SUMMER 2017 INTERNSHIP
Who We Are: Wilderness Awareness School is a national not-for-profit environmental education organization that strives to use modern and ancient practices to connect students to their inner and outer landscapes. We believe that a child who is rooted in nature carries the vitality to grow into a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilled human being. The magic happens in the simple things; nature immersion, playing, laughing, singing, working with our hands, natural movement and finding wonder in the world we live in. Interns are invited to explore how Wilderness Awareness summer camps encourage each of us to live a wildly successful and effective life as a leader, mentor and steward of our communities.
Internship Details: Staff Training (1 week)- learn curriculum, policy and culture of W.A.S. camps (10%)
Art of Mentoring class (1 week) – learn our unique Coyote Mentoring deep nature connection principles and practices. (10%)
Field Based hands on practice (7 or 8 weeks) – Camp programs include half-day, full-day and overnight experiences. Specific assignments are based on the intern’s interest and camp needs.
(4 weeks) Shadow and assist multiple Lead Instructors in facilitating camps for campers age 4-18. (40%) – Shadowing and assisting will allow intern to experience multiple instructors using Coyote Mentoring principles to engage campers in nature connection. Covering topics that include tracking, bird language, peacemaking, edible and medicinal plants, knife use and safety, shelter building, outdoor cooking, navigation and wondering, sit spot, and community crafting to name a few. – During shadowing interns will be able to experiment by leading nature based games, curriculum, storytelling, songs and most other aspects of the camps. Daily reflection and feedback will be part of shadowing weeks.
(3-4 weeks) Serve as Lead Instructor, responsible for caring out all aspect of summer camps, including mentoring of volunteers. (40%)
Mentoring Meeting with Program Coordinator multiple times during the summer outside of camp time to reflect and process the internship experience. (2%)
Qualified Internship applicants will possess:
• A passion to enter the outdoor/ nature education industry with a strong understanding of the operation of a leading nature education organization based in the U.S., exemplified by a knowledge of cutting-edge instructional methodology working with youth ages 4-18 in a variety of program offerings
• A strong understanding of the balance between the benefit to the student and the organization in attaining success. A strong applicant is committed to fulfilling the internship, and understands that return is dictated by investment. • Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license • Reliable cell phone.
• Ability to secure appropriate housing in local area.
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification.
• Willingness to submit to background and reference check.
Wilderness Awareness School is a leader in the field of nature education, and our internships call for individuals who meet the following requirements:
• Minimum age 18 • Desire to connect with youth ages 4-18 on a weekly basis.
• Experience with outdoor education; possibly including primitive skills, mentoring, or other child care models
• Ethical (strong personal and work ethic)
• Highly Motivated, ability to work long hours
• Positive Attitude as a cooperative team member
• Ability to communicate appropriately with all stakeholders: staff, volunteers, campers and parents.
Benefits to the Intern:
• Three Lead Instructor weeks paid at approximately $500 per week.
• Personal mentoring and feedback from multiple instructors throughout the summer.
• Flexibility to explore one’s own passions and areas of growth in a supportive setting.
• Gain valuable skills in experiential education, specifically in relation to Coyote Mentoring.
• Possible college credit approved by your school
• Successful completion of internship may lead to paid instructor positions in the future
• Letter of Recommendation following the successful completion, upon request
Dates: Starting around June 16th, 2017 – August 27th, 2017.
Application dead line is March 3rd, 2017 or until positions are full.
How to apply:
1.) Cover Letter explaining your interest in internship
2.) Resume with all related experiences and certifications
3.) Three references with contact information
Please send all applications and / or questions to:
Samuel Bowman
Wilderness Awareness School
Summer Volunteer Coordinator
PO Box 219, PMB 137
Duvall, WA 98019
(425) 788-1301
SamB@wildernessawareness.org
www.wildernessawareness.org