Summer Camp Instructors are responsible for supervising and instructing a group of 10 campers for each camp week they are scheduled. Instructors work with their camp directors and each other to keep campers safe and engaged using a blend of Wilderness Awareness School curriculum, (nature connection routines, games, songs, and stories; the art of questioning; plant and animal identification and tracking; community and ecology; wandering; sensory awareness, basic survival skills; etc.) and their own passions to facilitate camper connection with nature, community, and self.

This position reports to: Weekly Camp Director

Pay

The salary for this position begins at $820.00 per week (equivalent to $20.50 per hour) for first-year instructors. Seasonal staff members have the potential to earn more as returning staff, or if sufficiently qualified for additional instructing opportunities.

Work Hours

• This is a seasonal exempt position, working approximately 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday – 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Actual hours required to complete the essential functions of these positions could vary without impact or increase or decrease to the salary offered.
• Summer Camps run from June 24th – August 23th. Preference will be given to instructors who can work at least 5 of the 9 weeks of camp.
• Planning Week: June 10th – 14th (10 hours of paid online training for new staff.)
• Staff Training Week: June 17th – June 21rd (Mandatory for all staff. Training will be held at our Duvall campus. Camping overnight is not mandatory, but HIGHLY encouraged.)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach up to 10 campers ages 6-12 at a time with minimal support from a team member or supervisor
• Work with a team of instructors and directors to lead activities such as songs, games, and stories for up to 60 campers
• Use a combination of Wilderness Awareness School curriculum and activities combined with the passions of you and your campers to spark camper excitement, curiosity, and gifts, and create connections for campers with nature, self, and community.
• Uphold Wilderness Awareness School’s mission and policies

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding job and instructors must be able to be on their feet for 6 hours at a time, walk long distances, move over uneven terrain, carry their own gear (up to 15 lbs.), and be out in the elements all day.

Qualifications and Expectations

• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications (or able to acquire before working). We will host two WFA/CPR trainings at our Linne Doran campus in Duvall, March 23-24 and June 8-9. These trainings will be presented by Remote Medical Training and offered to staff at cost ($250.)
• Able to pass a background check
• Minimum age of 18 by June 12th, 2024.
• Able to reliably arrive early/on time to various camp locations in the Seattle area, many of which aren’t accessible by public transportation (Staff will be able to state location preferences on their application, and may apply for travel stipends for commuting to camp locations 20 miles away from home.)
• Able to work at least 5 of the 9 weeks of camps, in addition to a week of Staff Training.
• Must demonstrate good judgment and risk assessment
• Be a professional adult: operate with responsibility and integrity
• Creativity and passion for mentoring youth in a natural flow learning environment with an open and flexible structure
• A commitment to developing your own capacity with conversations around justice and equity as well as cultivating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
• Strong ability to work as a contributing member of a team, able to bring your unique voice, gifts, and contributions to a relational work setting
• Willing to participate in a healthy feedback culture
• Have empathy, compassion, and an open mind

Preference will be given to applicants who have:

• Experience as a naturalist instructor working with youth ages 6-18 in the outdoors
• Experience with the 8 Shields Model and Coyote Mentoring method
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest hazards, mammals, tracking, edible/medicinal plants, navigation with and without map/compass, field ecology, trees, survival techniques, birds/birdsong, and history of local Indigenous Nations and right relations.
• A diverse background
• Knowledge and/or training in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work
• Completed one or more Wilderness Awareness School programs

Benefits

• Paid training and mentoring in the Coyote Mentoring method and the 8 Shields Model by leaders in the field
• Discounts on Wilderness Awareness School bookstore items
• Be a part of an amazing team of passionate people doing important work!

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $800.00 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Wilderness First Add (Preferred)

Work Location: In person