Field Guide

Overview

Adventure Discovery School was built for neurodivergent teens with ADHD, AuDHD, executive function challenges, and learning differences. We pair personalized academics with social-emotional learning and adventure-based education, so students who haven’t fit anywhere else can finally make sense of school and start to grow.

On Campus, mentors are a student’s primary resource throughout the day. This live-in position supports a student’s holistic development. Mentors work with teachers to link social-emotional learning with academics. On the weekends, mentors have a wide range of adventure options to choose from when they take groups on day trips.

On Expedition, the guides run the show. Acting as a teacher, a tour guide, and a coach, these staff lead students through two-week excursions. Each expedition is to a new destination with a different style of travel. This includes surfing in Costa Rica, canoeing in the Okefenokee Swamps, and backpacking through a Smoky Mountain old-growth forest.

Each role is supported by a dedicated administrative support team available 24/7 to assist staff on campus or far afield.

ADS Field Guides have the amazing opportunity to facilitate exciting expeditions all over the country. Throughout the school year, Guides will lead an array of adventure activities, including backpacking, canoeing, camping, climbing, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, and more. Field Guides are role models, facilitators, teachers, guides, mentors, and a source of empowerment for our students to reach their true potential.

Base starting pay:

• $2700 per month
• $3000 Insurance stipend (paid over 9 months)
• $500 End of contract bonus.

• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of our participants through direct supervision (24/7) throughout the duration.

• Support students in developing personal goals, utilize creative thinking and problem-solving to assist them in implementing effective strategies, and document their progress throughout the year.

• Facilitate schoolwork, homework, and coursework review.

• Practice sound risk management principles to facilitate the program with a high level of autonomy and decision-making.

• Be the main line of support for our students in Medication Administration & First Aid.

• Minimum of 21 years of age.

• Current CPR and first Aid certification.

• 4 years of college or professional experience in the following fields: special and secondary education, recreation therapy, counseling, and outdoor and experiential education.

• Proven dedication and strong desire to work with LD and AuDHD youth.

• Experience facilitating a successful learning environment.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills preferred.

• Experience and competence in the following skills:

• Outdoor Adventure Education

• Hiking

• Backpacking

• Canoeing

• Rock Climbing

• Whitewater Rafting

• Group Development

• Team-Building Initiatives

• Compliance with all policies and regulations of ADS.

• Understanding that the personal needs of Guides are secondary to the emotional and physical well-being of our participants.

• Utilizing behavior management techniques consistent with the program philosophy at ADS.

• Acting professionally at all times to promote ADS and the profession, and providing students with the appropriate setting in which they may learn from example.

• Ability to walk several miles through mountainous terrain while carrying up to 50 lbs of supplies for yourself and for students.

• Ability to participate in physically demanding outdoor activities, including, but not limited to, boating, climbing, or standing for extended periods of time.

• Ability and willingness to perform emergency first aid in wilderness conditions.