Lizzie McBay, Director

Lizzie McBay is the Director for Nature’s Classroom where she combines experience and passion for experiential outdoor-learning. A Wofford graduate, she most recently served as the School and Community Access Manager at the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, TN overseeing camps and field trips for the museum. Nature’s Classroom and it’s sister program, Riverview Camp for Girls, share a special place in her heart- she’s spent every summer here since the age of nine. After her time as a camper ended, she became a counselor and later, after college, served as an intern then teacher for Nature’s Classroom. She is thrilled to bring her years of camp and outdoor-education experience to provide high quality learning and life-long memories to students.

Employment Opportunities

Over the years, Nature’s Classroom staff members have had a wide variety of previous experiences, but most of our staff come from a strong background in outdoor recreation, education, or related fields.

Nature’s Classroom serves schools from all over the southeast, predominately working with grades 3-7. Therefore, teachers who love teaching, enjoy children, and appreciate the natural environment are key to the success of the program. Nature’s Classroom provides opportunities to grow as a leader through facilitation of small and large group activities. Our staff lead educational hikes, teach environmental ethics, and facilitate hands-on classes in all academic areas. Activities focus on cooperation, communication, and team-building using group initiatives and the low challenge course. Other activities include: archery, canoeing, night hikes, climbing tower, and various high challenge course elements. All staff members continually strive to better the program and themselves through in-service training days, providing feedback for each other, and sharing personal knowledge and experience.

The Nature’s Classroom staff is a close-knit group. Staff members live, work, and play in close quarters; adaptation to communal living is a must. More often than not, staff members spend much of their time off together, pursuing the many outdoor passions they share.

Spring 2026 Staff

Fall 2025 Staff

Qualifications

  • Must be 21 years or older
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred but not required
  • Certified in CPR/ First Aid (or willing to get certified)
  • Willing to work 13 hour days
  • Ability to walk/ hike 1- 5 miles per day
  • Ability to work as a part of a team
  • Experience working with children
  • Undergo a criminal background check

General Responsibilities

  • Lead educational hikes
  • Teach hands-on classes from our existing curriculum
  • Facilitate team building activities including low ropes
  • Guide large group and evening activities
  • Occasionally help with specialty activities, such as: archery, canoeing, climbing tower, and the high ropes course

Time Commitment

All contracts for Teachers are for one academic semester at a time. The fall semester usually starts in late August or early September and ends in late November. The spring semester typically starts in mid-late February and ends in late May. Staff generally works 4-5-day weeks, usually weekdays only, but the occasional weekend group can result in a rare 6 or 7-day work week.

Perks, Benefits, and Wages

  • Seasonal housing (housing is shared, please note that emotional support animals are not allowed)
  • 2 weeks paid training
  • Food is provided during training and when participants are on site.
  • Other benefits include a location near excellent caving, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, whitewater paddling, and multiple state and national parks