Youth Summer Program Instructor

Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program provides active learning through outdoor and adventure education. We use an experiential approach to connect youth with their local surroundings, making learning relevant and fun by utilizing Colorado’s greatest natural resource: the mountains!

Position Responsibilities

  • Facilitate and provide instruction for youth ages 6-18 in the Youth Education Program. Lessons are taught both indoors and outdoors and are experiential, using models, props, and games. Topics may include teambuilding, environmental science, survival skills, snowshoeing, rock climbing, slacklining, and more.
  • Lead youth on day and overnight programs (hiking, backpacking, rock climbing) in backcountry settings.
  • Belay and provide climbing instruction outdoors and at the indoor wall at the American Mountaineering Center. Coach students in climbing concepts such as knot tying, belaying, back-up belaying, and climbing technique.
  • Facilitate a positive, fun learning environment through appropriate behavior management, communication, and teaching methods.
  • Prepare activities, materials, and equipment for programs as needed.  Assist with set up and break down of climbing sites and other program areas.
  • Provide feedback and ideas on the curriculum to the program design team.
  • Assist with general office administration tasks for the program.
  • Provide professional and excellent customer service to parents and community partners.

Position Qualifications

  • Minimum 19 years of age.
  • Minimum of Basic First Aid and CPR prior to start date.
  • Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification, or willingness to obtain.
  • Full COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC.
  • Submit a criminal background check.
  • Able to carry loads up to 45 pounds.
  • Ability to provide personal transportation to and from the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO.

 Position Competencies

  • Passion for working with youth.
  • Interest in the outdoors, particularly science, natural history, and/or recreation.
  • Prior experience working in wilderness programs, outdoor education, summer camps, or related field.
  • Experience working with youth in one more of the following:
  • Experience in natural science or related field.
  • Experience working in outdoor hiking and climbing programs.
  • Experience teaching youth from diverse backgrounds in environmental education and/or adventure education. 
  • Self-directed, innovative thinker.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstration of cultural awareness and responsiveness.
    • Experience working respectfully with colleagues and students from a variety of ages, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
    • Understanding and application of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and interest in furthering this work personally and within the organization.
    • Commitment to expanding access, relevance, and belonging for traditionally underrepresented groups in the outdoors.
  • Positive attitude and sense of humor.

     Preferred Skills and Experience

    • Associate’s degree or higher in adventure education, outdoor education, recreation, wilderness leadership or related degree.
    • Current Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness EMT certification.
    • Rock climbing experience, demonstrating competency in the fundamental skills including: belaying, back-up belaying, knot tying, equipment, and communication (highly preferred).
    • Bilingual in Spanish and English. 

     Time Commitment & Compensation

    • The position will start as part-time on an as needed basis for programs and training at $20/hour from May 16-31. Starting June 1, the compensation will range from $8,000-10,000 for a 10-week term depending on experience and number of overnight programs scheduled.
    • Additional benefits include workers compensation insurance, a Colorado Mountain Club membership, pro-deals with some outdoor gear manufactures and retailers, a health and wellness stipend of $200, and 40 hours of paid-time-off during the term, which will need to be arranged in advance directly with the supervisor.
    • The full-time seasonal position starts June 1, 2023 and goes until August 11, 2023. Summer camps and courses take place June 5 – August 11. Hours will vary, but typically take place Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with exception of overnight adventure camps. Some summer program instructors may need to be available to lead one week-long overnight program that would take place June – August, 2023. Scheduling and hours will be agreed upon by you and the Youth Program Manager and Director.
    • During overnight programs, a tent space and meals are provided. 
    • A variety of specialized training are offered to employees throughout the season. A mandatory week-long training will take place May 29-June 2 in preparation for summer programs.

     How to Apply

    • Submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the position, along with your goals and expectations via email to staceyh@cmc.org by March 1, 2023.

    For more information about the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program, visit our website at www.cmc.org/youth 

    The CMC provides equal employment opportunities to all people regardless of race, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or any other basis protected by law.