B’hootz Youth Mentor for Grades K-5

Wilderness Torah; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid earned sick leave

Discounts on Wilderness Torah youth programs

Free attendance to virtual classes

Job summary

Wilderness Torah in the East Bay is hiring a Youth Mentor for the B’hootz program, focusing on Jewish, nature-based education for children grades K–5. Starting in August 2026, this part-time temporary role includes leading programming and camping trips while fostering a connection to Jewish traditions.

Ideal candidates will have experience with children and knowledge of the Hebrew calendar, along with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for outdoor education. Compensation ranges from $25 to $30 per hour, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience with children in Jewish and/or outdoor programs.
• Commitment to racial, gender, and indigenous justice.
• Ability to transport to the B’hootz site.

Responsibilities

• Lead twelve sessions of earth-based Jewish programming.
• Help plan and lead camping trips for children.
• Implement collaborative curriculum planning.

Skills

Experience working with children in grades K–5

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work in diverse settings

Knowledge of the Hebrew calendar and Jewish holidays

Job description

START DATE: August 2026

Do you love working with youth in nature? Are you looking for a role that is playful, interactive, and outdoors? 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. Under the supervision of the Youth Programs Manager and Program Director, you will be trained to offer caring mentorship and nature-based exploration with Jewish spirituality, tradition, and wisdom. Mentors build their skills while working with a team of passionate people. Mentors will lead groups of children through the nature-based rhythm of the Hebrew calendar.

ABOUT THE B’HOOTZ PROGRAM

B’hootz is an outdoor Jewish nature-connection program for grades K–5 that runs on 12 Sundays from October through May, along with 1 or 2 camping trips (one for K–3, two for 4–5). This program integrates Jewish spirituality, tradition, and teachings, with nature-based exploration. More than 500 kids of all levels of Jewish identity and practice have participated since 2010. We appeal to families seeking alternatives for their kids: unplugged time in nature, learning by doing, and a pluralistic approach to Jewish learning.

IMPORTANT LOGISTICS

• Schedule: B’hootz meets for 12 Sundays, from October to May
• See program dates: https://wildernesstorah.org/programs/youth-and-family-programs/bhootz/#timeandlocation
• Fall Camping Trip (all cohorts): November 6–7
• Spring Camping Trip (grades 4–5): May 21–22
• Training dates: Fri–Sun, August 21–23; To be determined date(s) in January
• Structure: Cohorts of 8–16 kids with one adult mentor and 1–2 teen mentors
• Etzim (“trees”) cohorts: grades 4–5, meet 10am–3pm
• Shorashim (“roots”) cohorts: grades K–2, meet 10am–2pm
• Location: East Bay, meets in Joaquin Miller Park

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead twelve sessions of quality earth-based Jewish programming
• Help plan and lead the fall family camping trip (all cohorts) and the end-of-year camping trip (grades 4–5 only)
• Participate in collaborative curriculum planning with other mentors and the Youth Programs Manager
• Work with and support teen mentors
• Participate in immersive training
• Provide a summary of activities (via text and photo) to parents
• Maintain CPR/first aid certification (WT reimburses if you don’t already have it)

ABOUT YOU

• 3+ years experience working with children in grades K–5 in Jewish and/or outdoor programs (e.g., summer counselor or afterschool)
• Basic knowledge of the Hebrew calendar and Jewish holidays, rituals, blessings, etc.
• Basic naturalist knowledge about local Bay Area ecology
• Comfort leading groups of children, maintaining boundaries, reading group energy, balancing plans with participant needs, and attending to differences in 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 a commitment to our mission
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain in all kinds of weather; ability to sit, stand, walk, squat, etc.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
• Access to a personal computer and a car to transport yourself to the B’hootz site

EXPERTISE IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING IS AN ADVANTAGE

• Jewish tradition: text, ritual, music, Hebrew calendar
• Ecological awareness: identify local flora and fauna
• Ancestral skills: tracking, bird language, herbal medicine, wildcrafting
• Social-emotional learning: mindfulness, emotional awareness, relationship building, decision-making
• Creativity: art, music, movement

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $25–$30/hr, part-time temporary role (commensurate with experience)
• Paid earned sick leave
• 25% off Wilderness Torah youth programs for any children
• Free attendance to virtual Wilderness Torah classes and discounts on in-person events
• Wilderness Torah subsidizes your WFA (Wilderness First Aid) course
• Receive training in our award-winning curriculum

Wilderness Torah is an equal opportunity employer; people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. No discrimination on the basis of race, gender, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.