Northwest Park Youth Development Specialist

The Town of Windsor, CT is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to work at Northwest Park’s Camp Foxfire where children ages 4-14 learn about nature and the environment. The park’s 473-acre campus featuring native forests, fields, wetlands, and heritage farm animals will nurture each child's curiosity and help them gain confidence and self-respect while building relationships with other children and the natural world.

The Youth Development Specialist role supports campers' behavioral growth by developing, coordinating, and managing individual behavior plans, as needed, in partnership with campers and their families. This individual will also assist Camp Teachers in managing behaviors within their groups and offer support when needed. Additionally, oversees the Junior Counselor Mentorship Program and collaborates with Junior Counselors to design theme-based lessons, ensuring engaging educational experiences across Camp Foxfire's six themed weeks.

This is a full-time temporary summer position with a start date of Wednesday, June 10, 2026 and ending Monday, August 10, 2026. Applicants who can commit to all work dates receive hiring preference. The hourly rate is $20.00 per hour and the work schedule is 40 hours a week, Monday – Friday, 8:15am-4:30pm, with an unpaid 15-minute break each day.

First Aid and CPR training is provided for those needing certification/recertification. Onsite housing may be available upon request. This position requires a drug screen and criminal background check before hiring.

Responsibilities:

• Support Camp Teachers in managing camper behaviors within all age groups
• Mediate social and emotional conflicts, promoting a supportive learning environment for all
• Oversee the Junior Counselor Mentorship Program, cultivating teens' leadership abilities and confidence through three training days prior to camp, constructive feedback, and role modeling.
• Monitor progress of JCs via weekly evaluations and feedback sessions to ensure growth and development
• Communicate effectively with campers, parents, and staff
• Build strong relationships and ensure camper safety while showing enthusiasm for all camp activities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or relevant experience assisting educators in various settings, with a focus on working with youths ages 4-17
• Passion for engaging youths in nature and fostering their environmental connection
• Ability to work outdoors in diverse weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks as needed
• Prior experience as a Paraprofessional or similar role, showcasing patience and skill in managing behaviors, including those of children with special needs
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for outdoor youth work, maintaining positivity in all weather conditions
• Physical stamina for outdoor work in all weather conditions and ability to be active throughout day-to-day responsibilities; emotional resilience and social skills to connect with campers and staff