BestAdventureCamps.com > Best Indiana Adventure Camps > Dunes Learning Center
Dunes Learning Center
Chesterton, Indiana
Visit Our Dunes Learning Center Website
(219) 395-9555
employment[AT]duneslearningcenter.org
700 Howe Rd
Chesterton, Indiana 46304
CAMP VIDEO LINK:
Watch Our Dunes Learning Center Video
CAMPER AGES: 5-17
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway. Day Camp.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: Dunes Learning Center is the nonprofit education partner of Indiana Dunes National Park and the leader of environmental education in the area. We serve a diverse community and seek a diverse workforce. Dunes Learning Center is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Dunes Learning Center programs are inclusive and welcome special needs campers.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Adventure, Waterfront/Aquatics, Wilderness/Nature, Fine Arts/Crafts, Video/Filmmaking/Photography, Swimming, Science, Academics, Technology, and more. Dune Climb, Lake Michigan Hike, Beach Party, Night Hike, Camp Fires, Environmental Stewardship, Kayaking, Nature Photography, & Camp Crafts.
CAMP LOCATION: Standing on the grounds of the former Good Fellow Club Youth Camp, Dunes Learning Center is located in the heart of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in northwest Indiana, less than an hour from Chicago. Built in 1998, our modern facility is encircled by scenic trails, historic sites and one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the nation.
CAMP FACILITIES: Located inside Indiana Dunes National Park, our 63 acre national park campus features ecological diversity seen few places in the world.
Ten, group-style modern cabins, each accommodating eight people (seven campers with one cabin leader), are equipped with comfortable bunk beds, bathroom facilities, and a shower. Heating and air conditioning allow for year-round comfort. Male and female campers use separate cabins, and are supervised by adults both inside the cabins and during all guided adventures.
A large multi-purpose dining hall and activity center, Cowles Lodge, is the central hub of camp life. Meal times are an important parts of the camp day, providing opportunities for socializing, fun activities and learning about food as a natural resource. A full-service kitchen is staffed by our own staff and can meet most special dietary needs.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Dunes Learning Center is American Camp Association (ACA) accredited.
Led by first aid and CPR certified education staff and National Park rangers, Dunes Learning Center camps offer a variety of ways for kids age 6-17 to explore the beaches, prairies, dunes and woodlands of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Campers spend their days outdoors where they experience native and historic cultures, play games, try their hand at camp crafts, and sing around the campfire with new friends.
Established in 1998, Dunes Learning Center programs provide a critical and beneficial connection to nature. Learn more at Our Camp Website Link: www.duneslearningcenter.org.
SUMMARY
Our outdoor overnight programs provide a critical and beneficial connection to nature for learners of all ages—inspiring curiosity, scientific literacy, and environmental stewardship. Our internship program offers training and professional development to set you up for success. Communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity are developed and practiced at camp. Supervising campers, engaging in decision-making, managing behavior, and being a role model are all necessary skills for strong leaders. Cabin Leaders help students create connections, build confidence, and develop a sense of place by providing opportunities to explore, ask questions, reflect, and work together as a team. They facilitate the evening programs (campfire, group games, night hike, ice cream social, etc), lead meal and flag raising activities, and provide overnight supervision of campers throughout the week.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Scholarships available.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Dunes Learning Center operates in partnership with Indiana Dunes National Park delivering year-round curriculum and standards-based education programs that inspire curiosity, scientific literacy and environmental stewardship.
OTHER CAMP INFO:
Cabin Leaders help students create connections, build confidence, and develop a sense of place by providing opportunities to explore, ask questions, reflect, and work together as a team. They facilitate the evening programs (campfire, group games, night hike, ice cream social, etc), lead meal and flag raising activities, and provide overnight supervision of campers throughout the week.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Dunes Discovery Camp
Campers ages 9-13 spend 5 days and 4 nights exploring rivers, identifying insects, hiking dunes, playing in Lake Michigan, laughing with new friends and singing around the campfire at this summer camp like no other.
Dunes Adventure Camp
Campers ages 14-17 spend 5 days and 4 nights immersed in the unique ecology of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Kayaking, night-time insect investigations, nature photography, a beach party, camp-out and campfire are just a few of the planned adventures, designed to thrill, challenge and engage teens.
Critter Camp
Critter Camp gets kids ages 6–8 outside, where they spend their days exploring the park's forests, streams, meadows and trails with new friends. Activities range from traditional camp crafts to themed hikes and a day at the beach. Day camp (Monday-Friday) hours are 9am–3pm.
Chellberg Farm Camp
Historic Chellberg Farm is the backdrop for our newest day camp where kids can interact with the animals, explore the forest and play fun games to learn more about life at the farm. Sessions for campers 5-6 (Tuesdays) and 7-8 (Thursdays) from 9am–3pm.
Learn more and register Our Camp Website Link: www.duneslearningcenter.org
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
SUMMARY
Our outdoor overnight programs provide a critical and beneficial connection to nature for learners of all
ages—inspiring curiosity, scientific literacy, and environmental stewardship. Our internship program offers
training and professional development to set you up for success. Communication, collaboration, critical thinking
and creativity are developed and practiced at camp. Supervising campers, engaging in decision-making,
managing behavior, and being a role model are all necessary skills for strong leaders.
Cabin Leaders help students create connections, build confidence, and develop a sense of place by providing
opportunities to explore, ask questions, reflect, and work together as a team. They facilitate the evening
programs (campfire, group games, night hike, ice cream social, etc), lead meal and flag raising activities, and
provide overnight supervision of campers throughout the week.
QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for the Cabin Leader Internship program, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty.
Dunes Learning Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform essential functions. All Dunes Learning Center employees must submit to a background check and
possible drug screening.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
● Prepare for and lead evening programming for a diverse community of campers; ages 8-17.
● Supervise and be responsible for campers overnight in modern cabins as well as tent camping (1 night
per week).
● Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude and serve as a role model for responsible environmental behavior
and literacy.
● Ensure safety and well-being of campers using sound judgment and applying appropriate decisions by
following safety protocol and reporting incidents, near misses, or possible hazards.
● Attend program staff training workshops and regularly scheduled staff meetings.
● Assist in the maintenance of all program supplies, equipment, and facilities.
● Actively participate to support fundraising efforts.
● Comply with all Dunes Learning Center policies and always represent DLC in a professional manner.
● Perform all assigned duties critical to the operation of the Dunes Learning Center.
REQUIRED
● Must be at least 18 years old
● Enrolled in an Associate or BA/BS academic program for the 2025-2026 school year
● Enthusiastic about working with children in an outdoor setting
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
● Commitment to equity and inclusion
● Physically able to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions
● A willingness to be coached and to receive feedback
● Ability to work independently as well as on a team
● Official government identification
DESIRABLE
● Prior experience in outdoor education, residential camp setting, nature centers, or day camps
● Ability to speak Spanish
● Participation in leadership programs at school/ in your community
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Cabin Leaders are required to regularly stand for long periods of time and be active and engaging with
campers with hikes, games, and campfires. Cabin Leaders are responsible for campers overnight and must be
able to respond to their needs at all hours of the night. Cabin Leaders must be able to verbally communicate
and have visual abilities that allow them to deliver programs safely.
COMPENSATION
● $4,095 total summer stipend, paid bi-weekly (average 40 hours per week)
● Housing in cabins on campus for the duration of the internship (shared with campers M-F)
● Professional development opportunities
● Meals and weekly s’mores while camp is in session
To apply, send a cover letter, resume and 3 references to Stephanie Husek, Onsite Program Manager at
employment[AT]duneslearningcenter.org.
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