A Typical Day at T.R.E.E. for Full-time Overnight Earth Educator

As a teacher and member of the T.R.E.E. staff you may have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects and are valued as a vital team member. Workdays can vary drastically based on the organization’s needs and initiatives. Some days are hands-on in the woods with kids, some days are spent in the office.  Both are critical for T.R.E.E.’s success:

 

A TYPICAL DAY WITH STUDENTS MAY INVOLVE:

  • Helping students feel comfortable touching the earth by crawling on your hands and knees, lying down, and participating in fun yet structured lessons

  • Teaching a 30-35 minute activity through creative acting while following a well structured script

  • Constant monitoring of students for behavior and discipline all the time – yes, we know that’s redundant!

  • Exploring the woods off the trail

  • Setting up your station and taking it down, independently, in an expeditious manner – may involve lifting, hammering, wheel barrowing and other physical tasks

  • Giving directions to other adults

  • Walking with kids at night in the woods

  • Guiding students as they make discoveries and helping them answer their own questions; facilitating, so that students creatively solve problems for themselves

  • Waking up early to be on duty at 7am

  • Leading an assigned post-meal activity

  • Taking children (sometimes) to the bathroom in the woods

  • Teaching a song

  • Sitting at a campfire and roasting marshmallows with kids while monitoring for safety

  • Putting kids to bed: ensuring they are comfortable, have enough blankets, etc.

  • Maintaining a pleasant disposition even after 4 days of little rest and lots of work

  • Leading by example for all we teach

And, of course, smiling (genuinely) while completing all of these activities in the rain, heat, cold, mosquitoes and unexpected turns of events!

 

A TYPICAL DAY WITHOUT STUDENTS MAY INVOLVE:

  • Cleaning up facilities before or after a program (sweeping, wiping tables, cleaning bathrooms, etc.)

  • Repairing props

  • Drawing, painting, creating posters and other props

  • Copying, collating, cutting, and creating materials

  • Participating in the planning process of events

  • Brainstorming for improvements to existing programs, new projects, etc.

  • Visiting a classroom for the follow-through portion of the program

  • Contacting past adult participants about volunteer work or upcoming events

  • Opportunities to learn the inner workings and organizational needs of a small business

  • Attending occasional off-site T.R.E.E. functions

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