Lead Adventure Instructor

Overview

Check us out at wayaoutdoorschool.com We are a Native woman led non profit that focuses on outdoor adventure, science education and Indigenous knowledge. We want passionate outdoor folks who will harness the energy of the outdoors and bring life to our campers.

Overview:

Camp Wa-Ya is hiring a Lead Adventure Instructor to work summer 2022 (June 19th through September 2nd). Our Lead Adventure Instructor leads Wa-Ya’s Teen Adventure Trips program and teaches lessons centered around sea kayaking, backpacking, and camping infused with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum, in combination with indigenous practices and arts, and environmental stewardship. As a Lead Adventure Instructor, you will be responsible for leading a group during 9, five-day sessions including overnights in the backcountry (4-day, 3-night kayaking and backpacking trips). You will be partnered with an Assistant Adventure Instructor to design safety and route plans, teach lessons, run activities, and organize games for your group of up to 10 campers, ages 13-16.

The Lead Adventure Instructor is an elevated responsibility position requiring experience in outdoor overnight adventures, childcare, and developing lessons plans, safety plans, and trip routes and logistics. Specific to each camp, the Lead Adventure Instructor will be expected to teach sea kayaking, backpacking and camping skills including basic kayaking skills such as standard paddle strokes tracking and navigation, wet exits and assisted reentry; dressing and packing for the elements (including how to pack a backpack and sea kayak); camp safety including Leave No Trace principles; outdoor survival skills such as shelter building, water purification, fire building; and orienteering and navigation including map, compass, and GPS use.

All Wa-Ya staff engage in a culturally integrated environment, where Wa-Ya’s values of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion are practiced. While overnight trips are preferred and expected, Wa-Ya reserves the right to modify offerings periodically and with the input of Adventure staff to shift overnight programs to day-camp style offerings. Logistical direction and support provided by the Camp Director.

Schedule:

In-person 4-day staff training begins June 19, 2022, and camp begins June 27, 2022. Adventure Camps run Monday through Friday and end September 2, 2022 . Adventure Camps are 5 day programs and include a 4-day, 3-night kayak or backpacking trip. All day-program shifts run approximately 8 hours, although additional time may occur for curriculum prep, cleanup, or to provide normal and routine child care needs.

Compensation:

$720 per week base pay ($18.00 per hour equivalent); $100 per night additional compensation

Additional training, such as WFA/WFR, kayak skills, and other safety certifications, may be provided for the right candidate.

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Camp Staff, Water Skills

Qualifications:

Please see FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION at https://wayaoutdoorschool.com/2022-openings

Required Skills:

First Aid/CPR certified, Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder preferred (however this training may be provided and covered for the right candidate).
Have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children in a backcountry setting; Demonstrated experience guiding sea kayaking and/or backpacking overnight trips.
Available to work 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday, including Wednesday and Thursday overnights, and attend orientation.

Preferred Skills:

Preferred certifications in Open Water Rescue and Boating Safety.
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in developing and delivering environmental science and/or outdoor curriculum to kids.
Familiarity with local flora and fauna, and STEAM activities.