Wilderness Guide

THE ROLE

We’re expanding our program and are seeking an outdoor enthusiast to provide awesome nature programming for our kids. Our team of Wilderness Guides are the heart of our organization, helping kids from 7-12 and 13+ discover the wonders of nature and learn new outdoor skills. You’ll lead kids through weekly program sessions at our 35-acre Basecamp in Kansas City, and watch their skills shine on adventurous overnight campouts throughout the KC region. Your mission is simple and life-changing: to help kids develop a lifelong love of nature.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Bring our Concept, Core & Explore outdoor curriculum to life each week at Basecamp by enthusiastically delivering creative and engaging discovery sessions and activities to youth ages 7-12 and 13+.
• Assist with seasonal overnight Outpost and Summit Expedition experiences, providing an exciting and safe mix of structured and unstructured learning opportunities.
• Welcome Endless parents to our Basecamps and Outposts to relax and enjoy their own dose of nature; assist with delivery of periodic wellness and nature activities for parents.
• Ensure safety at all programming levels; administer first aid when needed.
• Provide positive reinforcement and nurturing responses to youth, bringing out the best in program participants while in your care.
• Assist the team in providing timely communication and support for parents.
• Part-time WG’s are expected to lead at least one full-weekend outing during both the spring and fall seasons; while the job includes both weekday and weekend hours in the regular season, you’ll have an 8-week break in the off season from mid-December to mid-February.
• Assist in preparing all equipment, materials, meals and snacks for Basecamp, Outpost and Summit Expedition experiences. Additionally, ensure that all programming equipment, both at Basecamp and in the field, is cleaned, well-organized, and properly cared for.
• Drive kids to regional Outpost camps and day excursions in Endless transport vans, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for our overnight experiences.
• Independently set up and take down all Outpost equipment for group camping.
• Host field trips for local schools and nonprofits, guiding students in hands-on nature-based learning.
• Assist with special events when needed. 

FIT

• You bring an infectious passion for the outdoors that inspires youth to seek and crave more outdoor time.
• Your enthusiastic demeanor creates positive, fun learning environments for kids, and welcoming environments for parents and the community.
• You have an eagerness and on-going dedication to learning about nature, outdoor skills and nature-based experiences, both through professional training and self-led inquiry. While we are eager to welcome someone with strong skillsets, we are happy to train you as well!
• You see excitement in nature! You are confident in your ability to creatively react to real-time phenomena in nature, turning them into unplanned moments of learning and discovery.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with youth, preferably in a formal or informal education setting teaching across diverse cultural/racial boundaries and learning styles. 
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Experience camping in nature; experience camping with youth, in group settings, preferred but not required.
• Familiarity leading groups of people through outdoor experiences, teaching skills, or exploring nature.
• A positive attitude about working in outdoor elements.
• Fluent language skills in Spanish preferred but not required.

Please send a resume and cover letter to our Lead Wilderness Guide, Caitlyn Campbell via email at caitlyn@endlessoutdoors.org.