Overview

Have fun this summer and work for an environmental organization by teaching youth in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. BookTrails is an exciting organization that offers unique early- education programs promoting environmental awareness taught through reading, writing, and art. We are seeking Outdoor Reading Guides and Science Guides to join our summer programming team for BookTrails Camp. Guides will gain experience in many sectors of the organization—administration and organization, camp logistics and planning, and most importantly, teaching environmental education in an outdoor setting. They will teach camp lessons, plan and schedule activities, and supervise a team of interns. Staff will also have the opportunity to spend a few weeks at our overnight camp location, as well as camping trips and rafting trips with the campers throughout Northern Colorado. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed, as well as an excellent spring-board towards your next career choice. Spend your summer exploring the beautiful Colorado wilderness while teaching children and providing them with a nature experience of a lifetime.

Responsibilities:

Create, prepare, and lead environmental education activities and lessons for school-aged children that relate to camp themes
Co-organize logistical aspects of the day, including transportation needs and planning special field trips
Provide one-on-one reading and writing help for students
Communicate with the director about issues and updates relating to: staff, campers, logistics, parents, emergencies/ safety issues, etc
Communicate with parents about their child’s successes and progress, as well as any behavioral issues
Assist with morning and afternoon sign-in/out
Act as a mentor/ supervisor for our team of 4 interns

Tagged as: Camp Counselors

Qualifications:

Experience working with children, ages 3-15, (at least 460 hours)
Must be comfortable managing groups of children up to 5, in an outdoor setting
Must be a team player, problem solver, high energy, and FLEXIBLE
Background in Environmental Education or Education- preferred but not required
Must possess strong organizational and communication skills
Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive 15-passenger vans

About BookTrails

BookTrails’ mission is to foster literacy in all people and promote access to literacy programs for all children.  BookTrails aims to design programs that create new ways to experience the joys of reading and writing through experiential learning.

The Organization shall be operated in a cooperative manner and upon principles applicable to cooperative corporations, associations, and non-profit organizations. In this regard, goals of the Organization shall include:

1. BookTrails will provide literacy education in the communities for which we serve.

2. BookTrails will identify literacy education needs in our communities and create programs to address those needs.

3. BookTrails will use reading and writing as tools to teach place-based lessons, centered around the heritage, culture, environment, and history of the area.

4. BookTrails will strive to ensure that every local child has the opportunity to participate in BookTrails programs.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following to [email protected] Resume and cover letter Three written references, two being from someone who has witnessed you working with children (these can be sent after the initial application) Use your application materials to explain your interest in BookTrails and its mission; please highlight any exposure you have to the wilderness areas and the dates of your availability or any exceptions to the qualifications.