Introduction

Each year, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) makes the outdoors accessible to over 35,000 youth from urban, lower income communities throughout the Northeast.  We accomplish this by providing training and support to hundreds of youth workers and teachers that independently lead their groups of youth into the outdoors.  YOP’s continuum of services includes outdoor leadership training, free equipment loans, trip planning assistance, reduced lodging rates at AMC destinations, professional development, and youth adventures.  This unique model enables our YOP-trained partners to use the outdoors to meet their youth development goals.  YOP is expanding rapidly and looking for talented individuals to join our team which aims to serve at least 60,000 youth per year by 2020.

This six-month seasonal position is available May 11th to November 4th, and reports to the YOP Outdoor Adventure Coordinator.  The Local Adventure Instructor will lead after-school, day trips, and overnight camping trips in the Boston area.  The Local Adventure Instructor will also have the opportunity to lead at least one 4-day excursion near the White Mountains while working for YOP. Hours include continuous overnights while on trips. In addition to trip leading and logistics, this position will also be responsible for marketing YOP trips and trainings to Boston based youth groups via phone and email.  This position represents a great opportunity to learn and implement outdoor leadership curriculum and work closely with Boston area youth agencies, while having fun outdoors!  Local Adventure Instructors also gain exposure to future employment opportunities at the Appalachian Mountain Club. 

Applicants must be available from May 11th through November 4th  and able to work at AMC’s Boston Headquarters.

Responsibilities:

• Mandatory participation in YOP’s Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) with a pre-trip meeting on May 14 and backpacking training May 18-22.
• Lead groups of 8-10 urban youth (ages 11 to 18) on a variety of outdoor adventures with a co-leader from the participating youth agency.  Activities include hiking, canoeing, and camping, with occasional backpacking trips.
• Teach leadership, communication, teambuilding and challenge initiatives, basic outdoor living skills, and Leave No Trace ethics, all with safety as a top priority.
• Clean and maintain trip equipment, including tents, stoves, sleeping bags, clothing, and cooking gear. Pull necessary gear for the trip each week. Assist YOP members in the equipment room.
• Complete post-trip reporting responsibilities including trip summaries, statistics, and organizing paperwork and photographs.  Provide recommendations for program improvement.
• Post one story a week about a YOP agency or youth participating in the Local Adventures Program.  Document trips by taking quality photos that are worthy of grant reporting and AMC magazine articles.
• Collaborate with co-leaders (YOP members) to develop trip itineraries that support identified trip and agency goals. 
• Plan menus, organize, and purchase food.  Conduct participant pick-up/drop-off from the Boston area with a 12-passenger van.
• Collaborate professionally with youth workers (YOP members) participating in trips in a co-leadership capacity. Model best practices and provide a positive learning environment for adult co-leaders and youth alike. Provide feedback to leaders after every trip.
• Marketing & Outreach: Market Local Adventure trips and YOP trainings to Boston based youth groups via phone and email.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

We seek a responsible, energetic, and organized individual that is dedicated to the mission of YOP to make the outdoors accessible to all. 

• Experience and interest in working with urban youth.
• Background and experience in Outdoor Leadership or Recreation, Environmental Education or Studies, Youth Development, Education or related field.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of people, and establish and maintain strong organizational partnerships.
• Strong outdoor leadership skills including backpacking, hiking, camping, winter skills, and/or canoeing.
• Experience leading groups of youth on day and multi-day outdoor trips.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent logistical and organizational skills for outdoor program planning and implementation.
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR (Can be obtained upon hire).
• Ability to drive 12-passenger van safely and possession of a clear personal driving history.  Must hold valid driver’s license and be able to pass a DOT medical exam.
• Willingness to hike and camp in mountain terrain carrying a 40-50 pound pack, in all weather conditions.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and willingness to learn Efforts to Outcomes, our new database. 
• Ability to work weekends and evenings, Excellent group management, facilitation, and behavior management skills.  Ability to lead meaningful and effective group games and activities.