Adventure Trip Guide

Camp Echo has been a treasured destination for generations of children and families for more than 120 years. As a branch of the McGaw YMCA in Evanston, Illinois, our mission is to cultivate the whole person, strengthen community, and provide equitable access to transformational experiences that uplift the mind, body, and spirit. We hold a vision that Camp Echo will be a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. To achieve this, we are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Camp Echo staff are a dedicated group of professional youth developers who passionately believe in the power of the overnight camp experience and what it does to help grow a child's sense of wonder, adventure, and independence.

Job Overview

Camp Echo’s Adventure Trip Guides carry out the execution of backcountry adventure trips for campers, grades 7–17. Trips range from 4 to 12 days in backcountry setting around the United States. Guides are responsible for caring for all individuals on the trip in spirit, mind, and body. This leadership requires knowledge of youth development, wilderness medicine, cooking, logistics, communication, and much more. Guides must have a strong sense of personal and group responsibility. 

Minimum Requirements

SPECIFIC DUTIES: 

• Conducts all aspects of the Adventure Trip from start to finish. 
• Responsible for the direction, leadership, safety, and well-being of the Adventure Trip participants.
• Actively communicates gear needs to Adventure Trips Unit leader and works on gear maintenance as able.
• Works with the Adventure Trip Operations Specialist to pack out food and gear for the trip.
• Works with the Adventure Trip Operations Specialist on pre-trip logistics and preparation as needed.
• Works with the Adventure Trip Unit Leader to understand how to support campers in their group.
• Verifies that the trip itinerary is accurate, and that emergency and check-in procedures are in place and known.
• Checks out gear from the Trip Center with guidance from the Adventure Trip Operations Specialist
• Shares driving responsibilities with co-guide on each trip, ensuring safe travel and good care of vehicle.
• Logs all expenses, organizes all receipts, and ensures that cash out and cash in balance with receipts is turned in after the trip.
• Works with Adventure Trip Operations Specialist to develop team building/activities plan for pre and post-trip time at camp.
• Facilitates post-trip closure and debriefing sessions for the group.
• After each trip, returns clean gear, reports repair needs or problems, and accounts for gear not returned.
• After each trip, submits all administrative documentation to Adventure Trips Unit Leader.
• Reports maintenance needs to the Adventure Trips Unit Leader.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

• Maintains the cleanliness of the living space to which they are assigned while at camp.
• Serves as a mentor to younger staff in general; specific assignments may also be made by your supervisor.
• Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers.
• Cares for and maintains equipment, supplies and property of camp.
• Maintains positive relationships with campers, parents, and other staff.
• Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
• Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own.
• Prepared to work in a Trip Support role when deemed necessary.
• Prepared to step into and assist other programs at camp as deemed necessary by supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Age 21 or older
• Certified in CPR, Lifeguard, and Wilderness First Responder 
• Valid driver’s license and a clear driving record
• Experience with youth in a wilderness setting or on camping trips
• Leadership ability and teamwork oriented
• Possess a variety of skills and primitive camping experience
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA and Camp Echo goals

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL ECHO STAFF: 

• Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers and staff. 
• Reports any behavior that goes against the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and/or puts any camper or staff at emotional or physical risk. 
• Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants. 
• Maintains positive relationships with campers and other staff. 
• Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers. 

• Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own. 
• Is a team player, helping others to achieve their potential by enthusiastically saying “yes” when asked to help. 
• Takes initiative and strives to be an active participant in creating positive programs and spaces at camp. 
• Cares for and maintains any program equipment, supplies, and spaces they use including activity areas (keeping track of keys) and any shared spaces like the offices, Costume Closet and Program Office. 
• Handles whatever else is necessary to ensure that programs run smoothly and safely, or anything else that is deemed necessary by supervisors. 

• May be scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups.