B'hootz Mentor

Mentor for Elementary Age Youth.

Start Date:

August 2026. Part‑time Role.

Wilderness Torah seeks a Youth Mentor in the East Bay for the B’hootz program, run from August 2026 to June 2027, with the possibility of extension. The role involves leading Jewish, nature‑based, experiential education for children in grades K–5, with a focus on the rhythm of the Hebrew calendar. You will work under the Youth Programs Manager and Program Director, and receive training to provide caring mentorship and nature exploration rooted in Jewish spirituality, tradition, and wisdom.

East Bay — all sessions held in Joaquin Miller Park.

B’hootz is an outdoor Jewish nature‑connection program for grades K–5 that runs on 12 Sundays from October through May, with additional camping trips. The program integrates Jewish spirituality, tradition, and teachings with nature‑based exploration. More than 500 children of all levels of Jewish identity have participated since 2010.

• Lead twelve sessions of quality earth‑based Jewish programming.
• Plan and lead the fall family camping trip (all cohorts) and the end‑of‑year camping trip (grades4‑5 only).
• Collaborate on curriculum planning with other mentors and the Youth Programs Manager.
• Work with and support teen mentors.
• Participate in immersive training (August
  21‑23; additional dates in January).
• Provide a summary of activities via text and photo to parents.
• Maintain first CPR/aid certification (Wilderness Torah reimburses training).

• 3+ years of experience working with children in gradesK‑5 in Jewish and/or outdoor programs such as summer counseling or after‑school programs.
• Basic knowledge of the Hebrew calendar, Jewish holidays, rituals, blessings, etc.
• Basic naturalist knowledge about local Bay‑Area ecology.
• Experience leading groups of children, setting boundaries, reading group energy, balancing plans with participant needs, and attending to diversity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to racial, gender, and indigenous justice.
• Ability to give and receive feedback with co‑workers.
• Passion for earth‑based Judaism and alignment with our mission.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain in all kinds of weather.
• Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, squatting, etc.; able to lift a minimum of 25lb.
• Access to a personal computer.
• Access to a car to transport to the B’hootz site.

• Jewish tradition: text, ritual, music, Hebrew calendar.
• Ecological awareness: identify local flora and fauna.
• Ancestral skills: tracking, bird language, herbal medicine, and wildcrafting.
• Social‑emotional learning: mindfulness practices, emotional awareness, relationship building, decision‑making.
• Creativity: art, music, movement.

• Pay commensurate with experience ($25‑$30/hr); part‑time temporary role.
• Paid earned sick leave.
• 25% off Wilderness Torah youth programs for any children.
• Free attendance to any virtual Wilderness Torah classes and courses, and discounts on all in‑person events.
• Wilderness Torah will subsidize Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course.
• Training in the award‑winning curriculum.

Founded in 2007, Wilderness Torah is a leader in the earth‑based Judaism movement. In partnership with Adamah, we work to reconnect people to nature and Jewish ritual in a multi‑generational setting. Visit wildernesstorah.org for more information.