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. As an intern at our Ely base, known as “Homeplace” to those who live and work there, you will learn the ropes and support our programs in a variety of ways as outlined below. 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
This is a seasonal position (arriving in May and continuing through August) working primarily in the field. Candidates are required to attend a pre-employment training before the season begins that includes wilderness travel training, technical skills training, OB curriculum and educational philosophy.
On-the- job training continues when the Instructor (I) begins working in the field under the supervision of a Course Director and Lead Instructor (LI). Working as part of an instructional team, Instructors are expected to observe, learn, and practice the art of facilitating educationally effective programs and teaching students the skills necessary to thrive on a wilderness expedition. They are also expected to learn and follow VOBS safety policies and procedures meant to mitigate the risks inherent to remote travel.
This position emphasizes working with our Intercept Program, though the candidate should also be willing to work in other course types as needed.VOBS serves a wide range of student populations. The majority of our students are youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 25.
Our Intercept Program specifically works with youth and young adults who are struggling to make positive decisions in one or more areas in their lives and whose needs cannot be met through participation in a standard or “Classic” expedition format. Intercept courses also include a family component to support the student’s transition back into their home life. You can find more information about the Intercept Program here.
Qualifications:
21 years of age as of start date of employment
Valid Driver's License (held for 5 years) that passes Outward Bound USA screening criteria
Wilderness First Responder and CPR (available to staff on-site at a reduced price starting in late April)
Wilderness Water Safety or Active Lifeguard Certification (Water Safety class provided to staff at a reduced cost during staff training cycle)
Required Skills:
Demonstrated competency in expedition skills including canoeing, portaging, backpacking, campcraft, map and compass navigation, expedition logistics and decision-making
Demonstrated experience teaching the above skills to students
Demonstrated experience leading others
Demonstrated ability to assess students’ ability and backcountry hazards and use that information to mitigate the risk of participating in expedition style travel in a natural environment
Personal initiative, motivation and resourcefulness
Preferred Skills:
Experience working with struggling teens
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Judgement & Decision Making - demonstrate sound judgment in adverse situations
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening -Ability to listen to what others are saying
Active Learning - Strong commitment to professional development and personal growth
Instructing/Teaching -ability to communicate in a way that is easily understood by others with varied learning styles
Service Ethic
Time Management and Organization
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 two sites: Twin Cities Center in St Paul, MN and our Homeplace Wilderness Basecamp in Ely, MN.
