Overview
Why work for the Voyageur Outward Bound School Ely Base?
A summer of adventure, growth, community, and fun awaits you on the edge of the Boundary Waters, America’s premier canoeing wilderness area and one of few places like it in the world. Our courses provide students opportunities to meet with challenge, have fun, learn to work and communicate effectively with their peers, and make lifelong connections forged through the hardships and successes of an Expedition–a group of people working toward a common goal.
During the summer, housing and food are provided and you will become part of a thriving, vibrant community that practices the same values we teach on our expeditions. In your down time, relax and swim at our dock, take some paddleboards out onto the lake, or grab a whitewater kayak and head out with friends into the rapids that run past our base. This is a place where incredible people come together–many staff develop lifelong friendships during their time here.
This is more than a job; it’s a transformative experience for you and the students we serve. If you’re passionate about the outdoors, ready to create unforgettable moments, and eager to make a lasting impact, we want you on our team!
POSITION SUMMARY
The Internship is an immersive seasonal position (arriving in May and continuing through August) that serves an on-the-job training program for individuals aiming to become field instructors facilitating expeditions for VOBS. Depending on skill level, experience, scheduling, and availability, some interns will be promoted to instructor the same season. Most will complete the 9-week internship and will be eligible for re-hire as a field instructor the following season. Internships begin with 10-12 days of in-the-field expedition training, 5-6 days of introductory technical skills, and another 5-6 days of student management skills training. This is followed by 6 weeks of practical work supporting the program.
The VOBS Ely Summer Interns will perform a wide variety of duties on any given day or week ranging from supporting a rock-climbing day for students, driving to the airport to greet a new student group, or assisting with facilities maintenance on our 40-acre wilderness basecamp.
The intention is for the interns to have a diversity of work that will deepen their understanding of our program and prepare them for the demands of facilitating life changing experiences as an instructor. The internship is designed to be an educational experience with approximately 40% of the intern’s time spent in student contact and approximately 60% will be spent supporting courses, course delivery, and the base camp community.
Qualifications:
Familiarity with VOBS organizational mission and a desire to learn more
Passion for youth development, backcountry travel and community living
Personal initiative, motivation and resourcefulness
Ability to be flexible and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment
Communicates clearly and effectively
Self awareness
Required Skills:
Age 21 or older by start date
Occasionally must carry equipment weighing up to 75 pounds.
On feet most days – sometimes for up to 16+ hours a day, or possibly more in the case of an emergency
Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to backpacking, paddling, backpacking, running, carrying canoes overland, swimming, rock climbing and kayaking
Obtain WFR, CPR, Water Safety after hiring (we host those trainings)
Preferred Skills:
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Judgment & Decision Making
Active Listening -Ability to truly listen, seeking to understand.
Active Learning - Strong commitment to professional development and personal growth
Service ethic
Time management & Organization
Valid Driver's License (held for 5 years)
Experiential education experience preferred
About Voyageur Outward Bound School
We challenge you to change a life.
We challenge you to change your community.
We challenge you to change the world!
The need for leaders of character and compassion is great.
For over 60 years, Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS) has changed lives through challenge and discovery. We know that personal discovery leads to positive transformation. Our students grow character and compassion through nature-based adventure. Our vision is more resilient and compassionate people for a more resilient and compassionate world.
Voyageur Outward Bound School is a charter of Outward Bound USA, the leading provider of experiential education for youth and adults. We design and deliver intensive single-day and extended wilderness expedition experiences that build and develop character, leadership and service through shared experience.
VOBS delivers high impact programs across two sites: Twin Cities Center in St Paul, MN and our Homeplace Wilderness Basecamp in Ely, MN.
