Job Description

Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director

Camp Waldo is an overnight camp on the banks of the Greenbrier River in southern West Virginia. We teach 4th-9th graders to respect, conserve and protect the environment. Camp programs include ecology, overnight camping trips, paddling, archery, a ropes course, arts, and other adventures and educational opportunities.

We are hiring an Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director to plan and execute Outdoor Adventure programs for our campers in southern West Virginia. We are looking for a candidate that is motivated to extend our camp experience and build a rich outdoor program rooted in environmental ethics and the resources of Appalachia. One of our defining traits as a camp is our strong environmental ethic and we hope that the person filling this position will be an extension of that.

The Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director will lead trips that will include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and paddling. This position will also teach campers camp craft, wilderness survival, navigation, and other technical skills. The OA Director must be capable of working with diverse counselors (young adults) and campers. This person would also work closely with another Outdoor Adventure Lead in the day-to-day coordination and execution of this program.

In an effort to align with our mission, Camp Waldo serves vegetarian. We work with all campers and staff that have dietary restrictions.

This job will require onsite work during the period of May 30 th to July 30 th with some preparation work in the month(s) leading up to camp.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Develop and deliver a fun and safe outdoor skills program that is appropriate for the ages and abilities of our campers – deepening their environmental ethic and challenging them to try new things.
   • Plan and facilitate activities that encompass skills in nature exploration and identification, outdoor cooking, camping, hiking etc.
   • Plan and facilitate activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, orienteering, etc.
   • Evaluate the success of the program and development of campers’ abilities and skills.
2. Work with our Camp Chef to develop and prepare outdoor meals, working with campers and other staff on food preparation and cooking.
3. Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow all relevant procedures.
   • Assist in the implementation of staff training for outdoor skills.
   • Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
4. Oversee the management and care of physical facilities and equipment as it pertains to the Outdoor Adventure Program.
   • Maintain the outdoor equipment including cooking equipment, tarps, camp stoves, sleeping mats, backpacks, headlamps, etc.
   • Prepare and implement regular safety checks of equipment
   • Ensure the security of outdoor equipment and supplies, including clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner.
   • Conduct regular checks of program areas for safety and cleanliness, and to reflect good outdoor stewardship (Leave No Trace).

Qualifications : 

• Must have a passion for the wilderness and working with youth, and in teams.
• Skilled in planning and leading wilderness trips.
• Solid working knowledge of Leave No Trace principles and procedures.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification required.
• Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder certification preferred.
• Candidates must be able to pass a background check. All candidates go through a thorough screening process including an interview and criminal background check as required by  ACA standards.
• Candidates must provide two – three references. Our administrative staff check multiple references for every candidate.
• Able to drive a large passenger van.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Training and experience in teaching wilderness awareness and skills to youth is preferred.
• Experience with NOLS, Outward Bound, or similar programs is preferred.

Compensation :

• $12,000-$15,000 based on experience

• Camp Waldo provides housing and three meals a day for the entirety of staff training and camp.

Key Dates:

• Leadership Training: May 30 th – June 2 nd
• Staff Orientation: June 3rd – June 10th
• Session I: June 11th – July 2nd
• Camp Turnover: July 3rd – July 8th
• Session II: July 9th – July 31st

Camp Waldo is a program of Appalachian Headwaters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring forests, water and communities in central Appalachia.

Send application materials to: jwvankuren@appheadwaters.org

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