Summer Camp Leadership Intern-Cape Henlopen State Park

As a part of the summer day camp team, interns engage campers ages 5-10 in outdoor environmental education programs focused on the ecology and history of Cape Henlopen State Park.    In this position interns will be an integral part of the camp team and will be expected to work toward leading camp activities by the end of the summer.  They will receive summer camp, first aid, and other training necessary for the position. In addition, interns will learn by doing, working with experienced camp staff to develop communication, organizational and leadership skills required to make a summer day camp program successful. This internship will involve working in a physically demanding environment, requiring long hours outside in the heat of the summer.   Some weekend and evening work may also be required. 

Interns will also participate in intern-wide professional development activities and experiential learning opportunities that may require them to be off-site or away from their placement. Each intern will complete a personalized “demonstration of learning” project. At the conclusion of the internship, all interns will present their projects during a poster session for peers and Delaware State Parks staff.

Location                               Cape Henlopen State Park

                                                https://destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen

                                                https://destateparks.com/wwwroot/downloads/programs/CapeHenlopenSummerCamps.pdf

Term of Service                  Summer – 12 week – Full Time 35-40 hours per week

                                                Start date: May 19, 2026 (flexible) 

End Date:  August 14, 2026 or later                                                  

Responsibilities

• Assists Day Camp Director and other day camp staff with planning, developing and leading daily activities for summer camps
• Acts as a role model and leader for summer campers, working to ensure campers fun, educational, and safe environment for all children 
• Designs and leads summer camp games, crafts and activities that are age appropriate
• Assists with camp building and trail maintenance as it relates to summer camp and programs
• Helps gather materials and assists in set up and clean-up of camp activities 
• Assist with other park programs as needed (may involve nights and/or weekends)
• Assists with other day camp related duties as directed
• Interact with park visitors and assist them as needed, be a front-line representative of Delaware State Parks

Required Skills

• Appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. 
• Experience working with children (summer camp experience preferred)
• Understanding of educational principles and techniques preferred
• Able to assist with both Indoor and outdoor programs
• Able to stand for long periods and to walk trails accompanying participants
• Able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Experience in the outdoors preferred, (hiking, fishing, biking)
• Must be able to attend all trainings the first 2 weeks in June

Personal Characteristics:

• Pleasant and personable, good customer service skills, enjoys people (especially children)
• Fun spirited, creative, energetic
• Works well independently or as a cooperative, contributory team member
• Professional appearance and demeanor, responsible, conscientious, and mature