Youth Summer Program Overnight Camp Specialist

Position Responsibilities 

• Facilitate and provide instruction for youth ages 6-18 in the Youth Education Program. Lessons are taught outdoors and are experiential, using models, props, and games.  Topics may include teambuilding, environmental science, survival skills, snowshoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, and more.  
• Lead youth overnight programs (hiking, backpacking, rock climbing) in backcountry settings. 
• Belay and provide climbing instruction outdoors. Coach students in climbing concepts such as knot tying, belaying, back-up belaying, and climbing technique.  
• Facilitate a positive, fun learning environment through appropriate behavior management, communication, and teaching methods. 
• Prepare activities, materials, and equipment for programs as needed.  Assist with set up and break down of climbing sites and other program areas. 
• Provide feedback and ideas on the curriculum to the program design team. 
• Assist with general office administration tasks for the program. 
• Provide professional and excellent customer service to parents and community partners. 

Position Qualifications 

• Minimum 21 years of age by June 2, 2025.
• Minimum of Basic First Aid and CPR prior to start date. 
• Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification, or willingness to obtain. 
• Full COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC. 
• Submit a criminal background check.  
• Able to carry loads up to 45 pounds. 
• Ability to provide personal transportation to and from the CMC Offices in Golden, CO. 

Position Competencies 

• Passion for working with youth. 
• Interest in the outdoors, particularly science, natural history, and/or recreation. 
• Prior experience working in wilderness programs, outdoor education, summer camps, or related field. 
• Experience working with youth in one more of the following: 
  • Experience in natural science or related field. 
  • Experience working in outdoor hiking and climbing programs. 
  • Experience teaching youth from diverse backgrounds in environmental education and/or adventure education.  
• Self-directed, innovative thinker.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Demonstration of cultural awareness and responsiveness. 
• Experience working respectfully with colleagues and students from a variety of ages, cultural, and economic backgrounds. 
• Understanding and application of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and interest in furthering this work personally and within the organization. 
• Commitment to expanding access, relevance, and belonging for traditionally underrepresented groups in the outdoors. 
• Positive attitude and sense of humor. 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Associate’s degree or higher in adventure education, outdoor education, recreation, wilderness leadership or related degree. 
• Current Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness EMT certification. 
• Rock climbing experience, demonstrating competency in the fundamental skills including: belaying, back-up belaying, knot tying, equipment, and communication (highly preferred). 
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.  

Time Commitment & Compensation 

• The compensation will range from $9,000-$11,000 for a 13-week term depending on experience and number of overnight programs scheduled. 
• Additional benefits include workers compensation insurance, a Colorado Mountain Club membership, pro-deals with some outdoor gear manufactures and retailers, and 32 hours of paid-time-off during the term, which will need to be arranged in advance directly with the supervisor. 
• The full-time seasonal position starts May 20, 2025 and goes until August 15, 2025. Summer camps and courses take place June 2 – August 8. Scheduling and hours will be agreed upon by you and the Youth Program Manager.   
• During overnight programs, a tent space and meals are provided.  
• A variety of specialized training are offered to employees throughout the season. A mandatory training will take place May 20-May 30 in preparation for summer programs. 

How to Apply 

• Submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the position, along with your goals and expectations via email to youth@cmc.org by March 31, 2025. Applications and job offerings will stay open and occur on a rolling basis until March 31, 2025. 

For more information about the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program, visit our website at www.cmc.org/youth  

The CMC provides equal employment opportunities to all people regardless of race, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or any other basis protected by law.