New Staff FAQ

No, Dunes Learning Center is an independent non-profit organization. We are the official education partner of the Indiana Dunes National Park.

Yes. In the summer, Dunes Learning Center hosts overnight and day camps. During the school year, our staff lead educational experiences which include school visits, day trips, and overnight adventures within Indiana Dunes National Park. For more information on our school year programs head here.

Generally staff will work Monday through Friday. When weekend events and programs occur you will be given advance notice.

Each season begins with in-depth training on the upcoming programs to provide necessary skills and background knowledge to all staff. Professional development opportunities available throughout the year include workshops, guest speakers, museum tours, job shadowing, and more. Additionally, Dunes Learning Center is enthusiastic to support individual’s applicable areas of interest and growing expertise.

Meals are provided to staff when groups are present onsite. You have the option to sign up for additional meals if they fall outside your scheduled hours. When groups are not present, generally at least one meal will be provided for staff each work day. Outreach Educators are also invited to meals when they are free during mealtimes.

Cabin Leaders stay in cabins with campers during summer camp, and have access to these cabins during time off and weekends. Environmental Education and Outreach Fellows stay in shared housing (private bedroom) near Dunes Learning Center. Each house is furnished with Wi-Fi, laundry, and parking included. There is a $200 security deposit, which is deducted from your first four paychecks ($50 per paycheck).

Reliable transportation (car, bike) is highly recommended. Carpooling amongst staff is encouraged.

Environmental Educator Fellow Packing List

Cabin Leader Packing List

Outreach Educator Packing List

Pets (with the exception of service animals) are not allowed at Dunes Learning Center or in staff housing.

If you are on “support” for a program, this means you will help with program set up, meals, and various projects. If you are on “trail” for a program you are actively teaching programs outside with students.

In the summer, Environmental Educators lead their group on day hikes and activities. Hikes include a visit to the river, the dunes, the beach, and other sites around campus. They are engaging kids with team building exercises, exploration opportunities, and games.

Here is a sample schedule for a Frog in the Bog program- our most common program in the fall or spring.

Dunes Learning Center offers winter programs on campus, including “Winter in the Dunes” for grades 3-5, “Dunes Adventure Academy” for middle schoolers, and “Climate Change in the Sugar Maple Range” for high schoolers. When programs are not in session, we work on various projects and engage in professional development opportunities.

We take students on hikes at Cowles Bog, West Beach, the Little Calumet Trail that surrounds DLC Campus, and around the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.

Evening and afternoon activities include water games, movie nights, campfires, night hikes, and tent camping.

You will mostly be hiking with campers on night hikes on the Little Calumet Trail that surrounds DLC Campus, or around the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm.