Trail Counselor Guide - Daily

Trail Counselor Guide - Daily (Transportation)

Camp Widjiwagan, located in Ely, Minnesota, is seeking responsible and resilient Trail Counselors to lead and support wilderness camp programming for teenagers. This is a seasonal, outdoor-intensive role that involves extended backcountry travel, group leadership, and participation in broader camp activities. Onsite shared staff housing is provided while not on trail.

Staff Training runs from May 25‑June 9th, the summer season runs from June 11th‑August 22nd. The ideal candidate will be able to support through the summer season and training dates.

The salary for this position starts at $95.00 daily. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part‑time or full‑time status.

The Trail Counselor provides leadership in group facilitation and wilderness camping for groups of teenagers, families, or adults as well as program support.

• Provide professional and culturally sensitive leadership to diverse groups of campers on overnight wilderness trips and during pre‑trip preparation.
• Provide inclusive instruction in wilderness camping, canoeing, and backpacking.
• Participate in camp programs, such as campfires, group singing, and games.
• Guide and influence the trail group’s social interaction and personal growth.
• Observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply necessary behavior‑management techniques.
• Promote the core values Caring, Equity, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Enforce safety and health regulations and emergency procedures.
• Comfortably lead a group of teenagers for at least 7 days in remote and backcountry wilderness areas.
• Complete all paperwork, including camper evaluations, parent letters and trip reports, in a timely, high‑quality manner.
• Participate in routine camp maintenance, facility upkeep and other duties as assigned.

Reports to both the Program Director and Executive Director. Trail Counselors maintain professional, positive working relationships with the entire camp team, including kitchen staff, office and support staff, and other trail counselors.

• Lifeguard certification (recognized by YMCA; acceptable institutions include American Red Cross, YMCA, Star Guard, Boy Scouts of America).
• Basic Life Support/CPR for the Professional Rescuer (renewed annually; includes adult, child, infant 1 and 2 person and use of an AED). Recognized institutions:
  American Safety and Health Institute BLS, American Red Cross BLS, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, American Heart Association Basic Life Support.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification (minimum 70 hours with a practical in‑person component, institution must have a medical director who is an MD).
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• If applicable, valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to pass an external driving background check, camp driving evaluation, and a physical exam.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience or education in wilderness risk management, camp counseling, outdoor education, outdoor recreation, youth development, or related field.
• Training or experience in wilderness camping, canoeing, backpacking, and/or trip planning.
• Demonstrated good judgment without direct supervision.
• Ability to operate in an emotionally demanding environment without access to front‑country support systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• One season of experience leading wilderness trips, camp counseling, or a related field.
• Leadership experience with groups of youth.
• Wilderness camping experience.

• Ability to communicate and work with groups of campers, adults, and families.
• Emotional awareness, health and stability to create a supportive, empowering and affirming environment for young people.
• Visual, auditory, and decision‑making ability to calmly and effectively identify and respond to environmental, human, and other hazards related to remote travel.
• Ability to lift and carry a canoe and backpack weighing up to 100 lbs in rough and hilly terrain for extended periods of time.
• Ability to live and work outside in a wide variety of conditions including extreme weather.

At all times the Trail Counselor must keep the safety and enriching experience of the campers in the forefront of their thoughts and actions. This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all inclusive. The Trail Counselor is also responsible for taking direction from the Executive Director and Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Branch or Association success.