About the Howard County Conservancy
The Howard County Conservancy is a 32-year-old nonprofit nature center and land trust. Our
home base is the 232-acre Mt. Pleasant Farm in Woodstock, MD. We also operate a Nature
Preschool at Belmont Manor and Historic Park in Elkridge, MD. Our grounds feature 5 miles of
trails, native, pollinator and community gardens and the only historic farmstead open to the
public in Howard County. We reach more than 30,000 people each year through our pre k-12th
grade environmental education programs and a rich variety of programs for the community. To
accomplish our work, the Conservancy employs 15 full time staff, 5 part time staff, seasonal staff,
interns and a cadre of committed volunteers.
The Conservancy seeks to foster a vibrant community where environmentally aware, engaged and
responsible stewards can thrive. Our three-prong mission focuses on education, preservation and
stewardship of our environment. We are committed to integrating diversity, equity and inclusion
practices both internally and externally through our programmatic activities and community
outreach. Our strategic plan goals include:
– Be a trusted educator, resource and convener
– Ensure all aspects of the Conservancy mirror the community it serves
– Expand conservation and restoration opportunities
– Integrate DEI priorities both internally and externally
The Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. The Conservancy assesses candidates’
applications and qualifications regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status and other diverse
backgrounds.
Job Description:
The Howard County Conservancy is a non-profit environmental education center located in
Woodstock, MD. Our mission is to educate children and adults about the natural world, preserve
the land and its legacy and model responsible stewardship of the environment. Camps are week
long day programs with extended day options available. Counselors design & lead our Summer
Nature Camp Series for Campers ages 5-12.
Summer Camp Counselors gain the opportunity for personal and professional growth by joining
our Camp team. The Camp staff team plans, prepares, and runs environmental education lessons,
as well as planning for free play, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. The Camp team will meet
throughout the week, with additional meetings as needed to schedule the Camp day and check in
on personal and professional goals.
Key Responsibilities:
– Attend a mandatory week-long professional training (June 8-12).
– Work with other counselors to plan and schedule Camp lessons.
– Follow approved lesson plans to implement quality activities for Campers.
– Manage day to day safety, wellness and behaviors. Implement behavior management
strategies.
– Be an upbeat, energetic, focused member of the staff team.
– Daily positive interactions with campers, guardians, other staff members, and the Camp
Director.
– Assist with Extended Care options.
– Maintain order and cleanliness of camp supplies and facilities.
Essential Skills:
– Written and verbal communication with children and adults
– Dependability, team mentality, and leadership abilities
– Flexibility, patience, and a desire to connect with nature and others
– Commitment to learning and having fun
– CPR & First Aid Training
– Must provide own transportation and housing.
Preferred Experience:
– At least one year of college and/or 1 year of experience in a natural history or education
field
– Work experience with elementary aged children, preferably in a Camp setting
– Valid Driver’s License, must provide own transportation & housing
Time Commitment:
– Counselor work dates: June 8 – August 21, 2026.
– Counselor hours: Average day – 8:00 – 4:00, Monday – Friday. Before Care (8:00-8:45 am)
duties split between counselors.
Compensation:
Starting rate of $16/hr.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
To Apply:
Email resume, letter of interest, and summer availability to camp@howardnature.org
