Job Description
The Hiking & Camping Director supervises all aspects of Akeela’s day hiking and in-camp overnight camping programs.
Four days each week, they plan and lead half-day hiking trips for approximately 30 campers and 20 staff. They are the person who holds ultimate responsibility for safely transporting the group to the hiking locations, and who makes critical decisions to keep everyone safe on the trail. They also oversee our ICON (In-Camp Overnight) program, in which each age group spends one night sleeping in lean-tos, on our camp property.
A key component of this position is staff supervision; the Hiking & Camping Director provides orientation and training to their four counselor specialists on the goals of the program, and prepares them to lead hiking and camping activities.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development & Management
- Creates and leads a socially engaging curriculum that aligns with the overall program goals of Camp Akeela.
- Ensures that all safety procedures are communicated and are adhered to by staff and campers.
- Maintains all hiking and camping supplies & equipment.
- Serves as a member of Akeela’s senior staff team, providing input on camp activities, campers, staff, and general camp-wide issues.
Staff Supervision & Mentorship
- Supervises and works alongside four additional hiking and camping specialists.
- Supervision includes daily check-ins for ongoing informal feedback, as well as occasional more formal (written) feedback sessions
- Serves as a mentor and coach to the other hiking and camping specialist: supporting them during difficult or emergency situations, and providing input and direction about their job performance.
Qualifications For The Ideal Candidate
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, e.g. outdoor education, K-12 education, special education, psychology, PT/OT/SLP.
- Professional experience working with neurodiverse children with learning differences, ASD, or other social communication challenges.
- Comfort driving 15-passenger vans, and a clean driving record.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience supervising staff in a professional setting.
- Of equal importance: a creative, organized, and flexible self-starter who wants to make a difference!
Dates, Salary and Benefits
- The Hiking & Camping Director will join us in Vermont on or before June 7th. The last date of employment is August 11.
- Salary range is $4000 – $5000, depending on experience and selected departure date.
- Comfortable staff housing and all meals are included
Why Work At Akeela This Summer?
- NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – With other staff and connections to camp alumni can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities in a variety of careers
- LEADERSHIP – You will be supervising others, engaging in decision-making, practicing behavior management, and helping to lead a community … all critical life skills for your future
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Ongoing professional development sets you up to learn about your job while building a strong team with the people you will be working with
- 21ST CENTURY SKILLS – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Contribution that are critical for success in today’s world are developed and practiced at camp
- SUMMER IN VERMONT – On your time off, enjoy visiting Burlington VT, Hanover NH, Boston, Montreal … not to mention incredible outdoor adventure opportunities in the White and Green Mountains!
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