Environmental Education & Camp Leadership Intern

Environmental Education & Camp Leadership Intern

Share your enthusiasm for nature, cultural history, and outdoor learning while gaining hands-on experience in environmental education at one of Delaware’s most vibrant state parks. The Environmental Education & Camp Leadership Intern will work closely with park interpreters and camp staff to lead programs for children and the public while helping deliver engaging environmental education experiences.

Interns will assist with summer day camp programs for campers ages 5–10, lead nature-based public programs, and support environmental interpretation at the Seaside Nature Center. Throughout the summer, interns will develop skills in public speaking, environmental interpretation, youth leadership, and program coordination. Interns will gradually work toward independently leading programs and activities by the end of the internship.

This internship provides practical experience in outdoor education and park interpretation through activities such as leading nature programs, assisting with camp activities, supporting visitor engagement, and helping care for aquarium exhibits and live animal specimens. Interns may also have opportunities to help develop new youth environmental education programs.

The position involves working outdoors in summer conditions and may require extended time in the heat and humidity. Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required.

Interns will also participate in program-wide professional development activities and experiential learning opportunities with other interns. Each intern will complete a personalized “demonstration of learning” project and present their work during a poster session for Delaware State Parks staff and fellow interns at the end of the internship.

Term of Service

Summer – Full Time (35–40 hours per week)

Preferred Start Date: May 19, 2026 (flexible)
Preferred End Date: August 15, 2026 (flexible)

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, developing, and leading environmental education programs for campers ages 5–10

Lead and assist with daily public programs focused on natural and cultural history topics such as marine biology, coastal ecology, and local wildlife

Support summer day camp programming through games, crafts, and outdoor learning activities

Serve as a positive role model for campers while helping maintain a safe, fun, and educational camp environment

Assist with care and maintenance of aquariums and live animal exhibits at the Seaside Nature Center

Interact with park visitors through roving interpretation, answering questions, and providing front-line customer service

Help prepare materials and assist with set-up and clean-up for programs and activities

Assist with light maintenance tasks related to educational spaces, trails, and program areas

Support park events, group programs, and special programs as needed (may include evenings and weekends)

Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills

Interest in environmental education, natural history, interpretation, or outdoor recreation

Appreciation for the natural environment and willingness to learn Delaware’s natural and cultural history

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and speak in front of groups

Experience working with children, teaching, or leading groups preferred

Ability to assist with both indoor and outdoor programs

Comfortable working outdoors in hot and humid conditions

Willingness to get wet, muddy, and work with live animals

Ability to stand for long periods, walk trails, and lift approximately 20 pounds

Experience with outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or biking preferred

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Personal Characteristics

Friendly, personable, and enthusiastic about working with people and children

Energetic, creative, and fun-spirited

Strong customer service skills

Professional appearance and demeanor

Responsible, dependable, and trustworthy

Works well independently and as part of a team