once a month at Tumalo State Park and takes youth pre-K through 7th grade through outdoor skill building progressions. Interns will spend three weeks working at this program. Part of this role includes mentoring high school volunteers who act as Counselors In Training (CIT's) and support the team with running the camp. In addition, one week is spent supporting as the Assistant to the Director - which creates a chance to take on a leadership role - and there are three total overnight camping evenings throughout the summer. (Note: Camp Fire offers camping gear to staff who do not have their own.)

Tumalo Interpretive Progamming: In partnership with Oregon State Parks, environmental interns will create 1-2 interpretive programs which will be presented 2 separate times at Tumalo State Park and will be open to the public. Interns will propose a topic to be approved by Camp Fire Central Oregon. They will then create a 30-45 minute presentation and review it with their supervisor. Programs will be scheduled for delivery during June, July, and August in coordination with Camp Fire Central Oregon and the Oregon State Park Service.

Position Responsibilities Overview:

Camp Fire is seeking a proactive and caring leader to work directly with elementary students and teens. This includes:

Youth management:

Developing relationships with youth and supporting youth growth
Creating and delivering engaging activities and games
Recognizing and creating social and emotional learning opportunities
Managing a safe physical and emotional space
Communicating regularly with program manager about program needs or issues
Proactively recognizing program needs, advocating for solutions to set you and your group up for success

Other tasks:

Supporting curriculum development and sharing program ideas
Supporting recruitment efforts
Maintaining and managing supplies as needed
Maintaining and managing program attendance and other records as needed
Participating in staff meetings and professional development
Sharing ideas and skills for all aspects of improvement for our program

Skill and Qualifications:

Applicants who do not meet all of the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered. We strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work, has a strong desire to grow their skills, and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience working directly with elementary aged youth or demonstrated desire to learn
Experience with best practices in teaching, group management, planning and designing activities, social-emotional learning, and/or trauma informed care for elementary youth
Required: First Aid/CPR certified (or ability to get certified by start date or soon after)

Skills:

Commitment to creating and maintaining a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment
Demonstrated ability to create developmental relationships and connect with youth and staff
Ability to effectively manage groups of youth
Strong verbal communication skills with youth
Ability to identify and communicate personal needs for a successful working environment

Compensation: Stipend paid in bi-weekly installments based on anticipated program hours

To Apply: Camp Fire will begin reviewing applications immediately. Position is open until filled. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.

Learn more about Camp Fire Central Oregon at campfireco.org

Camp Fire Central Oregon jobs

Environmental Education Summer Internship