Adventure Trip Program Coordinator

Job Overview

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Location: Position is located at Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain. Employees are required to live on-site for the duration of their employment including three weeks of staff training and the two 3 week-long camp sessions.

Job Type: Full Time, Seasonal. Employment begins June 1 and ends August 10.

Job Summary:

Merrowvista is an overnight, residential summer camp for youth ages 8-17. Four Trails Coordinators manage and supervise a team of Four Trails Leaders (Outdoor Adventure Counselors). There will be a team of a full-time Four Trails Manager and a seasonal Four Trails Coordinator working together to fulfill all job duties. This role will work primarily with high school campers. Our Four Trails campers and staff go on 5–16-day backpacking and canoe trips, usually one of each trip type per 3-week session. These trips cover approximately 5-15 miles of hiking with weighted packs or several hours of canoeing a day. Four Trails Coordinators remain onsite at camp and support the trips as they come and go. This role brings experienced leadership to the team and provides daily guidance, instruction and encouragement to the staff. The Coordinator will assist in emergency response situations, communicate with camper families, and provide administrative support to the Directors. The Four Trails Coordinator will work alongside the Logistics team when preparing groups for wilderness trips. They will attend to all camper and staff concerns such as behavioral or health issues, social dynamics, or staff coverage in the case of absence, illness, terminations or early departures.

Position Responsibilities:

• Manage and co-supervise a team of Four Trails Leaders, providing training and daily support.
• Offer guidance and coaching to staff on things like conflict resolution, group management, activity facilitation, wilderness skills, and risk management in the backcountry.
• Prepare logistics for 5-16 day backpacking and canoe trips through rugged terrain to primitive campsites.
• Ensure trips are appropriately routed and planned as it relates to emergency resources, communication points, environmental resources, weather and safety risks.
• Work alongside the Logistics team to ensure groups have appropriate gear, food and resources.
• Respond to emergencies such as injury, illness, behavioral incidents, inclement weather 24 hours a day. This role, along with the Four Trails Manager will keep our emergency phone between them at all times and be expected to respond and act on emergencies at any time (except on days off).
• Create and lead activities for Four Trails campers when they are on-site.
• Facilitate the Four Trails Staff Training, teaching all skills and procedures necessary to run effective and safe adventure trips.
• Evaluate the performance of each Four Trails Leader and provide two formal evaluations.
• Participate in all camp programming: early morning and evening activities, meals, daily reflections. Assist In-Camp and Activities teams as needed.
• Manage individual and group behavior: resolve conflict, enforce community standards of respect for all.
• Communicate with camper families as necessary.
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times, follow and implement all safety standards and assist campers in need throughout the day and night.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings and receive guidance and instruction.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

Required:

• Wilderness First Responder and CPR (will be provided on site from May 29 to June 4 by Merrowvista).
• Minimum Age: 21 years old by June 30, 2025.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and other company vehicles and pass a Driver’s Background Check.
• 2-3 years of experience in outdoor adventure education or leading wilderness trips.
• Possess highly developed outdoor skills: camping, hiking, canoeing, backpacking, navigation, cooking, etc.
• 2-3 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Professional experience as a peer supervisor or 2-3 years of student leadership.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Previous experience working at a summer camp.
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration and positivity.

Work Environment:

• Live onsite in communal housing with other staff members for the duration of employment including weekends and evenings and be available 24 hours/day in case of emergencies.
• May be asked to sleep in a cabin with campers on occasion, as necessary.
• All meals are provided. Dietary accommodations will be made when needed.

Compensation:

• Weekly pay: $750
• Employees will receive one day off for every six days worked.
• Wilderness First Responder and CPR training and certifications are required and provided during training.
• Lifeguard training and certification is not required but will be offered before staff training begins.

Company Culture:

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.