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Watching from the wood chip pile

JUNIOR PLAYWORKER PROGRAM

We're looking for playful, responsible teens interested in assisting

our playworker/facilitators and getting outdoors with kids.

Brooklyn Wild is a small nature and adventure play program with outdoor classes for toddlers – 5th grade. We're looking for junior playworkers who are reliable, resilient, playful, and patient.


Our junior playworkers don't provide structured activities. Instead, they build relationships with children and learn to respond non-judgmentally to children's needs and ideas. And they play—from tag to catch to forts and Pokémon. Our junior playworkers aren’t afraid to act like kids sometimes.

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Each member of our team must be comfortable working outdoors every day, in all kinds of weather; have a deep respect for children’s autonomy and individuality; and be interested in using the philosophy of playwork. 


For our junior playworkers, we offer training in nature education, playwork and more general job skills, such as collaborating with a team and communicating effectively to solve problems. 


​Responsibilities:

  • Help create and uphold a space and time conducive to free play

  • Learn about the philosophy of playwork and demonstrate professionalism and best practices, including:

    • Responding to challenging behavior with compassion, respect and reasonable choices

    • Allowing play with minimal interference

    • Be willing to learn and grow through the reflective process 

  • Assist facilitators in ensuring the safety of all participants

  • Take photos and notes during class and attend monthly staff meetings

  • Help students with their gear and snack, following all COVID safety guidelines  

  • Be an advocate for our program with parents and neighbors

  • Be willing to accept and act upon feedback, work through challenges as a team, and keep the children’s best interests at heart


Necessary qualifications:

  • Fourteen to seventeen years old with some experience with children between the ages of 3 and 10

  • Clear communication skills 

  • Flexibility, adaptability and patience

  • Punctuality and reliability

  • A playful sensibility

  • Must pass a background and reference check ​


Benefits and schedule:

  • Pay is $15 - $18/hour, depending on experience

  • Summer hours are three - five days a week, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, July 18th - Sep 2nd. Shifts are assigned in advance and will be as predictable as possible

  • Potential for the job to go past summer

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Please send a letter of interest and three references to info@bkwild.com. 


Brooklyn Wild is a mission-driven, low-profit LLC in Sunset Park, Brooklyn that offers the space, time, and permission for children to lead their own play while connecting with nature and community. We operate classes using the principles of forest schools and adventure playgrounds, and advocate for all children’s rights to free play and access to the outdoors. Visit bkwild.com to find out more about our program, and check out our blog to see our work in action.

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