Outdoor Play-Based Educator
We’re seeking a warm, creative, and quick-thinking educator to join our camp team for the summer from July 6th–August 28th. This role is ideal for someone who thrives outside, loves working with children, and feels comfortable supporting open-ended, emergent experiences in a mixed-age environment.
You will lead camp groups as part of a two-teacher team and, at times, independently lead small groups of up to seven children.
Qualifications
-Minimum of 2 years experience leading groups of children
-Background in teaching, childcare, camps, or a related field
-Passion for outdoor education, play-based learning, and child-led exploration
-Strong communication skills with both children and adults
-Patient, flexible, and collaborative with a positive, grounded presence
-Comfortable practicing consent-based, child-centered care
-Confident leading a group independently, setting clear boundaries, and holding responsibility for group safety, flow, and emotional tone
-Able to make thoughtful, in-the-moment decisions while guiding children through open-ended experiences
Responsibilities
-Lead a consistent group of 15–18 children throughout the day, holding responsibility for their safety and emotional well-being
-Plan and facilitate daily circle time, including games, songs, and group activities
-Plan and guide daily nature journaling prompts
-Support child-led, emergent experiences by following children’s interests while maintaining a sense of rhythm, group flow, and having a plan to fall back on when needed
-Think on your feet and adapt plans in real time based on the environment, group dynamics, and children’s needs
-Set clear, respectful boundaries and guide behavior using a calm, consent-based approach
-Foster a warm, inclusive, and emotionally safe environment where each child feels seen, heard, and supported
-Support children with daily needs, including helping them use the outdoor potty
-Collaborate closely with your co-teacher to co-lead the group and share responsibility throughout the day
-Independently lead small groups of up to seven children during portions of the day
-Maintain strong awareness of safety in an outdoor setting, including transitions, materials, and group positioning in the park
-Keep track of time and support the daily schedule and transitions
-Communicate clearly and professionally with caregivers and team members
Program Details & Compensation
-Hours: 9:00am–3:00pm, Monday–Friday
-Dates: July 6th–August 28th
-Location: Prospect Park East (Lincoln Rd & Ocean Ave entrance)
-Ages: 3–8
-Pay: $25/hour
We’re excited to welcome a new member to the Brooklyn Trails community and co-create a thoughtful, playful, and magical summer experience together.
Brooklyn Trails is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and families.
About Us
Brooklyn Trails is a child-led outdoor arts and nature camp on the east side of Prospect Park for children ages 3–8. Our days are spent outside exploring the park, making art, telling stories, singing songs, reading together, going on nature walks, and giving children ample time for imaginative, unstructured play.
At the heart of Brooklyn Trails is a belief that children learn best through curiosity, connection, and joyful exploration. Our approach centers consent, creativity, social-emotional development, and respect for each child’s voice and pace.
This is not a traditional classroom environment. We work outdoors in all kinds of conditions, move with the rhythms of the park, and embrace flexibility, spontaneity, and child-led learning. Educators at Brooklyn Trails are collaborators, facilitators, and thoughtful observers who support children’s ideas as they unfold in real time.
