Overview
The Lead Program Staff works with a small team of co-workers to provide a summer adventure-based program for youth. Our mission is to inspire confidence and leadership in children and teens from Washington, D.C. We provide a multi-year experiential curriculum focusing on outdoor adventure, backcountry trips and personal growth during three 16-19 day summer sessions. Base camp is our beautiful property, Broken Arrow Ranch, in Hoback Junction just south of Jackson Hole.
Position Responsibilities
The Lead Program Staff works directly with 2 Trip Leaders & Counselors to facilitate outdoor experiences for 1 cabin group. Primary responsibilities include staff management, trip coordination, and decision making responsibility for the group. You can read the more here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ClfF-u60PQkrE36THg3NqfixtZC4WM1Eo2FB2hWvsk/edit?usp=sharing
Qualifications:
Lead Staff provide seasonal leadership to the City Kids program. We are looking for motivated, hard-working individuals with a passion for our work. Below are categories of experiences and qualifications we are looking for. City Kids experience is strongly preferred.
Required Certifications
Current (by start of contract) CPR and Wilderness First Responder. Lifeguard certifications strongly preferred.
Driver’s license strongly preferred; valid, clean driving record and 2+ years of driving
Required Skills:
Cultural competency, the ability to work in diverse communities and a commitment to social justice, equity & inclusion, and anti-racism. Learn more about City Kids DEI Statement of Beliefs.
Advanced knowledge and ability in canoeing, backpacking, and hiking.
The ability to anticipate and manage potential hazards in wilderness environments, both physical and emotional.
Preferred Skills:
General to advanced knowledge in activities such as horseback riding, swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, outdoor education, group dynamics, experiential education, games & initiatives, orienteering, and outdoor living.
Ability to hike for up to 15 miles with an up to 40 lb backpack in strenuous terrain.
Ability to paddle up to 10 miles per day in a loaded canoe.
Ability to maintain ample energy, strength, and focus to lead and assist youth in a wilderness environment.
About City Kids Wilderness Project
City Kids Wilderness Project’s mission is to build resiliency, broaden horizons, cultivate community, and develop skills for success in DC youth through a long-term, cohort-based model that utilizes both the wilderness and urban environment to encourage growth. City Kids aims to inspire youth to use their personal power to shape the future of their own lives and change in the greater community. We envision a world where individuals, communities, and systems evolve to create a bright, inclusive, and just future for all youth. Programs take place throughout the year in and around Washington, D.C. and during the summer at our ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Youth enroll as sixth graders and continue their engagement with City Kids through middle school, high school and beyond. Current staffing includes approximately 45 full and part-time/seasonal employees in the Washington, DC region and Jackson, WY.
