Expedition Field Instructor
Field instructors will be responsible for the physical safety, emotional well-being, and spiritual encouragement of a group of high school students in an outdoor setting, either in a base camp or on a backcountry trip. The field instructor is the keystone of the youth program: although they will have support and help, they will be responsible for making sure that trips happen, students are safe and happy, group dynamics are monitored, goals are met, schedules are enforced, and all the details fall in place.
Tasks: Communicate and cooperate with your co-instructors and volunteers. Teach outdoor living skills and ethics, including navigation, equipment use, cooking, low-impact camping, staying warm/safe/dry, and so on. Ensure that logistical details are in place. Encourage your group to take leadership, grow spiritually, work together, challenge themselves, and hold each other accountable. Use your bag of tricks and facilitation skills to help develop metaphors and activities related to the theme of the week. Exercise good judgment and make safety calls in outdoor situations. Lead canoeing and kayaking day trips, hikes, servant projects, sightseeing, and multi-day backpacking trips. Accompany the group on climbing and horseback riding trips (you will be responsible for the group, but not for technical instruction for these activities.) May be asked to drive program vehicles with passengers. Keep up with paperwork. Help refine the program structure, schedule and methods using your own creativity, ingenuity and gifts.
Dates:
June 11-15, training retreat hosted by founders Marty & Darla Kaarre
June 17-August 14, including 2 days clean-up and debrief at the end of the program, and 42 field days with students.
Time off: June 16, July 8, July 16-26, August 5
Qualifications: at least 21, clean driving record, wilderness first aid and CPR certified (WFR preferred), and ability to lead and instruct at least two of the following: canoeing, kayaking, backpacking. Willing to model a Christian lifestyle of humility, integrity, and kindness. Compassion and empathy for young people. Desired: CDL with passenger endorsement or willing to obtain. Lifeguard certification. ACA or BCU instructor certification.
Salary/Benefits: $2800-$3200 for the season. Meals while on courses. Simple but cozy living space. Opportunity to work in a supportive Christian community, surrounded by some of God’s most spectacular creative efforts including Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.