Outdoor Teaching Guide
Outdoor Teaching Guide
Have fun this summer and work for an environmental organization by teaching youth in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. BookTrails is an exciting organization that offers unique early-education programs promoting environmental awareness taught through reading, writing, and art.
We are seeking Outdoor Teaching Guides to join our summer programming team for BookTrails Camp.
Outdoor Teaching Guides will gain experience in many sectors of the organization—administration and organization, camp logistics and planning, and most importantly, teaching both environmental and literacy education in an outdoor setting.
Guides will teach camp lessons, plan and schedule activities, and supervise a team of Junior Guides. Staff will also have the opportunity to spend a few weeks at our overnight camp location.
An unforgettable experience is guaranteed, as well as an excellent springboard towards your next career choice. Spend your summer exploring the beautiful Colorado wilderness while teaching children and providing them with a nature experience of a lifetime.
Responsibilities
- Create, prepare, and lead both literacy and science activities and lessons for school-aged children that relate to camp themes
- Coordinate logistical aspects of the day, including transportation needs and planning special field trips
- Provide one-on-one reading and writing help for students
- Communicate with the director about issues and updates relating to: staff, campers, logistics, parents, emergencies/ safety issues, etc.
- Communicate with parents about their child’s successes and progress, as well as any behavioral issues
- Assist with morning and afternoon sign-in/out
- Act as a mentor/ supervisor for our team of Junior Guides
Superior organizational and time management skills are crucial to excelling in this position. Individuals who are receptive to close collaboration in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects simultaneously will be assets to the organization. Ideal candidates are dedicated individuals who seek to grow as professionals and develop supportive relationships with colleagues.
Qualifications
Experience working with children, ages 3-15, (at least 460 hours). Lead guide positions will be considered for candidates with more experience.
- Must be comfortable managing groups of children in an outdoor setting
- Must be a team player, problem solver, high energy, and FLEXIBLE
- Strong knowledge of Colorado ecosystems
- Strong reading and writing skills and a passion for literature
- Must possess strong organizational and communication skills
- Must possess CPR and First Aid certification, or be willing to get certified before June 1st.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive 15-passenger vehicles
Conditions
- Must be able to reside in Steamboat Springs from May 30- August 10th.
- Must be able to overnight camp at our site for 4 nights/week during some weeks.
- Must love the outdoors and be comfortable with overnight camping for multiple nights in a primitive location.
- Must be able to attend our Camp Clean-Up Days on June 1st and August 9th.
Benefits
- $6,500 salary for the period of June 1- August 10th (1 week of staff training, 8 weeks of camp, and help days).
- Guides will receive an end-of-summer bonus as well as extra pay for working weeklong overnight camps.
- The schedule is Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm and will include nights at our overnight sight.
- No camp is held on weekends except for preparations needed for camp on Monday.
- Staff will spend some weeks (M-F) at our overnight site where room and board will be provided (approximately 2 weeks of your summer).
- All staff will be off the week of June 30-July 4th.
- Housing is provided in a shared room with other BookTrails employees. (2BD/ 2 BA apartments with 4 total employees living there).
- Pro deals for gear.
- Invaluable learning experience in the fields of natural ecology, environmental education, literacy education, local Colorado history, early-childhood education, and fun camping trips!
- Excellent resume builder and references.
Apply
Applicants should submit the following to annmarie@steamboatbooktrails.org (include “BookTrails Outdoor Reading Guide” in subject line):
Resume and cover letter
Three references will be needed after the first phone interview.