Internships

Outdoor Education interns become an integral part of the staff and participate in all aspects of our operation. A two-week orientation and training period is followed by seasonal program opportunities in both day and residential settings. Interns work with all ages, preschool to adult, and with a variety of groups, including schools, private organizations, clubs, and the general public. Program areas provide each intern with an opportunity to work in planning, delivering, and evaluating our educational and recreational programming. Observation is used in evaluation. Benefits include a weekly stipend and on-site housing at our intern house away from visitors.

Successful candidates have a strong desire to teach and share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the natural world. A background in recreation, education, or the natural sciences is helpful, but not necessary.

Outdoor Education interns are our primary instructors for onsite and offsite education programs. Other responsibilities and opportunities include:

• Develop and implement program curriculum for residential Outdoor School (grades 7-8), school day programs (K-12), and summer day camps (ages 7-14)
• Assist with live animal care
• Lead public nature hikes or paddles and team building programs
• Plan and work at seasonal festivals and events
• Contribute to the Center’s social media outlets
• Restore habitats through trail stewardship

• You'll experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff and students who contribute to the climate of inclusivity. If you have experience with diverse communities, we encourage you to emphasize that in your cover letter.
• SIU Carbondale, member of the SIU System, is an anti-racist community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all people.

To find out more information, contact Touch of Nature at ton@siu.edu or by calling 618-453-1122

Recreation Therapy interns will assist in all aspects of programs and administration of therapeutic programming at Touch of Nature. They are supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, while gaining exposure to all required NCTRC job analysis task areas. Based on Intern knowledge, skills, and abilities, the intern may serve in a leadership or instructor role. The intern will also participate in projects, presentations, and trainings.

Additional responsibilities and opportunities include:

• Review camper applications and files
• Plan and facilitating camp activities such as arts & crafts, sports, nature activities, leisure activities, dances, and more!
• Assist campers with ADLs
• Work with a team of professionals including nursing staff, outdoor education staff, and hospitality services staff.
• Gain experience working with a diverse population of individuals with disabilities

The recreation therapy internship is a minimum of 14 consecutive weeks and 560 hours. You are expected to work 40-45 hours per week.

• You'll experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff and students who contribute to the climate of inclusivity. If you have experience with diverse communities, we encourage you to emphasize that in your cover letter.
• SIU Carbondale, member of the SIU System, is an anti-racist community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all people.

To find out more information, contact Brian Croft, Assistant Director of Outdoor Education and Recreation, at bcroft@siu.edu.

Hospitality interns will assist with the planning and coordination of logistics for special events, meeting, lodging, dining, and general facilities by university and non-university groups. They will perform duties and supervise all groups using facilities, including arranging room set up, related equipment, food preparation and presentation, and service of alcoholic beverages and responding to group needs as requested.  The intern will also participate in projects, presentations, and trainings.

Hospitality Services interns are our primary customer service contacts. Other responsibilities and opportunities include:

• Provide top-notch front-line customer service at the Little Grassy Lodge Hotel
• Be responsible for locking and unlocking facilities to be used by guests.  
• Assists in coordinating center wide events, daily physical arrangements, and details for each event while communicating the necessary information to appropriate staff.   
• Prepare event budgets during the event planning process prepare summary of charges as part of the post event process  
• Daily facility checks and report maintenance needs  
• Will assist in the promotion of Touch of Nature through social media platforms
• Work with a team of professionals, including full time culinary workers, outdoor education staff, and recreation therapy staff.

• You'll experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff and students who contribute to the climate of inclusivity. If you have experience with diverse communities, we encourage you to emphasize that in your cover letter.
• SIU Carbondale, member of the SIU System, is an anti-racist community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all people.

For questions, contact: Hospitality Services, at 618-453-1121 or ton@siu.edu.