Outdoor Education Instructor

Join us lakeside in the Deschutes National Forest as we provide youth of all ages with hands-on opportunities in the outdoors that promote growth, connection, and curiosity! In the Spring and Fall seasons, we host local 5th and 6th grade students for an overnight Outdoor School experience complete with experiential science explorations, team building challenges, recreation activities, campfires and more. In the Summer season, we host campers ages 8-13 for a week-long overnight Summer Camp experience with a wide variety of activity offerings including swimming, crafting and sports, and evening programs like campfires and a carnival. We are seeking staff who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment to support our mission of youth development through mentored outdoor experiences.

Instructor Position Overview

• Work 40-45 hours per week on a Sunday-Thursday or Monday-Friday schedule.
• Lead standards based science, leadership and recreation activities for Outdoor School participants.
• Lead camp activities such as hiking, paddle sports, swimming, archery, crafts and group games for Summer Camp participants.
• Facilitate evening time programming like campfire skits and songs 1-2 times per week.
• Mentor, supervise and evaluate high school students who serve as cabin counselors for youth participants.
• Assist with daily site set-up and cleaning.
• Assist with transportation of participants to and from camp (15-passenger van driver training provided).

Required Skills

• High school degree.
• Alignment with our organizations values of Growth, Connection and Curiosity.
• Experience facilitating environmental education or youth camp programming.
• Ability to mentor, supervise, and evaluate high school students.
• Strong interpersonal skills including positive communication, flexibility, dependability and conflict resolution.
• Ability to provide waterfront supervision including canoeing and paddle boarding.
• Ability to uphold risk management protocols related to outdoor activities (training provided).
• Ability to lead physically demanding outdoor activities and work long hours in all weather conditions.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all program participants.

Preferred Skills

• College degree in a related field.
• Certifications in outdoor education, environmental science or outdoor leadership.
• Experience leading recreational activities such as archery, canoeing, paddle sports, swimming or similar activities.
• Background in environmental education, ecology or science, with the ability to teach children about the natural world.
• Background in reading lesson plans, adapting lessons and working with youth from different backgrounds and abilities.
• Medical certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or First Responder, CPR, Lifeguard.
• Proficiency in the Spanish language.

Season Dates

We are currently looking for someone to commit to our entire season from April 8th to October 28th. We are also filling a summer/fall position, which would be June 15th to October 28th. 

• Spring Outdoor School April 8th-June 3rd
• Summer Camp: June 15th-August 28th
• Fall Outdoor School: September 14th-October 28th

Compensation

• $620-670 weekly salary, paid monthly
• On-site housing in shared staff quarters provided for the full employment season.
• Internet, utilities, and laundry facilities provided on-site.
• All meals provided when programming is taking place.
• Paid Sick or Sad Time – 1 paid day earned for each session (1 for the Spring, 1 for the Summer, and 1 for the Fall).
• Paid Time Off – 1 paid day earned for each session (1 for the Spring, 1 for the Summer, and 1 for the Fall).

Our Camp values are embedded into every aspect of camp programming and our team. We are seeking a team with a deep commitment to these values and willingness to live in to these principles day-in and day-out.

• Growth: We value continuous development, learning by doing, and accountability.
• Connection: We value an inclusive community that listens, shares, and creates space for the diverse perspectives of others.
• Curiosity: We value a sense of wonder in self, others and the environment.

Want to learn more?

You can visit our website for more information and a full job description! We have several more job postings available to check out on our website!

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to calypso@camptamarack.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.