Summer BotaniCamp Counselors

Houston Botanic Garden
Houston, TX

Summer BotaniCamp Counselor The mission of the Houston Botanic Garden is to enrich life through discovery, education, and conservation of plants and the natu ral environment. HBG strives to inspire all people to love plants and be good stewards of the natural world. The gardens include a global garden with arid, sub - tropical, and tropical plants; a culinary garden with permanent and seasonal displays; a family garden centered aro und a lagoon; a woodland event garden; wetlands; and a coastal prairie on a 132-acre site. HBG is seeking two to four seasonal, part -time Summer Camp Counselors to support BotaniCamp, our 6 ‑week summer camp program for children. Counselors play a key role in creating a safe, engaging, and memorable experience rooted in nature -based learning. BotaniCamp Counselors are responsible for supporting daily camp operations, engaging campers ages 5 –11, assisting lead teachers, and helping cultivate a fun, educational, and welcoming environment. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, dependable, and comfort able working outdo ors in Houston’s summer climate. Counselors must be available for all 6 camp weeks and are expected to work 2 –3 after -care shifts per week. Camp Weeks (Required) : • June 15 – June 19 • June 22 – June 26 • July 6 – July 10 • July 13 – July 17 • July 27 – July 31 • August 3 – August 7 • Mandatory training and certification: June 1 –5 and/or June 8 –12 Main Job Responsibilities: • Engage campers of various ages in a positive, encouraging, and developmentally appropriate manner. • Communicate with parents and guardians in a friendly, professional, and accommodating manner. • Collaborate with and follow directions from BotaniCamp Teachers and the Youth & Family Programs team. • Assist with setup, organization, and cleanup of classroom materials, activities, and projects. • Support lead teachers during lessons and group activities; serve as the lead teacher when needed. • Ensure camper safety through active supervision, behavior management, and adherence to all safety procedures. • Escort and supervise campers during transitions, including walks throughout the Garden. • Assist with after -care activities for campers enrolled from 2:00 –5:00pm. • Perform additional duties as assigned to support camp operations. Qualifications and Experience Requirements: • Enthusiasm for plants, nature, outdoor learning, or environmental education. • Ability to work outdoors in summer weather conditions typical of Houston. • Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills. • Must be 18 years of age or older by June 1, 2026. • Experience working with children ( specifically grades K –5) in informal education, sum mer camp, or childcare settings preferred. • Prior work or volunteer experience in a camp, after -school program, or nature center preferred. • Knowledge of plants, ecology, outdoor r ecreation, or science education preferred. • Bilingual (Spanish -English or additional languages) preferred. Physi cal Demands : • Physical stamina to be outdoors standing/walking on different kinds of terrain (gravel path, concrete, rock pathways, etc.) for up to 5 hours a day, in all kinds of weather, including very warm, humid conditions. • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Schedule and Salary : • Camp Hours: Monday –Friday, 8:00 AM –2:00 PM (during all 6 camp weeks) • After -Care: Monday –Friday, 2:00 –5:00 PM (2 –3 shifts per week) • Status: Seasonal, Part -Time • Compensation: $1 5-$16/hour , based on experience • Position Starts: June 1, 2026 or June 8, 2026 (includes training) • Position Ends: August 7, 2026 Application Procedure : Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to hr@hbg.org. We will contact those candidates who most closely match our requirements. Thank you for your interest!
// // //