Four Trails Leader in Ctr. Tuftonboro, New Hampshire 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

Four Trails Leaders co-lead a group of approximately 6–12 adolescent-aged campers as they participate in multi-day backpacking, canoeing, and cycling trips, ranging from 2–25 days depending on site and trip. Trips take place in the back and front country and are led by pairs or trios of Leaders, with support from Coordinators who remain onsite. Four Trails Leaders are responsible for the mental, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing of campers throughout the trip, and teach backcountry skills to campers before and during trips. When not on trail, Leaders live in a cabin with their co-leaders and participate in all camp programming and activities alongside their cabin group and co-staff. Extensive training in wilderness safety, adventure skills, and backcountry protocols is provided.

Job Locations

• Merrowvista – Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire
• Merrowvista necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Four Trails Leaders live onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response, and in a tent when on trail.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

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

Camper Supervision

• Primarily responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers assigned to your care.
• Live in a cabin with campers when onsite and in a tent when on trail, maintaining a positive communal experience.
• Guide campers through their daily routines: wake up and bedtime, hygiene, and personal organization.
• Facilitate positive cabin experiences through community time, cabin chats, and other programming.
• Appropriately manage behavior challenges and conflict with a sense of respect for young people and a focus on developing the social-emotional health of campers; manage individual and group behavior on trail, resolving conflict and enforcing community standards of respect for all.
• Utilize coordinating and supervisory staff to adequately meet the needs of campers when necessary.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.
• Maintain proper social boundaries with campers, ensuring all conduct and conversations are above reproach.

Trip Leading

• Co-lead a group of approximately 6–12 campers on a multi-day backcountry trip (backpacking, canoeing, or cycling), responsible for their mental, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing throughout.
• Teach backcountry skills to campers prior to and during trips, such as outdoor cooking, primitive camping, Leave No Trace guidelines, flat- and moving-water canoeing, and gear maintenance.
• Plan and implement a curriculum focused on developing new skills in an age-appropriate manner during non-active times on trail and in camp.
• Facilitate highly engaging activities that allow for skill development, social interaction, and opportunities for campers to challenge themselves and fail safely.
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times, following and implementing all safety standards, and assist campers in need throughout the day and night, both on trail and in camp.

General Programming

• Participate in all camp programming when not on trail: early morning and evening activities, meals, and daily reflections.
• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• Provide mentorship and connection to all campers in the community with whom you interact.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and follow guidance and instruction from Coordinators and Directors, especially pertaining to trip routes, logistics, and trail safety.
• Complete required wilderness staff training upon arrival, covering AYF curriculum, Leave No Trace ethics, risk management, and hard skills related to specific trips.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum age: 21 years old or proof of significant relevant experience may make candidates under 21 eligible
• Wilderness First Responder certification and CPR (training available/provided).
• Experience in one or more of the following: backpacking, canoeing, cycling, kayaking, or camping.
• Possess or be willing to learn outdoor skills: camping, hiking, canoeing, backpacking, and cycling.
• Previous experience working with youth, including 1–3 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Academic or professional experience from which leadership experience and/or skills have been gained.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care, including in remote situations.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Strong teaching/facilitation skills, especially in the outdoor industry.
• Lifeguard certification (training available).
• Professional or academic experience in the field of outdoor or experiential education or a related field.
• Demonstrated history of leadership with youth or young adults.
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.

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.