Trip Leader

Job Overview:

Are you passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders and creating unforgettable experiences while exploring the wonders of Maine? As a Trip Leader and Leadership Educator, you will lead immersive and engaging outdoor programs for teenagers, guiding them through 3-6 day trips, including camping, hiking, and canoeing adventures. You will participate in a comprehensive two-week training to hone your practical skills, after which you’ll co-lead multiple-week sessions focused on essential leadership skills such as communication, team-building, and outdoor safety. Be the mentor so many teens crave and need! Join the Tanglewood team as a Trip Leader.

• Position Title: Trip Leader and Leadership Educator
• Location: Tanglewood or Blueberry Cove 4-H Camp and Learning Center, Lincolnville or Tenants Harbor, Maine
• Position Type: Full-Time, Temporary (June 8  to August 15 or August 29)
• Salary Range: $4500-$6600  for 10 to 12 weeks
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Responsibilities:

• You will attend and actively participate in a two-week-long paid staff training, where you will practice, review, and test your practical skills to feel comfortable leading and teaching campers.
• You will co-lead outdoor leadership programs for teenagers, each lasting 1, 2, or 3 weeks, which include exciting 3-8 day camping, hiking, and canoeing trips (note that some weekend work will be required during the program sessions).
• You will plan lessons and schedules, implementing a leadership curriculum that covers a variety of skills such as listening, communication, team-building, low-impact camping, conflict resolution, canoe safety, canoeing skills, map and compass navigation, general ecology, personal health and safety, and knot-tying.
• You will prepare food for trips and coordinate logistical support, including food and equipment deliveries and emergency assistance.
• You will supervise and ensure the safety of campers at all times, facilitating the resolution of group conflicts while encouraging problem-solving and decision-making, and you will live in and supervise a cabin of up to 6 program participants.
• You will model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship of the environment.
• You will actively engage with campers during lessons, recreation, and mealtimes to foster a supportive community.
• You will drive 12-passenger vans, sometimes towing a canoe trailer, to program sites alongside participants and other staff members.
• You will regularly evaluate the program with the Program Leader and Director to enhance the overall camp experience.

Potential Trips

• Circle Loop Trail along the Appalachian Trail
• Exploring Downeast Maine and farm life
• Hiking and exploring the Camden Hills State Park
• Seaside Camping and ocean paddling
• Canoe trips to High Island in Tenants Harbor, on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, or on Flagstaff Lake
• Long-hiking on the last 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail, culminating with a 3-night stay at Baxter State Park including a summit of Mt. Katahdin

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications:

Level Three Required: 

• You need a High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• You need a minimum of 3 years related experience working with teenagers and teaching in the outdoors or equivalent

AND/OR

• You need to hold an additional certification that is value-added to keep our campers safe like:
  • Lifeguard certification
  • Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification
• You have experience leading camping/backpacking/canoeing trips

Preferred: 

• You are 21 years of age or older
• You hold a higher additional certification that is specific to the outdoors like:
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification
  • Small Craft Water Safety Certification
• With or without accommodation, you can lead groups outdoors over various terrains with 35+ lbs. packs for extended days and the ability to assist in carrying canoes (85 lb.) with others
• You can demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills in all aspects of outdoor camp programming.
• You have a genuine motivation to work with children in a vibrant, high-energy outdoor setting where every day is an adventure.
• You demonstrate responsible and safe decision-making skills, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all campers during outdoor programming