Adventure Trip Leaders

~ Chippewa Nature Center Inc. (CNC) is one of the nation's largest private non-profit nature centers whose mission is to inspire people to be stewards of the natural world. ~

Position Overview

The Chippewa Nature Center has openings for Adventure Trip Leaders for the summer of 2017. The Center’s 1,200-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds, wetlands, and rivers.

Facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center Store; a Historic Farm complex (schoolhouse, cabin, sugarhouse), a Nature Preschool, a Nature Study Building (day camp headquarters), an Arboretum, and 15 miles of nature trails.

Nature Day Camp is designed to connect campers ages 3 to 16 to the natural environment through fun, educational experiences. On-site programs led by counselors involve a variety of activities in the areas of natural and cultural history.

Responsibilities

• Adventure Trip Leaders guide campers ages 10-16 through overnight off-site Adventure Trips where they canoe, kayak, or backpack while learning backcountry camping skills.
• Adventure Trip Leaders will lead 5 to 9-day programs introducing 10-16 year old kids to backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and backcountry camping in the state of Michigan.
• Trip Leaders are responsible for day to day programming on the trips, planning, preparing, and shopping for meals, managing camper health and safety, planning specific routes at the pre-determined trip locations, and communicating regularly with the camp director.
• Trip Leaders will also be responsible for leading two on-site Recreation/Adventure sessions.

Qualifications

• Preference will be given to those who have earned or are working toward a degree in outdoor recreation, biology, ecology, environmental education, or other related field.
• Have experience working with youth.
• Have personal or professional experience backpacking and canoeing and/or kayaking.
• Must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid chauffeur’s license* and first-aid and CPR certifications*.
• Wilderness First Aid/First Responder and Life Guarding may be required upon hire. We are looking for enthusiastic staff members who enjoy working with teens and being outside!

*Can be arranged after hire.

Dates and Compensation

• Paid staff training: June 12-16 and July 6-7. Camp sessions run June 12 through August 18 with no camp July 3-5. Weekend trip dates are July 22-23.
• Starting salary is $360 per week with additional stipends for overnight camps ($60/night in the field).
  • Staff receive a 20% discount in the Nature Center Store.
  • Uniform shirts are provided.
  • Housing for non-trip nights may be arranged if necessary.

To Apply

Please click below "Apply" to email (or mail) your resume & cover letter to:

Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs

400 S Badour Rd

Midland, MI 48640