Trips and Leadership Program Instructor

As a trip and leadership program instructor, you will serve as a mentor and coach as teens learn different leadership styles while hiking, canoeing, and camping adventures during multiple-week sessions. Programs will focus on leadership styles, communication skills, group building, and environmental education and ethics. To be effective, instructors must have a genuine interest in building their capacity as positive role models through teaching applicable hard skills needed to find success.  

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in a two-week-long paid staff training where practical skills are practiced, reviewed, and tested to ensure comfortability when leading and teaching campers
• Co-lead two-week outdoor leadership programs for teenagers (co-ed, max. 10/session). Each program session includes a 3-6 day camping, hiking, and/or canoeing trip. NOTE: includes some weekend work during the program session.
• Plan lessons and schedules and implement a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills including listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.
• Prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, food/equipment deliveries, emergency support, etc.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times; facilitate resolution of group conflicts and strive to encourage problem-solving and decision-making; live in and supervise cabin of up to 6 program participants.
• Role model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship for the environment.
• Actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes.
• Evaluate the program regularly with Program Leader and Director.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent
• Experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips
• Ability to lead groups outdoors over various terrain with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
• Demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR and lifeguard certification (or ability to obtain prior to start of training)

Preferred Qualifications

• • Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Wilderness First Responder, Small Craft Water Safety Certification
  • Ability to obtain a trip leader permit (we train for this as part of your orientation, must pass test with 85%)

Apply at https://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood/employment/