Lead 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. Lead 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. In addition to facilitating programs, Lead CSP Facilitators coordinate programs with partner organizations, provide training and mentorship to other facilitators, serve as a resource and leadership presence for the Program Facilitator team, and may serve on the Site Emergency Response Team. 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.
• Lead 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.
• Coordinate programs: communicate with partners to craft a successful program that meets learning objectives; create agendas and organize paperwork before arrival; act as the main program contact; lead full-group activities.
• Take on the role of Program Coordinator for some program groups.
• Provide training and mentorship to other facilitators during staff training and throughout the season, including helping to lead reflection activities for peers and build community in shared housing.
• Be a resource for Program Facilitators; show leadership in team culture and community.
• Serve as a member of the Site Emergency Response Team and act as Site Leader as needed, with overnight and on-call responsibilities.
• Prioritize risk management to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants and facilitators.
• Support programs: ready program spaces for use, hang climbing ropes, prepare materials for facilitators, and support kitchen and facilities operations when necessary.
• Facilitate small groups during school and community programs.
• 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:

• Demonstrated ability to foster a strong, trust-based community with peers, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Friendly, professional, and flexible, with a strong enthusiasm for working with young people.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating groups of youth from diverse backgrounds and life experiences in settings involving challenge courses, outdoor and experiential education, or summer camp.
• Strong communication skills and comfort with public speaking.
• Ability to handle stressful situations while maintaining the mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Organized, with strong attention to detail; self-motivated and committed to learning and growing professionally.
• 21 years of age with higher education or equivalent experience.
• Driver’s license and clean driving record.
• First Aid and CPR certification (training can be provided on site if necessary).
• Strong work ethic, demonstrated flexibility, and a willingness to give and receive feedback.

Preferred:

• Completion of two seasons at Merrowvista, Miniwanca, or a similar organization leading school-based programming.
• Prior experience with client relations.
• Experience with ropes courses, lifeguarding, outdoor skills, environmental education, wilderness programming, or wilderness emergency response (WFA/WFR).

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.