Wilderness Trip Leader

Seeds of Peace Camp; Denmark (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Wyonegonic Camps in Maine offers Wilderness Trip Leader positions for girls ages 8–15, with trips on lakes and trails in Maine and New Hampshire. Leaders must be 21+, have a clean driving record, and bring strong outdoor living and camping skills. Training and certification are provided on-site in June.

On-trips responsibilities include primary decision making, safety, gear and provisioning, and coaching campers in teamwork and outdoor skills, with in-camp duties when not on trips.

Qualifications

• Must be 21+ years old.
• Driver’s license with a clean record.
• Preferred prior outdoor trip-leading experience with youth.
• Training and certification provided on site in June.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary in loco parentis for trip groups.
• Lead wilderness trips ranging from 1–6 days for girls ages 8–15.
• Provide program support when not leading trips.
• Organize group gear, provisions and food for departures and returns.
• Drive van/trailer or coordinate with driver for transportation.
• Instruct Leave No Trace wilderness ethics.

Skills

Outdoor living skills

Leave No Trace knowledge

Paddling canoes/kayaks

Leadership

Clean driving record

Education

American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Training

American Canoe Association Flatwater Canoe Instructor

Wilderness First Aid with CPR/AED

Maine State Trip Leader Certification

Job description

Wilderness Trip Leader positions available at Wyonegonic Camps for girls where we offer camp activities, waterfront and wilderness adventures in a caring and non-competitive environment. We love to get kids outdoors and back to the basics where they can appreciate the environment and form wonderful friendships. Trip Leaders must be age 21+, have clean driving record and Outdoor Living/Camping skills. They will be primary leaders for small groups of girls age 8-15 on wilderness adventures in Maine and NH. Trips itineraries include day hikes to 3-5 day backpacking experiences. Canoe and kayak trips on the lakes and rivers of Maine vary in length from 1-6 days. Trip Leaders are involved in general camp program at Wyonegonic when not out on the lakes or trails. Training and certification provided for Trip Leaders at Wyonegonic during the month of June.

General Responsibilities

• Actively participate in pre-camp staff orientation
• Serve as the primary in loco parentis adult for single and multi-day canoe and hiking trips
• Provide program support to camp unit whennot leading a trip

Essential Functions

• Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times, both when on duty and during time off
• Have a genuine interest in working with youth
• Live in residency with very little privacy

On Trips:

• Act as primary decision maker and responsible for group safety
• Provide a small group experience that offers challenge and adventure, appreciation for the out-of-doors and opportunity to share responsibility
• Organize appropriate group gear, provisions, and food, and ensure that campers have appropriate personal gear, on both departure and return to camp
• Drive van and/or trailer or coordinate with assigned driver for transportation needs
• Navigate trails or waterways with camper involvement and instruction
• Practice and instruct Leave No Trace wilderness ethics

In Camp:

• Promote upcoming trips and work with Program Director for camper trip assignments
• Maintain camper database on interest, signup and trip assignments, evaluation and history
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in Trip Shack
• Assist cabin counselors with Overnight Trip pack out
• Be a member of the staff team within an assigned age unit
• Teach up to five periods per day in assigned program area
• Provide support for Evening Programs, Sunday program and special events
• Provide written evaluations for Trip Coordinator on assigned trips

This is a challenging and rewarding position; We are a community that strives for excellence in all that we do. We have staff from around the world with an array of talents. Outstanding staff makes camp a success for all.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21 years
• Driver’s license with a clean record
• Preferred prior experience: Previous outdoor experience leading groups (preferably children) on multi-day trips; Leave No Trace knowledge; paddling canoes or kayaks; orienteering and map skills; hiking and backpacking; food preparation and outdoor cooking, wilderness first aid.
• Current Certification or training provided on site in June: American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Training; American Canoe Association Flatwater Canoe Instructor; Wilderness First Aid with CPR/AED; Maine State Trip Leader.
• Additional Salary available for working Family Camp Sessions beyond the camper season in mid August.