What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Excursions Instructor - Go West Camps position at Go West Camps?
Summer Excursions Instructor
If you have a passion for leading overnight specialty excursions for middle and early high schoolers, but don't want to spend an entire summer away from home, Go West's Summer Excursions Instructor position may be the right fit for you. We offer three, five-day, four-night excursions in the last week of our three week day camp programs for our Adventurer groups (7th-9th grade) and we need instructors to deliver safe and quality programs. If you are interested in full time employment this summer, we also allow our Excursions staff to work as Summer Day Camp Counselors for the first two weeks of the session before Excursions.
Who We Are
At Go West Camps, we believe kids grow best when they move, explore, and connect with the world and people around them. Each day brings new adventures, from biking and paddle boarding to gardening to creative projects, all designed to help campers grow in confidence, develop independence, and form meaningful relationships. Our community is rooted in curiosity and inclusivity and fosters a genuine sense of belonging with staff who lead enthusiastically and with compassion. At camp, we prioritize being present and unplugged, encouraging both campers and counselors to engage fully with each moment and the world around them.
Working at Go West means gaining real-world experience in youth development and outdoor leadership while building skills that transfer far beyond camp. Staff have opportunities to earn certifications like First Aid/CPR, mountain biking, and paddling, all while being mentored by a supportive leadership team. It's a summer of growth, adventure, and community set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Who You Are
If you have a passion for leading overnight specialty excursions for middle and early high schoolers, but don't want to spend an entire summer away from home, Go West's Summer Excursions Instructor position may be the right fit for you. We offer three, five-day, four-night excursions in the last week of our three week day camp programs for our Adventurer groups (7th-9th grade) and we need instructors to deliver safe and quality programs. If you are interested in full time employment this summer, we also allow our Excursions staff to work as Summer Day Camp Counselors for the first two weeks of the session before Excursions.
Who We Are
At Go West Camps, we believe kids grow best when they move, explore, and connect with the world and people around them. Each day brings new adventures, from biking and paddle boarding to gardening to creative projects, all designed to help campers grow in confidence, develop independence, and form meaningful relationships. Our community is rooted in curiosity and inclusivity and fosters a genuine sense of belonging with staff who lead enthusiastically and with compassion. At camp, we prioritize being present and unplugged, encouraging both campers and counselors to engage fully with each moment and the world around them.
Working at Go West means gaining real-world experience in youth development and outdoor leadership while building skills that transfer far beyond camp. Staff have opportunities to earn certifications like First Aid/CPR, mountain biking, and paddling, all while being mentored by a supportive leadership team. It's a summer of growth, adventure, and community set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Who You Are
- A positive and energetic role model who builds strong, supportive relationships with kids.
- An enthusiastic outdoors person, preferably with experience in overnight and adventure related programs, who can supervise up to 12 middle and high schoolers along with a co-instructor.
- Excited to support and inform the next generation of outdoors people.
- Skilled at creating a sense of belonging and community within your excursion group.
- Able and willing to guide campers through the challenges unique to overnight programs (Homesickness, Social/Emotional Struggles, etc.).
- You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and can adapt quickly.
- Drive campers from Colorado Springs to Salida as well as around the Arkansas River Valley area.
- Lead up to 12 middle and high school students, with a co-instructor and contracted guides, in adventure, team building, and overnight camping activities with a focus on safety and inclusivity.
- Report to and work with the Excursion Program Lead Instructor to ensure campers have access to adequate supplies, feel safe and supported, and are able to learn and grow in their time on Excursions.
- Medication Administration and First Aid.
- Photo/Video documentation of Excursion to share with families back home.
- Create an environment where campers learn responsibility through campsite management, cooking, and cleaning.
- Ensure excursions are a space where campers can unplug from technology and trade the pressures of social media for in person connections.
- Seasonal Position: Full Time, Temporary (Summer Season Only)
- Location: Colorado Springs and Salida/Buena Vista Area
- Compensation: Weekly Salary for Overnight Positions
- Qualifications:
- Age: 21
- Experience working with children (required)
- CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration certifications (WFA or higher highly preferred)
- Certifications in Adventure Program Areas (NOLS, Red Cross, American Canoe Association, etc.) preferred
- Valid driver's license (eligible to drive camp vehicles after training)
- Physical Requirements: Must be able to move actively throughout camp, supervise children outdoors, and maintain awareness in a dynamic environment.
- Go West Camps is a drug-, alcohol-, and tobacco-free facility. Participation in overnight programs required.