Overnight Wilderness Instructor

Working Title:Overnight Wilderness Instructor

Classification:

Association Temp Program (NonExempt)

Start Date:6/23/2025

End Date:8/2/2025 with the opportunity to extend until 8/29/2025

Duration (months):Less than 3

Hours per week:40

Days per week / schedule:SundayFriday/ MondayFriday

Work Location:Arnot Forest Van Etten NY; 4H Acres Ithaca NY

Supervisor Name & Title:Rachel Bortin Camp Director

Compensation:$3000

Benefits Eligibility:Not Benefits Eligible

Employment Type:Temporary

Position Summary

The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering lifelong

relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. We have been

providing nature connection programming to people of all ages for over twenty years and are excited to

continue our overnight camp program at Arnot Forest.

An Overnight Wilderness Instructor helps facilitate the core aim of Primitive Pursuits; immersing groups of youth into natural areas away from facilities and without modern gear and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep meaningful connection to the natural world themselves and each other. The key role of an Overnight Wilderness Instructor is to supervise campers and assist in all aspects of camp life such as activities meals and special events. While engaging in these activities they will act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge promote stewardship and nurture a healthy relationship in the outdoor environment.

An Overnight Wilderness Instructor will work with campers ages 916. There will be housing onsite provided in one of our rustic cabins which includes access to a kitchen and bathrooms. All meals while camp is in session are provided at no cost!

Overnight camp has the potential to change a young persons life come be a part of the team that makes

it happen! If you secure your position prior to February 12025 you may be able to attend our Adult Earth

Skills Series Spring program at no cost!

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older

• Must have RTE First AidOR WFR Certification and CPR for the Professional Rescuer or higherORbe able to attain it before the start of camp

• Must pass all required screenings for working at a NYS Summer Camp

• Attend all of Staff Training June 2327 and June 30July 3 (subject to change)

• Commit to working camp July 6August 1. May have the opportunity to extend employment to Primitive Pursuits Day camp; August 429

• Must be able to live and stay onsite for training and while camp is in session.

• Minimum 1year experience as an overnight naturalist/wilderness instructor OR overnight camp counselor working with youth ages 916 in an undeveloped setting

• Experience working within an overnight camp setting

• Asks for assistance when needed

• Able to work in a changing outdoor environment and tackle new problems each day

• Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently

• Possess a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world

• Ability to manage conflict situations appropriately and efficiently

• Ability to inspire and relate positively with youth

• Values diversity and inclusion and demonstrates an active awareness to issues of cultural appropriation and privilege

• Aim to uphold the 4 Values of camp: Belonging Gratitude Awareness Getting Outside in all interactions with campers staff families and parents and within programs and activities

• Strong commitment to teaching and to sharing an appreciation for nature with people of all ages

• Other Duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to reflect on a range of personal experiences working independently and within a team

• Past experiences working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds

• Experience in helping people with homesickness and/or separation anxiety

• Experience with Coyote mentoring

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with other overnight camp staff and summer camp leadership

• Assist Overnight Lead Wilderness Instructors with all camp activities games and events

• Assist Program Specialists with facilitation and safety of specialized activities and skills

• Rolemodel passion enthusiasm and comfort around engaging with the elements of nature

• Facilitate group energy and responding swiftly to group needs to effectively manage and engage each participant in a positive experience

• Actively contribute to preparing delivering and evaluating each week and each day of programming

• Responsible for adequate supervision of campers at all times

• Enforcing and following all safety and risk management procedures and policies in all aspects of camp

• Create and model an emotional social and physically safe environment in which campers and staff can thrive

• Represent the high caliber of the organization when speaking to parents staff and campers

• Keep an unfailing eye on the safety of each activity each participant and coworker in accordance with risk management protocols

• Work and be on site during all required trainings and while camp is in session

• Supervise campers overnight in a cabin AND/OR outside in hand made shelters/ tents

• Facilitate end of the day debriefs discussions and gratitudes

• Actively work with youth ages 916

• Other Duties as assigned

How to Apply

Please complete our online application including a cover letter and resume.

Applications will be accepted until April 1 2025 or until all positions are filled.

Interviews will begin December 1 2024.

For applicants who have passed all necessary background checks and have officially accepted the position prior to February 1 2025 may be offered to attend our Adult Earth Skills Series Spring program at no cost!

Contact

Rachel Bortin Camp Director

Additional Info

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page: Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides equal program and job opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving but not limited to such factors as race color creed religion national or ethnic origin gender sexual orientation age or qualified disability. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at