Counselor: Outdoors Education

Classification:  Nonexempt (Seasonal)

Reports to:  Team Leaders

Position Purpose

To further the mission of the camp through the development and delivery of outdoor skills activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities.  Assist in the management of the outdoor skills equipment and supplies.

Essential Job Functions

1. Develop and deliver an outdoor skills program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the campers and that utilizes the natural environment and the value of minimum-impact camping

• Write or incorporate lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers and encompass skills in safety in the outdoors, orienteering, nature exploration, fire building, outdoor cooking, backpacking, camping, and other camp craft skills.
• Write or support lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers in environmental studies, astrology, plant and animal identification, and other environmental knowledge.
• Evaluate abilities of campers and staff.
• Design and deliver outdoor skills activities that ensure production of varied projects for each camper.
• Evaluate the success of the outdoor skills program.

2. Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures

• Assist in the implementation of staff training for outdoor skills.
• Train other staff in their responsibilities in the outdoor skills program area.
• Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.

3. Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the outdoor skills program area

• Maintain and keep inventory of the outdoor skills equipment including tents, backpacks, compasses, cook stoves, camping equipment, flashlights, etc.
• Prepare and implement safety checks for times when kiln is in use.
• Ensure the security of the outdoor skills equipment and supplies including clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner.
• Conduct daily check of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness and good repair.

Other Job Duties

• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.

Relationships

This role focuses on assisting the coordination of staffing and equipment needed to facilitate planned outdoors activities. This counselor will work with the Sports & Games and Leadership counselors to coordinate some activities. The counselor will have the support of maintenance team members to assist in the care of camping and environmental equipment and facilities. All counselors, including specialty counselors, will help supervise participants, support other counselors, or help with facilities or food preparation as scheduled or needed.

Qualifications 

• Documented experience in outdoor skills instruction or documented training and experience.
• Current certification in first aid and CPR.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Training and experience in teaching outdoor skills to children.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions.
• Expertise in backpacking and wilderness survival desired.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf culture.

Physical Aspects of the Position

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Ability to endure standing for long hours and doing activities such as running, bending, stooping, hiking, and stretching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Operate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and varying environmental conditions.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours.

Benefits

• Stipend of $225 a week
• 2 Staff Shirts
• Utilities (electricity, water, trash)
• High-speed internet & Wi-Fi
• Public telephone and videophones
• Training and certifications as appropriate
• Guaranteed one day off a week (More days off possible upon availability)
• On-Site Interpreter, Therapist, and Nurse
• Worker’s Comp
• Free activities during assigned program
• Food as provided during programs
• Vehicles and fuel as provided during programs
• Community bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms
• Community exercise room
• Shared patio overlooking the creek in the backyard
• Fun and family-style environment
• Honor as an Aspen Camp alumni
• Memories to last a lifetime!

Notes

• This position does not provide medical/dental/vision care, personal transportation, postage, personal meals, personal cell phones, or cable.
• To protect the safety of our participants, team members, and community members, background checks and drug testing will be required of all hired team members. Drug testing will be randomly performed throughout programs.
• To ensure fair storage space for all, temporary team members are limited to one large (30″) suitcase OR one medium suitcase (24″) and one small suitcase (20″) OR three small suitcases (20″).
• Aspen Camp is not responsible for personal items and vehicles. Furthermore, Aspen Camp is not responsible for lost, broken, stolen, or left-behind items.
• Aspen Camp is a non-smoking campus.
• Pets are not allowed for any reason. Properly certified service animals are acceptable and all related expenses are the responsibility of the owner.

To Apply

Submit a letter of application, resume, official transcripts, and three recent professional references to info@aspencamp.org.