Overview
Role Overview:
An in-field backpacking instruction role working as part of a team to facilitate a 21-day backcountry experience for high school-aged youth. You will directly support 5-15 teenagers in foundational outdoor living skills and seek to implement our school curriculum while in the field. Main curriculum goals include: social-emotional learning, conflict mediation skills, interpersonal communication, and fostering individual leadership within students. This role reports directly to the Outdoor Education Program Manager.
Wilderness Overview:
All Eagle Rock students begin their school orientation with the transformative power of the wilderness. This backpacking experience is an essential rite of passage to becoming a veteran student and is their first introduction to our school’s values. Throughout 21 days in the backcountry, our outdoor instructors will support students’ journey as they:
Build community & relationships with Eagle Rock students and instructors
Learn wilderness skills – hiking, camping, climbing, cooking, basic hygiene and nutrition
Expand their comfort zone, embracing healthy challenges
Build confidence, resilience, and determination
Practice responsible decision-making, self & social awareness, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and effective communication skills
Reflect and make commitments toward the future they want to create
Responsibilities
Function as part of an instructor team for a 21-day wilderness backpacking course for 5-12 students newly enrolled at Eagle Rock School
Participate in a 3-day staff training and 3-day pre-course orientation with students on Eagle Rock’s campus to prepare for the expedition (including food packing, day activities, student support, and other course logistics)
Familiarize yourself with Eagle Rock School curriculum and course design
Actively build group dynamics, generate generative conflict resolutions, and reinforce personal growth in young adults
Aid in driving school vehicles with passengers to and from the course area
Assess student’s performance throughout the course, providing feedback, coaching, and ongoing support
Write a comprehensive assessment of overall performance at the end of the course for individual students
Benefits:
$5,000 for the 30-day contract
Workers Comp insurance for the duration of the contract
Room and board is provided during orientation week, and course wrap-up week
We offer up to $300 reimbursement for round-trip travel to Estes Park, CO
Qualifications:
Extended trip leadership with youth (18+ day backpacking or other expeditionary courses) experience is preferred
Applicants must have a current Driver’s License, Wilderness First Responder, & CPR certification
Highly competent in risk management, leadership, and coaching skills
Ability to navigate group/interpersonal conflict and teach/coach conflict management skills to high school-aged students
Required Skills:
A deep commitment to working with high school-aged students
An ability to effectively engage with individuals who may have been historically excluded from outdoor spaces
Practice patience in tumultuous situations or adverse situations and willingness to adapt to changing course conditions
High level of self-awareness and the ability to effectively facilitate challenging conversations
A commitment to being anti-racist and to promoting social justice
About Eagle Rock School
Eagle Rock School is a co-ed, residential, tuition free, private, non-profit, full academic curriculum high school in Estes Park, CO designed to work with students who chose to enroll and want to engage more fully in their education. The school is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. All new students go on a 24-day wilderness course as the orientation to the school. www.eaglerockschool.org
