Adventure Camp Counselor

Position Overview

The Adventure Camp Counselor assists the Adventure Camp Coordinator in providing positive, valuable, and safe experiences for Mountaineers campers on overnight trips. They are directly responsible for the daily supervision of the group and teaching a variety of outdoor skills and curriculum. They will assist with preparing for each camp, including meal planning and gear organization, and cleaning up after each camp. The Adventure Camp Counselor should excel at spreading stoke and inspiring confidence in outdoor settings through personal connection and seemingly endless energy. They will work collaboratively with other camp staff to create an inclusive and welcoming camp environment. Mountaineers adventure camps include camping and learning mountaineering skills at Mt. Rainier, hiking out of the Mt. Baker and Stevens Pass Lodges, climbing and camping in the North Cascades, and 2- and 3-day backpacking trips for campers ages 10-14, as well as climbing and 4-day backpacking trips for campers ages 14-17.

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide a meaningful camp experience, keeping campers happy, healthy, safe, and having fun.
• Foster a positive sense of community within the group and seek ways to include all campers.
• Enthusiastically teach outdoor activities and curriculum.
• Assist in the preparation and planning of each camp.
• Along with the Adventure Camp Coordinator, provide outdoor instruction, such as climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, leave no trace principles, trail etiquette, navigation, and outdoor cooking.
• Assist in setting outdoor climbing routes and safely managing climbing sites.
• Assist in emergency situations.
• Ensure The Mountaineers youth policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.

Requirements

• Minimum age 21.
• Have a high school diploma.
• A positive, enthusiastic team player.
• Experience working outdoors with youth.
• WFR/WFA certification, or ability to become certified before start date
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and no more than 2 minor violations.
• Must attend all of staff training and be available week of June 20 for prep work

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of quick games and time fillers to keep campers engaged during transitions.
• Summer camp experience, or comparable experience working with 10-17 year olds on overnight programs.
• Outdoor experience (i.e. backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking).
• Climbing and belaying experience.
• Flexibility and adaptability when things don’t go as planned.
• Experience teaching outdoor recreation skills such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, naturalist skills, teambuilding, or photography.

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to The Mountaineers focus on advancing equity. Our core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and Volunteerism, and we believe a diverse and inclusive environment inspires unity, respect, and passion for our work and one another. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with colleagues of varied experience and background. The Mountaineers is an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds are considered, and as an organization that values equity and inclusion, we highly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans to apply.

Work Environment 

This role is based in Seattle, WA at The Mountaineers Program Center in Magnuson Park. Summer Camp 2022 will run in person with COVID-19 protocols in place to ensure the safety of campers and staff. As Washington State’s reopening guidelines continue to evolve and shift, so too do camp protocols. Staff will be updated as these adaptations are made and are encouraged to communicate their questions, concerns, and needs to the Camp Director throughout the planning process.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift/move 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally on program days.
• Ability to walk for 4 or more hours continuously
• Ability to care for self and others in a snowy environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Benefits

Benefits include membership to The Mountaineers. Housing between trips not provided.

Requirements

Applications through this website will not be viewed or considered.  Apply here to be considered.

Why work here

The Mountaineers was formed in 1906 to explore the wild areas and peaks in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With 15,000 members and branches from Olympia to Bellingham, The Mountaineers enjoys an outstanding reputation in its field and in the community.

Our dedicated staff, members, and volunteers are deeply committed to successfully accomplishing our mission. Each year 1,600 volunteers deliver outdoor skill courses to 2,500 students and lead 2,000+ recreational trips and courses. In addition, we advocate for access and protection of recreational lands. Last year we helped protect 30,000 acres of public land in Washington State. The organization has also published 500 outdoor recreation and conservation advocacy books. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people by helping them explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the wild lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Mountaineers program centers have staff of 40 employees and an annual operating budget of seven million dollars, including Mountaineers Books. Please visit the other pages on our website for in-depth information about our organization, activities, programs, and mission.