B'hootz Mentor

CHAI; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid earned sick leave

25% off youth programs for children

Free attendance to virtual classes

Job summary

CHAI in Berkeley, California is seeking a Youth Mentor for its B’hootz program, starting August 2026. The mentor will lead experiential Jewish education outdoors for children in grades K-5.

This part-time position involves collaborative curriculum planning, leading camps, and maintaining safety certifications. Candidates should have 3+ years working with children, knowledge of Jewish traditions, and a passion for nature-based education.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Jewish and/or outdoor programs.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Access to a personal computer and a car.

Responsibilities

• Lead twelve sessions of quality Jewish programming.
• Help plan and lead family camping trips.
• Collaborate in curriculum planning.

Skills

Experience working with children (grades K–5)

Basic knowledge of the Hebrew calendar

Naturalist knowledge about Bay Area ecology

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Job description

Overview

Mentor for Elementary Age Youth. Start Date: August 2026. Part‑time role.

Wilderness Torah seeks a Youth Mentor in the East Bay from August 2026 to June 2027, or longer if agreed upon, to lead Jewish, nature‑based, experiential education for the B’hootz (Hebrew for "outside") youth program. Mentors will work under the supervision of the Youth Programs Manager and Program Director, and will be trained to offer caring mentorship and nature‑based exploration with Jewish spirituality, tradition, and wisdom. Mentors will lead groups of children through the nature‑based rhythm of the Hebrew calendar.

Program Details

B’hootz is an outdoor Jewish nature‑connection program for grades K–5 that runs on 12 Sundays from October through May, with 1 or 2 camping trips (one for K–3, two for 4–5). The program integrates Jewish spirituality, tradition, and teachings with nature‑based exploration.

Schedule: 12 Sundays, October to May, with fall family camping trip (all cohorts) and end‑of‑year camping trip (4‑5 grades only). Training: August 21‑23.

Structure: Each cohort has 8–16 kids with one adult mentor and 1–2 teen mentors. Etzim (grades 4–5) meet 10am–3pm, Shorashim (grades K–2) meet 10am–2pm. Location: East Bay, Joaquin Miller Park.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead twelve sessions of quality earth‑based Jewish programming.


• Help plan and lead the fall family camping trip and the end‑of‑year camping trip.


• Participate in collaborative curriculum planning with other mentors and the Youth Programs Manager.


• Work with and support teen mentors.


• Participate in immersive training (dates above).


• Provide a summary of activities (via text and photo) to parents.


• Maintain first CPR/aid certification; Wilderness Torah will reimburse training if needed.

Candidate Profile

• 3+ years of experience working with children grades K–5 in Jewish and/or outdoor programs such as summer counselor or afterschool program.


• Basic knowledge of the Hebrew calendar, Jewish holidays, rituals, and blessings.


• Basic naturalist knowledge about local Bay Area ecology.


• Experience leading groups of children, setting boundaries, reading group energy, balancing a plan while responding to participant needs, and attending to a diverse group.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.


• Commitment to racial, gender, and indigenous justice.


• Practice giving and receiving feedback with co‑workers.


• Passion for earth‑based Judaism and demonstrated commitment to the mission.


• Ability to walk on uneven terrain in all kinds of weather.


• Ability to comfortably sit, stand, walk, squat, etc.


• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.


• Access to a personal computer.


• Access to a car to transport to the site.


• Experience teaching children in one or more of the following categories is an advantage: Jewish tradition (text, ritual, music, Hebrew calendar), ecological awareness, ancestral skills (tracking, bird language, herbal medicine, wildcrafting), social‑emotional learning (mindfulness, emotional awareness, relationship building, decision making), creativity (art, music, movement).

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay commensurate with experience: $25‑$30 per hour (part‑time temporary).


• Paid earned sick leave.


• 25% off Wilderness Torah youth programs for any children.


• Free attendance to any virtual Wilderness Torah classes and courses, and discounts on all in‑person events.


• Wilderness Torah will subsidize your Wilderness First Aid course.


• Receive training in the award‑winning curriculum.

EEO Statement

Wilderness Torah is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.