Outdoor Education Facilitator in Shelby, Michigan at AMERICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

AYF offers year-round experiential education programs for school and community groups, focused on helping individuals achieve their personal best, foster positive communities, and build respect for themselves, others, and the environment through outdoor-based learning. CSP Facilitators engage directly with youth, leading experiential programs with a diverse range of participants across age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Facilitators receive broad, interdisciplinary training and orientation across all aspects of year-round programming, facilitating a broad spectrum of ages, curricula, and programs. The American Youth Foundation is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its facilitators, providing valuable learning experiences to develop their skills as effective educators, and aims to inspire facilitators to reach their full potential, explore their unique strengths, and grow as confident leaders in their careers.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan (Oceana County)
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• CSP Facilitators live onsite during the program season.
• Housing provided; Facilitators share a home and workplace with several fellow facilitators.
• Community meals provided while in programming.

Job Type

Seasonal

Job Benefits

• Onsite housing and meals (when in program) included
• Professional development opportunities
• $180 monthly health insurance premium is available for those paying for health insurance out-of-pocket (for Spring and Fall Contracts)

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Facilitate groups of youth in outdoor settings: lead hikes, challenge courses, environmental education curriculum, debriefs, team-building activities, and evening programming to promote experiential learning.
• Prioritize risk management to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Support programs: ready program spaces for use, hang climbing ropes, prepare materials for facilitators, and support kitchen and facilities operations when necessary.
• Facilitate small and large groups across a broad spectrum of ages, curricula, and programs.
• Participate in staff training covering topics such as experiential pedagogy and philosophy, high and team challenge course facilitation, waterfront/boathouse management, ecology and environmental education facilitation, meal procedures, evening activities, and AYF facilitation frameworks.
• Assist with facility opening and closing at the start and end of the program season.
• Complete an individual project as approved or determined by Program Directors.
• Support possible independent and collaborative projects to advance AYF, staff development workshops, off-site team activities, and school site visits.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities, including staff training activities.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Other duties as needed.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• 21 years of age with at least one year of higher education or equivalent experience (or currently a Junior/Senior in college).
• Friendly, professional, and flexible, with a strong enthusiasm for working with young people.
• Work experience with youth.
• Ability to handle stressful situations while maintaining the mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Organized, self-motivated, and committed to learning and growing professionally.
• First Aid and CPR certification (training provided on site if necessary).
• Strong work ethic, demonstrated flexibility, and a willingness to give and receive feedback.

Preferred:

• Basic facilitation experience in an outdoor, experiential, or classroom setting.
• Experience facilitating groups of youth in settings involving challenge courses, outdoor and experiential education, or summer camp.
• Experience with ropes courses, lifeguarding, outdoor skills, environmental education, wilderness programming, or wilderness emergency response (WFA/WFR).
• Driver’s license and clean driving record.

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.