Outdoor Education Instructor

Application

Reference Form (Three References Required)

Program & Position Overview

We seek applicants who are interested in an exciting, multifaceted position – instructing outdoor education, facilitating leadership programs, and leading other camp activities. This position is an excellent opportunity to sharpen skills in teaching, leadership and basic camp management. While each staff member contributes unique talents, he or she also develops new skills through training and education opportunities provided throughout the season. This position is building block in your professional development, whether you plan to continue to work in camping or in another field. We also encourage internships, and are prepared to work with you and your professor to develop a program that fits your school’s requirements.  More information about internships appears at the bottom of this page.

Philosophy
Camp Fire emphasizes small group activities, acceptance of differences, and a youth-centered approach. Programs focus on appreciation of the out-of-doors, democratic group living, skill development, concern for others, fun and friendship. These factors create a positive experience for each young person in a unique outdoor setting. We offer a quality, dynamic program for youth in a safe and healthy environment.

Seasons
Killoqua operates year-round, with three distinct seasons. Staff members are hired by season, though longer jobs and internships are possible. Please inquire for details.
Summer – Resident and Day Camp programs.
Spring & Fall – Outdoor Education and Leadership programs, plus non-profit user groups.

Staff Compensation & Benefits

  • $250-$300 (DOE) per 5-day work week. Specific days worked vary by programs in camp.
  • Housing – staff live together in housing provided at Killoqua. Groups provide their own cabin counselors.
  • Meals are provided when programs are in operation, and kitchens are available for staff use at other times.
  • Free laundry facilities and internet access are available on-site.
  • Killoqua is a beautiful place to work, and time off provides opportunities to explore the Pacific Northwest.

Outdoor Education
The Camp Killoqua Outdoor Education program serves 5th and 6th grade students from public, private and parochial schools in three- or four-day residential OE programs. We also offer one-day field trips for students in grades 1-4. The OE curriculum emphasizes forest and wetlands ecology. Students are in field study groups of 10-15 students per Instructor. The morning and early afternoon activities take place in the field with hands-on exploration of the natural environment. Students also have the opportunity to boat, scale our climbing wall, or learn outdoor living skills. Evenings programs are varied and include campfires, night hikes, and skit nights.

Leadership
Killoqua’s growing Leadership programs serve teens in grades 6-12 from schools, churches, sports teams and other groups. Programs vary from one-day events to multi-day retreats. We facilitate opportunities for participants to experience and practice collaborative leadership, with an emphasis on developing communication skills and an appreciation for diversity. Activities are experiential and include settings such as forest initiative elements, low and high ropes courses and the climbing tower. Evening programs such as campfires and skit nights bring groups together, while night hikes focus on self-discovery. Staff members often guide small groups of 8-12 participants, as well as working with other staff on larger group activities. Program content varies with the needs and goals of each group.

User Groups
Seasonal staff and interns are primarily involved in Outdoor Education and Leadership programs, but also work with Killoqua’s other spring and fall programs. These include non-profit retreat groups from schools and churches, and Camp Fire programs such as Mom/Youth and Dad/Youth weekends, Club weekends, Family Camps, Outdoor Training for club leaders and more.

A Position at Killoqua …
Our staff members have lots of fun, and they also work hard. We expect all staff to be positive role models and spend their time at camp centered on the needs of children. Everyone pitches in with projects that keep camp running smoothly, such as kitchen duties, cleaning, and light maintenance. Killoqua is a non-smoking, non-drinking, and drug-free environment for all staff and campers.  Camp Killoqua is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA), which means that an outside team of ACA trained visitors has verified our compliance with more than 300 nationally recognized industry standards.  Staff members have a positive influence on our campers; develop lifelong friends; gain personal growth while working with others; develop recreation, teaching and leadership skills; impact the future of our environment; and have fun!

Internships
Being a Killoqua intern is an exciting and rewarding experience.  Whether you have chosen to pursue a career in camping, or you are considering one, you will be given the chance to build skills in seasonal programming, guest relations, facility management, human resources, community relations, time and resource management, and more.

Killoqua offers this experience in the Spring and Fall of each year.  Spring interns generally start in March and end in early June.  Fall interns begin in September and generally end in late  November or early December.  Applicants need to be a minimum age of 18 and be able to live on-site. Interns are provided room and board and typically work a five-day week.  As part of this program interns will schedule their time based on their projects and deadlines.

For more information please email us at killoqua@campfiresnoco.org or complete an online application today!