Four Trails Specialist

American Youth Foundation; Grant Township (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided

Job summary

The American Youth Foundation invites applications for Four Trails Specialists to support backcountry trips in Michigan. You will collaborate with the Logistics Coordinator to manage gear and food, assist with training participants, and ensure safe execution of camp activities on-site.

Ideal candidates are physically fit, have strong problem-solving and communication skills, and can maintain safety across diverse outdoor environments while living on-site during training and camp sessions.

Qualifications

• Must be in excellent physical condition, able to walk rugged terrain, lift up to 45 pounds, climb with safety gear up to 40 feet, swim/boat for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Manage out-camping equipment and food inventories.
• Safely transport groups and equipment using a 15-passenger van and trailer.
• Assist canoeing, hiking, and sea kayaking trips for campers and staff.
• Issue and de-issue gear; prepare and return food.
• Participate in camp and community activities when possible.
• Provide support for cabin leaders during days off and meals.
• Role model AYF mission and values; adapt to evolving needs.

Skills

Physical fitness

Emergency response

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Leadership under stress

Driving ability

Camp safety

Job description

Description

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

Four Trails Specialists work with the Logistics Coordinator to ensure the successful execution of backcountry trips throughout the summer. Specialists are responsible for gear, food, and some training of participants.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• The Miniwanca site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Four Trails Specialists live onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage an area of out-camping equipment and out-camping food, making repairs and managing inventories when necessary.
• Safely transport groups and equipment to and from trip locations using a 15-passenger van and trailer.
• Support canoeing, hiking, and sea kayaking trips by providing assistance to both campers and staff.
• Issue and de-issue out-camping gear and equipment, and prepare and return food.
• Participate actively in camp activities and community activities when possible.
• Assist with camp transportation and program needs when necessary.
• Cover for cabin leader days off as needed by sitting with a cabin at meals and rest hour, making sure campers get to the appropriate activities, and engaging with them throughout the day.
• Role model the AYF mission and values.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Must be in excellent physical condition, including the ability to walk through rugged terrain, lift up to 45 pounds, climb with safety gear up to 40 feet in the air, and swim/boat at length in various bodies of water.
• Must have strong emotional health; required to exhibit good judgment, effective problem solving, and remain calm to safely lead children in their care under changing and stressful conditions.
• Ability to maintain focus for extended periods while assessing risks and supervising campers.
• Ability to effectively manage emotions to remain focused on what is in the best interest of campers in a variety of situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with campers and staff.
• Ability to respond to and direct campers and/or staff in an emergency.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers.
• Minimum age: 18 years old.
• Clean driving record.
• Good organizational and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to live in camp conditions and possibly trail conditions when transporting groups to trip sites.
• Strong positive work ethic and a passion for youth development.

Preferred:

• Experience in the outdoors and with the necessary gear, equipment, and food.
• Previous experience in the camp field.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.