Expedition Camp Counselor

The Backcountry Wilderness Area’s mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Located at 5,920 feet in the heart of the Front Range, our 8,200-acre campus—featuring outdoor learning spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, a natural play space, garden, chicken coop with over 20 chickens, 6 goats, 2 donkeys, a state-of-the-art archery range, and horse corrals—serves as the ultimate learning environment. Camp Backcountry offers programs that provide a balance of hands-on science, field-based exploration, team building, camp games and songs, and adventure. All Expedition Camp sessions are based on a theme including, but not limited to, water-based adventures, challenge hikes, camping, Leave No Trace, and field-based science. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and teaching age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games related to the weekly theme, as well as transporting campers to off-site locations and leading all off-site trips. Expedition Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising up to 12 campers each day and actively interacting with and engaging campers during all Camp Backcountry programs. Counselors are the primary caregivers for campers and are also responsible for guiding children in their personal growth. Counselors are responsible for checking campers in and out for the day, maintaining high standards of health and safety, set up and clean-up of all camp activities, and following all camp policies. Expedition Camp counselors must be able to think on their feet in the backcountry and make decisions based first and foremost upon safety. This position averages approximately 40 hours per week, for a total of 1 week of training and 3 weeks of camp. There is potential to combine this position with one of our other Camp Backcountry positions for work the weeks we do not have expedition camp. If you are interested in this, please note specifics in your cover letter. Camp programming begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A typical workday is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., however Expedition Camp staff may be scheduled anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. This position starts May 23, 2022 and ends August 5, 2022. HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements: • Candidates must be 21 years of age or older • Must have an interest in, respect for, and ability to work with children and teens • Prior experience in at least three of the following activities required: hiking, camping, rock climbing, paddle boarding, canoeing, or whitewater rafting • Must have basic knowledge of ecological principles, Leave No Trace principles, and wilderness safety • Ability to lead hikes on moderate to difficult terrain (class II) • Ability to swim • Current lifeguard certification is a plus • Knowledge of basic ecological principles and environmental issues • Ability to play an instrument such as guitar or ukulele is a plus • Ability to plan, coordinate, and teach age-appropriate lessons, activities, and games related to each weekly theme • Ability to adapt lesson plans and instructions to meet a wide variety of learners • Ability to supervise and be responsible for the health and safety of 12 campers in a remote wilderness setting • Ability to act as a mediator between campers • Show flexibility and adaptability in a fast paced and ever-changing environment • Strong work ethic and motivation to contribute positively to the Backcountry Wilderness Area at large • Strong communication skills with ability to effectively interact with people of all backgrounds • Ability to work in a busy environment with many distractions • Must be cool-tempered and friendly • Previous childcare experience preferred. Candidates with prior childcare experience will be asked to provide verification of up to 1,040 hours of previous experience working with school-age children in a formal capacity • Current adult and pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications required, or ability to obtain before the first day of employment • Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Applicants 21 years of age or older may be required to drive the 15 passenger camp vans. • Must be able to attend the mandatory staff training May 23, 2022 through May 27, 2022 • Must commit to working all 3 weeks of expedition camp during the summer season, May 31-August 5, 2022 Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Salary: $16.00 - $17.00/hour depending on qualifications

How to apply:

Submit an applicaiton online at www.HRCAonline.org/jobs