Seattle Overnight Camps Program Instructor

The Mountaineers is a community of outdoor recreationists and conservationists founded in 1906 to explore the peaks and waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Today, we have more than 15,000 members and seven branches in Western Washington, where we deliver most of our outdoor education programming. Thanks to the work of generations of volunteers and our internationally recognized publishing division, we continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation in the fields of outdoor education, recreation, and public lands conservation and advocacy.

Our dedicated volunteers and staff get people outside to experience the power of the natural world. We advocate for access and protection of recreational lands so that future generations can enjoy these places too. Our core value of community reflects the belief that a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love. Our 60 staff, divided between our program centers and our nonprofit publishing division, Mountaineers Books, and 2,500+ volunteers work together to achieve our mission to enrich lives by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Learn more at mountaineers.org.

The Overnight Camp Program Instructor provides positive, valuable, and safe experiences for Mountaineers campers on residential trips. They are directly responsible for the daily supervision of the group and teaching a variety of outdoor skills and curriculum. They will prepare for each camp, including itinerary planning and gear organization, and cleaning up after each camp. The Overnight Camp Program Instructor should excel at spreading stoke and inspiring confidence in outdoor settings through personal connection and group facilitation.

They will work collaboratively with other camp staff to create an inclusive and welcoming camp environment. Mountaineers lodge camps run weekly from the end of June through the end of August at The Mountaineers Stevens Lodge.

• Provide a meaningful camp experience, keeping campers happy, healthy, safe, and having fun.
• Foster a positive sense of community within the group and seek ways to include all campers.
• Enthusiastically teach outdoor activities and curriculum.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of each week of camp.
• Assist in cooking and cleaning at the lodge during camp days.
• Transport campers to and from activity sites in Mountaineers vehicles.
• Monitor behavior of campers and communicate with parents when appropriate.
• Along with other Program Instructors, provide outdoor instruction, hiking, camping, leave no trace principles, trail etiquette, navigation, and outdoor cooking.
• Assist in emergency situations.
• Ensure The Mountaineers youth policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.

• Cultural humility and desire to work with people of all races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds.
• Experience working with youth
• Ability to pass a national criminal background and sex offender check
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van
• Ability to travel to offsite programs
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must have (and maintain) an acceptable driving record to drive Mountaineers vehicles.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and relationship-building skills
• Flexibility and adaptability when things don’t go as planned
• Positive attitude and ability to carry oneself in a professional manner to create positive experiences
• WFR certification, or ability to become certified before start date.

• Summer camp experience, or comparable experience working with 10-15 year olds on overnight programs.
• Experience teaching outdoor recreation skills such as hiking, backpacking, climbing, first aid, navigation, outdoor cooking, naturalist skills, teambuilding, or photography.
• Personal outdoor experience (i.e. backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking).

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to The Mountaineers focus on advancing equity. Our core values are Adventure, Advocacy, Community, Education, and…