Adventure Program Intern

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION Adventures Without Limits (AWL) is a small non-profit with a big mission! Our team is passionate about providing opportunity and adventure to all people, regardless of ability level, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, or age. AWL adventures are inclusive, adaptive, and community-oriented! We believe that everyone should have access to the mental, physical, and social benefits of time spent outdoors. Our programs aim to inspire personal growth, instill confidence, develop peer relationships, and enhance awareness of the natural environment through whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, backpacking, climbing, and camping trips. Our community is wide and diverse; we work with individuals with disabilities, seniors, youth, school groups, people experiencing poverty, nonprofit partners, and corporate groups alike from Forest Grove and the greater Portland Metro area. At AWL, we value an inclusive atmosphere that encourages shared growth and learning among both staff and participants. 

Job Overview

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

Adventure Program Interns will work alongside AWL guides and staff to deliver safe, instructional outdoor recreation trips to a range of diverse participants including but not limited to: individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, school groups, seniors, corporate groups, and more. Trips include outdoor recreation activities such as whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. A typical summer intern’s weekly schedule usually involves three or four days on trips and one day in the office or working in the gear warehouse. Applicants should be available to work weekends and/or overnight trips as needed. Interns often have the autonomy to identify objectives they hope to achieve along the way. Oftentimes interns will have the ability to lead and instruct groups, learn from experienced guides, and receive professional development, experience, and networking opportunities in the outdoor industry and adaptive recreation community. The most successful applicants have had a strong connection to our mission and a passion for sharing outdoor recreation with underserved communities. They are ambitious, adaptable, and able to learn independently and contribute meaningfully.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Assist staff in providing fun, safe, and educational programming in some or all of the following activities: flatwater kayaking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, paddle boarding, climbing, hiking, camping
• Work with participants experiencing a range of disabilities and think critically to meet their needs
• Load, unload, manage, and care for equipment and gear 
• Work independently on a project of your choice that will grow your skills and mission of AWL
• Work long days in a variety of outdoor settings under a range of weather conditions
• Be an ambassador for Adventures Without Limits and uphold and model the community values of the organization

Special Benefits

TRAINING & IMPORTANT DATES:

• Required Onboarding Training June 10-14th, 2024
• Must be available to work between the months of June - August 2024 including weekdays and weekends

WHY AWL? 

Diversity, inclusion, and authenticity are core values at AWL. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and candidates living with a disability are highly encouraged to apply. No matter who you are, if providing accessible recreation makes you giddy, we want to hear from you! 

IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BRILLIANCE, YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• Weekly Stipend ($425/week)
• Optional no-cost shared housing available within walking/biking distance 
• Access to kayaks, rafts, camping, and other outdoor equipment for personal use
• Opportunity to apply for employment as a paid guide at the end of your internship
• Professional development and skill-building training opportunities
• Experience and education on the workings of small outdoor nonprofit organizations, including the opportunity to work with partner organizations. 
• Opportunity to attend Whitewater Guide School and a River Safety & Rescue Course prior to start of contract in late May/early June.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a resume, cover letter, and references to: [email protected], with “Adventure Program Intern Application” in the subject line.

Priority deadline: February 10th, 2024 by 11:59 pm PST

Interviews: February 2024

Offers: March 2024

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Adventures Without Limits is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are core values at AWL, and applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives are highly encouraged to apply. We are prepared to provide an interpreter for the interview process. Additional arrangements may be arranged as needed.

Minimum Requirements

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

• Dedication and passion for working with diverse populations
• Experience in at least two of the following: 1) flatwater paddling (kayak, canoe, SUP);  2) whitewater rafting; 3) rock climbing; 4) outdoor rec (hiking, camping, backpacking), and 5) teambuilding/facilitation/experiential education.
• Certification in First Aid and CPR (or ability to obtain upon selection)
• Clean driving record for applicants over the age of 23
• You must comply with our COVID-19 staff policy which requires a COVID-19 vaccination unless an exemption is authorized. 

WE ALSO REALLY LOVE TO SEE: 

• Those pursuing a degree or who have obtained a degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Recreational Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, Outdoor Leadership, Outdoor or Experiential Education, Natural Resources, or a relevant field
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities and/or youth
• There will be a priority given to applicants with rafting, kayaking, and/or rock climbing experience
• Certifications in outdoor recreation (WFA, ACA, SRT-1, SPI, Lifeguard or similar)
• Understanding of local natural history or the desire to learn
• Bi- or Multi-lingual, particularly Spanish-speaking ability or American Sign Language
• Ability to meet essential eligibility criteria for trips with or without accommodation. Physically capable of lifting large, heavy equipment, kneeling, swimming, and reaching overhead.