CBFS offers a variety of summer camps and courses that give all campers a hands-on, feet-wet experience. Our residential marine science camp is for students ages 8-18 to stay for either 3 nights or 5 nights at our on campus dorms. The summer sessions are divided by age with groups consisting of 8-9 year-olds, 10-12 year-olds, 13-15 yearolds or 16-18 year-olds. CBFS's Summer Camps are structured as a "Build Your Own Adventure" where campers will be able to select activities and classes to create their own unique camp experience. Activities include all of our traditional marine science topics as well as arts, sports, and team building. Our campers have a blast exploring Virginia’s Eastern Shore & barrier islands through courses led by Field Station Educators and Counselors. Throughout the week, they will share meals, classes, and evening activities with our staff and fellow campers. It’s a great experience for campers to interact with others who are also interested in marine science and the outdoors.

Weekly camp duties run from Sunday at 1:00 pm to Friday at 5:00 pm with some time-off during the week. Counselors will report directly to the Education & Summer Camps Coordinator. Applicants for the Camp Counselor position should read carefully below to decide if this the right job for them.

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of campers at all times
• Supervising camp participants during free time, evenings, overnight, during meals, and between activities
• Acting as a role model for campers in attitude and behavior
• Planning and executing the final camp of the summer (3-day camp for 10-12 year-olds) with the assistance of the Education Director and Education & Summer Camps Coordinator
• Greeting parents/guardians and participants on check-in and check-out days
• Planning and leading all free time and evening activities for campers, including campfires, ice cream socials, tiedyeing, game night, and a weekly Citizen Science night
• Assisting with any camper issues such as homesickness, disagreements, behavior issues, etc.
• Co-teaching various classes with Field Station Educators throughout the summer
• Taking pictures during camp classes and activities
• Administering medications as needed
• General program maintenance tasks as needed

Requirements:

• Strongly preferred 21 or older by June 8th, 2026
• Must have a degree or be working towards a degree in Education, Outdoor Recreation, Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, or other related fields
• Ability to connect with, encourage, and direct participants of all ages
• Must enjoy contact with people and children -- counselors will be living in the dorms with the campers
• Must be friendly, energetic, creative, and motivational
• Ability to think fast, make decisions and enforce rules
• Willingness to work long hours with program participants in various weather conditions
• Valid Driver’s License and submission of recent Driving Record
• Current First Aid and CPR or ability to get certified before June 8th, 2026

Skills Gained:

• Group management techniques and public speaking skills
• Experience providing 24hr care for children aged 8-18
• Practice in planning and implementing activities and educational curricula
• Experience in environmental education and understanding of the dynamic ecosystems of a barrier island
• Professional and social networks within the environmental education field