Overview
POSITION SUMMARY
Voyageur Outward Bound School is seeking passionate, dynamic individuals to join our team as Insight Instructors for our Twin Cities-based day programs. This is a great opportunity for emerging educators and facilitators to gain hands-on experience in experiential education while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.
Insight instructors oversee the safety, quality and educational effectiveness of our experiential day programs. Primary responsibilities are facilitating a variety of activities using the Outward Bound mission with outcomes focused in social emotional learning.
Instructors carry out instructor responsibilities while under the tutelage of lead instructors and other program staff. This role requires adaptability, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to effectively support both program and partner objectives.
Programs typically run 4-6 hours and are offered from late September through April. Programming focuses on self-discovery, problem solving, team development, collaboration, and communication in small group settings.
The majority of our students are youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 22. At our Twin Cities base, we primarily partner with schools and organizations that serve underrepresented and systemically excluded communities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Delivery & Implementation
Works with instructor team and Program Management Team to design and implement experiential outdoor education programs that help students realize Outward Bound’s educational outcomes of belonging, courage, reflection and physical engagement.
Participates in weekly program preparation to create curriculum for the week’s programs based on partner goals, age progression, activity and desired outcome.
Instructs and facilitates lessons on interpersonal and technical skills in individual and group settings.
Works with Logistics Program Manager to prepare, clean and organize equipment and gear.
Community Development
Committed to actively participating in building a community where all students and staff feel a sense of belonging.
Provide clear, effective and timely communication with co-instructor and program management team.
Able to give and receive timely, effective oral and written feedback.
Assist in managing student behaviors, group dynamics, and facilitating group processes.
Acts as a role model for students by demonstrating Outward Bound’s values and SEL skills that are focused on throughout the series such as (but not limited to) effective communication, compassionate leadership, self-awareness and self-regulation.
Student Supervision & Safety
Assist in identifying, assessing and managing environmental, physical, social and emotional risk during all course activities.
Ensures physical and emotional safety of students and co-instructor in all course activities.
Adhere to local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures as outlined in the field
Qualifications:
Education & Training - Understanding of experiential education principles, curriculum design, and group facilitation strategies.
Public Safety & Security - Demonstrated ability to assess students’ ability and recognize when instructors need to intervene to maintain physical or emotional safety.
Team Orientation - Personal initiative, motivation and resourcefulness; adaptable and positive in a dynamic, team-oriented work environment.
Cultural Competency - Interest in working with a diverse gro
Required Skills:
21 years of age as of start date of employment.
Valid Driver's License (held for 5 years) that passes screening criteria.
Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification (preferred).
Able to work: Mid-September to April and participate in all required trainings.
40 + days facilitating team-building, high ropes experience, Outward Bound or other experiential education experience (preferred).
Preferred Skills:
Instructing/Teaching – Ability to clearly convey information and lead educational activities tailored to varying learning styles and group needs.
Time Management – Ability to effectively manage time during programs, transitions, and debriefs.
Judgment and Decision Making – Capacity to make sound decisions in dynamic or adverse situations, with an emphasis on student safety.
Social Perceptiveness - Awareness of and ability to interpret others’ reactions in a social setting and respond appropriately to gro
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 50 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 three sites: Twin Cities Center in St Paul, MN, Homeplace Wilderness Basecamp in Ely, MN and Big Bend Basecamp in TX.
