Outdoor Adventure Director

Camp Waldo Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director

As the Outdoor Skills & Adventure Director, you will lead the planning and implementation of all camp paddling and backpacking trips, ensuring that every camper participates in age-appropriate experiences in both program areas. You will spearhead the broader execution of outdoor adventure programming, immersing campers in activities such as hiking, backpacking, and paddling. This role includes teaching essential skills such as camp craft, wilderness survival, navigation, and other technical outdoor competencies in the context of a greater appreciation for our Appalachian ecology. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with a diverse team of counselors (young adults) and campers.

Camp Waldo is operated by environment non-profit Appalachian Headwaters, and is focused on providing immersive and accessible outdoor learning opportunities for our region’s youth.

Additional Benefits:

• On-site housing
• Three meals a day
• Camp gear
• Comprehensive staff training
• Scheduled days off
• Family-friendly policies, including collaboration with staff who wish to enroll their children

Essential Job Functions:

• Outdoor Skills Program Development: Design, implement, and supervise an outdoor skills program that is age-appropriate, skill-progressive, and safety-focused for all campers.
• Activity Planning and Leadership: Plan and lead outdoor activities including hiking, camping, backpacking, paddling/kayaking, outdoor cooking, and nature exploration.
• Trip Planning and Execution: Prepare and lead all camp backpacking and paddling trips.
• Meal Collaboration: Work with the Camp Chef to plan and prepare meals for overnight trips and outdoor programs, involving campers and staff as appropriate.
• Policy and Procedure Compliance: Ensure that all outdoor programs operate in accordance with camp policies, safety protocols, and risk-management procedures.
• Staff Training and Supervision: Assist with training staff in outdoor skills, trip leadership, safety practices, and Leave No Trace principles.
• Facilities and Equipment Oversight: Manage outdoor program facilities and oversee the use, care, and storage of equipment.
• Equipment Maintenance and Inventory: Conduct regular safety checks, maintain equipment inventory, and plan for repair or replacement as needed.
• Safety and Stewardship: Conduct routine safety and cleanliness checks of program areas and reinforce Leave No Trace practices with campers and staff.

Qualifications:

• Experience Working with Youth: Demonstrated experience working with children or teens in outdoor, educational, or camp settings.
• Wilderness Trip Leadership: Experience planning and leading backpacking or paddling trips.
• First Aid / CPR: Current First Aid and CPR certification required (or willingness to obtain prior to the start of camp).
• Wilderness Medical Training: Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification preferred but not required.
• Background Screening: Ability to successfully complete an interview and criminal background check.
• Professional References: Ability to provide two to three professional or academic references.
• Transportation Skills: Ability to drive a large passenger van; must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Driving Record: Clean driving record required.

Leadership Team Schedule:

• Leadership Team Arrival: June 2
• Leadership Orientation: June 2 – 5
• Counselor Arrival: June 5
• Staff Orientation: June 6 – 12
• Camp Session: June 13 – July 3