Four Trails Coordinator 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 Program Coordinators manage and supervise a team of Four Trails Leaders and are primarily responsible for supporting trip leaders and campers in the Four Trails program. This role works primarily with middle and high school aged campers on 2–16+ day backpacking, paddling, and cycling trips through rugged terrain. Four Trails Program Coordinators remain onsite at camp and support trips as they come and go, bringing experienced leadership to the team and providing daily guidance, instruction, and encouragement to staff. This role plans and facilitates age-group programming, assists with oversight of trip groups on trail, assists in emergency response situations, communicates with camper families, and provides administrative support to the Directors, working alongside the Logistics team when preparing groups for wilderness trips.

Job Locations

• Merrowvista – Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire
• Merrowvista necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Four Trails Program Coordinator lives 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 may occasionally be asked to sleep in a cabin with campers, as necessary.
• 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

Staff Management and Supervision

• Assist with supervising a team of Four Trails Leaders, providing training and daily support.
• Offer guidance and coaching to staff on conflict resolution, group management, activity facilitation, wilderness skills, and risk management in the backcountry.
• Assist with facilitating Four Trails staff training, teaching skills and procedures necessary to run effective and safe adventure trips.
• Evaluate the performance of each Four Trails Leader, providing formal evaluations.
• Support trip leaders with programming, facilitation, and camper challenges that may arise.

Trip Logistics and Support

• Prepare logistics for multi-day (2–16+ day) backpacking, paddling, and cycling trips through rugged terrain to primitive campsites.
• Work alongside the Logistics team to ensure groups have appropriate gear, food, and resources.
• Assist with oversight of trip groups while on trail.
• Teach campers appropriate-level backcountry skills.

Camper and Program Support

• Primarily responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers.
• 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, resolving conflict and enforcing community standards of respect for all.
• Facilitate highly engaging activities for campers in various blocks, including community time and evening games, and create and lead activities for Four Trails campers when onsite.
• Participate in all camp programming: early morning and evening activities, meals, and daily reflections; assist In-Camp and Activities teams as needed.
• Communicate with camper families as necessary.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.

Emergency Response and General

• Respond to emergencies such as injury, illness, behavioral incidents, and inclement weather 24 hours a day, sharing on-call responsibilities with the Four Trails Manager (except on days off).
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times, following and implementing all safety standards, and assist campers in need throughout the day and night.
• Assist in emergency response situations and provide administrative support to the Directors.
• 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.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction.
• 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.
• Wilderness First Responder certification and CPR (training provided).
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and other company vehicles, and pass a driver’s background check.
• 2–3 years of experience in outdoor adventure education or leading wilderness trips.
• Highly developed outdoor skills: camping, hiking, canoeing, backpacking, cycling, navigation, and cooking.
• 2–3 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Professional experience as a peer supervisor, or 2–3 years of student leadership; demonstrated positive leadership with young adults.
• Strong facilitation/teaching skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; strong organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively manage people in a way that positively supports their development.
• 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.
• 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:

• Previous experience teaching and/or large-group facilitation.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Previous experience working at a summer camp.
• 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.