Nature Day Camp Adventure Trip Leader

Join a team of creative, energetic professionals who work together to connect children with nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. Chippewa Nature Center is in search of a Nature Day Camp (NDC) Adventure Trip Leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children by providing powerful, dynamic programs in the backcountry. The Adventure Trip Leader will lead 5- to 9-day programs, introducing 10-16 year olds to backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and backcountry camping in the state of Michigan.

Objective: To develop and implement programming of predetermined adventure trips for campers to support and strengthen their relationships with the natural world.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manage camper health and safety
2. Communicate with families regarding camper needs, safety concerns, dietary considerations and trip highlights/experiences
3. Determine specific routes for the predetermined trip locations
4. Plan, prepare and shop for meals
5. Provide day-to-day programming for youth ages 10-16
6. Communicate regularly with the Camp Director
7. Be an engaged member of the CNC team
8. Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth in the outdoors
• Personal or professional experience backpacking, canoeing and/or kayaking and backcountry camping
• First aid and CPR certifications
• Valid chauffeur’s license (can be obtained after hire)
• 18 years of age or older
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to work varied hours, including some weekends and evenings

Preferred Qualifications:

• Wilderness First Aid/First Responder and Lifeguard (or ability to become certified)
• Preference will be given to those who have earned or are working toward a degree in outdoor recreation, biology, ecology, environmental education or another related field
• Knowledge of local natural resources (ecology, identification of birds, plants, etc.)

Schedule: Paid staff training: May 22 -June 6 and July 5-7. Camp sessions run June 7 through August 11 with no camp July 3-4. Weekend trip dates are July 15-16.