Description
About the Position
As a wilderness trip leader, you will help develop and deliver a variety of tripping activities that are safe, fun and appropriate for camper’s age and abilities, The trips staff will report directly to the Director of Outdoor Education and work closely with the program staff to manage the physical operation of the programs and the related equipment and needs. For our youngest campers, you will plan overnight experiences at a remote tent site of the camp; as well as age appropriate day trips. For our older campers, overnights can be planned on or off property and can be single or multi day adventures. Examples of O-AT-KA trips are day hikes at a nearby mountain, day or overnight excursions to visit waterfalls in Western Maine, a 2 day canoe or kayak trip, accompanying a group white water rafting, mountain biking, etc.
The Trip Leader will coordinate scheduling with the Director of Outdoor Education, Program Director, Infirmary staff and kitchen to plan all logistics for any activity. Additional chaperones will be assigned.
In addition to the direct job responsibilities, the Trips Leader will also be part of the greater community, to support the O-AT-KA mission by promoting personal growth and community development.
Essential Responsibilities
- Promote, educate and excite campers about the breadth of trips planned and encourage sign-ups.
- Plan and prepare for on-campus and off-property trips; this includes:
- Finalize itinerary, connect with vendors, and all other logistics
- Pack food and gear appropriate for duration of trip
- Communicate with Infirmary regarding campers’ medical needs and supplies
- Plan with the kitchen for food and beverage needs and timing
- Work with camp office to reserve transportation, assign additional staff chaperones, and drivers
- Familiarize self with potential evacuation locations and scenarios
- Connect with participants prior to departure to teach or evaluate skills needed for a fun and safe experience
- Complete all necessary paperwork, i.e. incident reports, camper reports, trip reports, etc.
- Ensure that camp staff and campers follow established safety guidelines
- Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the tripping area; this includes:
- Unpacking and returning equipment to proper location
- Conduct a check of equipment before and after each use, for safety, cleanliness, and repair/ replacement
- Notify appropriate staff if equipment needs repair or replacement
- Ensure the security of all equipment when not in use
- Maintain a high level of professionalism and develop rapport and collaborate in a warm and professional manner with campers, business partners and co-workers.
Requirements
Key Attributes:
- At least 18 years of age
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified; or willingness to obtain (camp will pay fees)
- Possesses or willingness to obtain a Maine Youth Trip Leader Permit (camp will pay fees)
- Knowledge and experience in leading a trip program or vast personal outdoor experience
- Model exemplary behavior in word and actions
- The strengthen and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers and staff during trip length
- Experience working with school-age children, preferably in a camp setting
- Can communicate well with campers, counselors, and leadership team members
- Able to play the role of the available adult to enforce boundaries and enforce decisions
- Strong planner, well-organized yet flexible
- If 21+, a valid driver’s license and comfortable driving a 12 person van desirable.
