Hands-On Child Development

Hands-On Child Development

Roland Park, Maryland

Lure of the Wild Nature Camps

Camp Counselor

A summer job that feels meaningful, challenging, and genuinely useful for your future.

About the Role

This is not a traditional camp counselor position. At Lure of the Wild, counselors work in a fully outdoor, child‑led environment where children build resilience, confidence, self‑regulation, and curiosity through real experience in nature. Staff are not expected to entertain or control children. Instead, they observe, support, and respond thoughtfully to what unfolds.

For students studying special education, psychology, teaching, social work, or related fields, this role provides hands‑on experience with social‑emotional learning, inclusive practices, behavior support, and developmental observation — without feeling clinical or scripted.

Responsibilities

• Support children’s autonomy and intrinsic motivation through child‑led play

• Practice calm, steady leadership in dynamic outdoor environments

• Facilitate conflict resolution and emotional regulation with minimal over‑direction

• Observe children’s development through natural play and interaction

• Help create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming group culture

• Collaborate with fellow staff as a supportive, communicative team

• Maintain safety awareness while allowing appropriate independence and risk‑taking

Why This Role Matters for Education & Psychology Majors

Counselors gain meaningful, resume‑relevant experience in:

• Social‑emotional learning and executive functioning support

• Neurodiversity‑affirming approaches

• Naturalistic behavior support

• Relationship‑based guidance

• Experiential learning and play‑based development

• Inclusive practices and strengths‑based support

• Calm leadership and professional judgment

Qualifications

• Interest in working with children in an outdoor environment

• Comfort with unscripted, adaptable, and child‑centered work

• Strong judgment, reliability, and emotional steadiness

• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Compensation, Location & Schedule

• $17–20/hour, 40+ hours weekly June through August

• Roland Park, MD

Perks: 

Paid training, attendance and performance bonuses, outdoor leadership experience, and occasional professional training opportunities outside of the camp season.

Professional Growth

Many counselors describe this role as their most meaningful preparation for careers in education, counseling, therapy, and child development fields. The experience builds observational skill, patience, adaptability, and authentic relationship‑building — qualities that cannot be learned through coursework alone.

Apply

Submit via Handshalke your resume of relevant coursework and experience, and complete the brief application at www.lureofthewild.com/campcounselor