Indigenous Fellow/Assistant Instructor

Spend your summer outside in beautiful Olympia, WA! Camp Wa-Ya’s programs intertwine outdoor adventure, science education, and Indigenous knowledge. This position will provide an opportunity for a person connected to the Indigenous community to develop leadership and outdoor instructor skills. Fellows will be trained in developing and teaching curriculum, coordinating with tribal communities and teachers, and sharing cultural knowledge in a way that is consistent with cultural teachings.

TO APPLY: Visit our website at https://wayaoutdoorschool.com/job-openings

The Indigenous Fellow will assist Camp Wa-Ya Instructors in the development and delivery of curriculum, and creation of lesson plans, and will be responsible for providing instruction, running activities, and organizing games for groups of 9–13 campers. The Fellow will assist the Assistant Director with day-to-day camp operations as needed, including but not limited to transportation, equipment and supplies management, set-up, clean-up, taking pictures, posting to Wa-Ya’s social media, and other duties as required. This position serves as the primary support staff for the creation and delivery of Wa-Ya’s Indigenous teaching objectives.

Our program is centered around a science-based curriculum, in combination with Indigenous practices and arts, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship, and provide an environment that fosters a sense of wonder for Wa-Ya campers.  Camp Wa-Ya staff and campers spend most of their day outdoors, engaged in regular activity. Our programs include hiking, kayaking, and outdoor skills, and the Fellow should be prepared to work outside in any weather.

Wa-Ya runs a 10-week summer camp program with Day Camp offerings for ages 6–13 and Adventure Camp trips for ages 12–16.  All Wa-Ya staff engage in a culturally integrated environment, where Wa-Ya’s values of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion are practiced.

Our summer season runs from June 15–August 28, 2026.  Please see our website for other job postings, including trip leaders and substitute instructors.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled; we will begin interviews the week of February 16th.