Four Trails Adventure Trip Leader

Position Title: Four Trails Leader

Reports To: Four Trails Coordinators
 

Mission: The American Youth Foundation inspires people to discover and develop their personal best, to seek balance in mental, physical, social and spiritual living and to make a positive difference in their communities and in the wider world.
 

Expectation of All Employees:

Shows commitment to the core values of best self, balanced living, safety, respect, responsibility and stewardship.

Supports the organization’s mission, vision and ethics by displaying the following behaviors:

• integrity,
• openness and honesty,
• listening and understanding,
• giving and receiving constructive feedback,
• seeking a balance between personal and professional lives,
• dependability and accountability.

General Responsibilities:

• Leadership and guidance of a village of approximately 12 campers, single gendered or co-ed.
• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, Best Self practices and balanced Four-Fold growth according to the philosophy of AYF.
• Be a positive Role Model
• Instruction in some skilled program activities

Specific Responsibilities:

• Community Expectations
• Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the staff handbook including, our alcohol, drug, and tobacco free campus policy.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities
• Live with and eat meals with a village group, helping each camper to adjust to camp life together.
• Instruct campers in safety and health regulations, policies and procedures of camp and behavior.
• Be a risk manager.
• Be familiar with and apply the Four-Fold philosophy and Best Self practices to leadership, instruction and modeling while in camp and on trail.
• Exercise strict adherence to established safety procedures and guidelines for backpacking, bike touring, canoeing and other outdoor experiences outlined in Trip Leader Handbooks.
• Manage behavioral issues, homesickness, injury or unforeseen circumstances from remote locations in conjunction with your Coordinator and support team at Camp.
• Demonstrate knowledge of group dynamics by facilitating group activities, guiding discussions, properly debriefing an initiative.
• Learn and teach specific camp craft skills.
• Adapt to unforeseen circumstances in the event that program activities need be altered.
• Teach and abide by “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics.
• Properly fill out all of the paperwork required before and after a trip.
• Discuss with the Four Trails Coordinators and Camp Director any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships, discipline and other areas of concern to the camp.
• Conduct camper entrance and exit interviews and compile thorough trip and village reports.
• Complete all paperwork at conclusion of each session, including letters to parents.
• Assist the Four Trails Coordinators and Camp Director in post-camp evaluations.
• Set a high standard of personal neatness, promptness, manners, language, attitude and participation.
• Establish Personal and Professional Goals and work towards them throughout the summer

Essential Functions

• Applicants must be in excellent physical condition. They will be required to have the stamina and energy to safely lead campers during travel through difficult terrain, in challenging weather and after long days. Able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Applicants must have strong emotional health. They will be required to exhibit good judgment, effective problem solving, and maintain calm to safely lead the children in their care under changing and stressful conditions.
• Be able to maintain focus for extended periods while assessing risks and supervising campers
• Ability to respond to, teach and manage the behaviors of the campers in their care
• Able to effectively manage their emotions to remain focused on what is in the best interest of the campers in their care in a variety of situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with campers and staff
• Ability to respond to and direct campers and/or staff in an emergency
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 21 years
• Completed at least one year of college or equivalent
• Demonstrate leadership ability and commitment to balanced personal development and excellence.
• Previous trip leading experience preferred.
• Previous experience with group management, facilitation and outdoor education.
• CPR certification
• Wilderness First Responder certified

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

We are grateful for those committed to positive youth development and creating inclusive communities.

We seek individuals to inspire youth along a path of self-discovery, actualization, and empowerment. If you believe in this mission, scroll down to view current openings or apply. If you have any questions, please contact us.

The American Youth Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran’s status.