Backpacking Trip Leader

Looking to lead unforgettable backpacking trips in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, connect with an incredible team, and live on a scenic island for the summer?

Camp Nor'wester is a overnight summer camp located in the San Juan Islands of WA. We run two four-week-long sessions for campers ages 9-16, providing a unique outdoor living experience where a diverse group of young people is challenged to develop skills that increase self-confidence and encourage respect, responsibility, and compassion for themselves, their community, and the environment.

The Backpacking Trip Leader leads the five- or four-day backpacking trips for campers ages 13 to 16 years old. The Nor’wester trip program is structured to emphasize camper skill building, leadership, and exploration. Trip Leaders collaborate with two other staff on each trip in organizing pre-trip planning and preparation, decision-making on the trip, group facilitation, and risk management. When not out on trips, Trip Leaders are assigned to trip program tasks such as gear maintenance and packing, assisting with food packing, and trip paperwork or serve as Relief Staff filling in to supervise groups of campers as they attend in-camp activities.

Base Salary: $4,217 (June 10th – August 21st ) with optional extensions, bonuses, etc.

Housing: On-site shared staff accommodation and meals provided

Qualifications

1. Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid or higher certification (WFA training offer June 6th-8th)
2. Ability to pass a comprehensive background check
3. Ability to live on-site, fostering positive relationships with peers in a communal living setting
4. Experience leading backpacking trips including trip planning, risk management, and group facilitation
5. Valid US drivers license, clean driving record, and ability to drive passenger vans
6. Minimum age of 21

Skills

1. A genuine interest in working/living with and teaching children
2. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
3. Commitment to equity and inclusion in the camp experience
4. Ability to accept supervision, feedback, and guidance
5. Ability to work independently, manage schedule, and also take direction well
6. Ability to work as a team and delegate appropriate tasks to other trip staff
7. Flexibility and willingness to adjust job responsibilities to meet the greatest needs of camp

General Responsibility- Prepare outcamp trips prior to departure

1. Thoroughly read and understand all Trip Procedure documents
2. Oversee trip menu and itinerary planning as required for the specific trip, working within already set reservations and logistics
3. Facilitate Trip Planning Evening with trip participants to educate campers on trip expectations, packing requirements, and other trip specific skills so they can assist with itinerary and menu planning
4. Fit campers to individual equipment as needed and ensure each camper can operate equipment properly and safely
5. Instruct campers on trip safety and group communication procedures and policies
6. Train additional trip staff in trip procedures and group management procedures as necessary
7. Attend pre-trip Nurse check-ins, acquire necessary knowledge regarding individual campers’ physical and mental health, and follow-up with Unit Leaders as necessary

General Responsibility- Facilitate safe and engaging outcamp trips

1. Ensure safety of participants at all times during trips
2. Communicate regularly with Program Director during trips using cell phone or provided messaging equipment.
3. Ensure all tasks required to facilitate trip are covered, including transportation, meal planning and preparation, camper supervision, etc.
4. Ensure documentation of trip with camera, provided by camp
5. Facilitate skill building and on-trip responsibilities for campers
6. Submit post-trip paperwork outlining successes of trip, areas for improvement, evaluation of trip staff and general program recommendations

General Responsibility- Assist with maintaining trip equipment in operational order before, during, and following trips

1. Determine individual gear needed by participants and group gear for specific trip
2. Maintain inventory of all gear checked out and communicate any necessary repairs or replacement
3. Complete gear maintenance, cleaning, inventorying, and organizing as assigned by Trip & Overnight Coordinator

General Responsibility- Support units as Relief Staff as assigned

1. Cover supervision and facilitation duties of a Unit Leader when they are on time off
2. Communicate with the present unit leader regularly throughout the assignment regarding their needs and campers needs
3. Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group, as feasible during your assignment

General Responsibility- Supervise and participate with campers

1. Supervise and support assigned residential Unit during non-department activity times including mornings, meals, evening activities, and nighttime coverage
2. Share interests and skills that contribute to a wholesome, positive learning atmosphere
3. Act as unit relief staff at the direction of the Scheduler and Assistant Program Director
4. Facilitate and lead outcamp experiences for campers on overnight trips, including teaching camping skills