Summer Camp Outdoor Trip Leader

Camp Tapawingo is a traditional summer camp in Sweden, Maine. Our 200 acres of woods, fields and sandy beaches overlook Mt. Washington and the White Mountains in the Lakes Region of Maine. Each summer, over 100 staff members come from all over the world to teach new skills, grow campers, and make lifelong friends. The Camp Tapawingo trip program offers bunk overnights on site, day hikes, extended backcountry canoe and backpacking trips, and multi-day front-country excursions. The trip program also runs a low and high ropes challenge course on site throughout the summer. All training is provided! Trip + Ropes Staff is open to all genders and you will live in all-staff living areas on camp (not in the bunk with campers). 

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age with a US drivers license (and clean driving record, willingness to be trained to drive 15 passenger vans)
• Training and/or experience in outdoor adventure, challenge events, low and high ropes elements (experience preferred, training provided)
• Experience and ability to teach children in the outdoors
• Current certifications in First Aid & CPR
• High level of judgement and decision making skills, safety-conscious
• Certified lifeguard (obtained before arrival, cost will be reimbursed)
• Desire and ability to work with children
• Good character, integrity, and ability to adapt to a rustic camp setting
• Ability to work with others, accept supervision, maintain self-control, be flexible, and display a sense of humor and enthusiasm

Responsible To

• Trip + Ropes Department Head, Leadership Team

General Responsibilities*

• Assist the Trip Department Head in planning and providing bunk overnights, day hikes, and extended trips to campers ages 7-16
• Plan age-appropriate, scaffolded ropes course challenge activities for campers ages 7-16
• Pack out for each trip and teach skill based lessons to campers of all ages when on trips (fire building, leave no trace, etc)
• Assist campers in developing an appreciation for the outdoors

Pre-Camp Responsibilities*

• With the Trip + Ropes Head, set up the program areas
• Prepare lesson plans and curriculum for outdoor education opportunities on hikes and overnights, ropes course
• Complete all necessary trainings
• Take staff groups on a mock hike, provide mock lessons on ropes course

Season Responsibilities*

• When on camp, spend activity periods either preparing for trips or teaching ropes lessons
• Differentiate ropes lessons and outdoor skills to ensure they are appropriate for the skill level activities of various campers
• Oversee proper use of equipment and report needed repairs or replacement needs to your Department Heads
• Keep records on children's participation and attendance

End of Season Responsibilities*

• Work with your team of trip and ropes counselors to complete reports on each campers progress and accomplishments
• Work with your team to take down the trip and ropes areas and pack/store all materials and equipment

Essential Functions

• Ability to enforce appropriate safety and program procedures
• Ability to use appropriate behavior management techniques when necessary
• Ability to plan and conduct activities to achieve program goals for campers and counselors
• Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring emergency procedures
• Ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activities
• Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies to maintain operation of the program

Pay & Benefits

• Shared room and board provided (staff only housing)
• Uniform, linens, towels and laundry provided
• Travel bonus provided
• Paid-for certifications/permits in Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Canoe Skills Training (ACA), Maine Trip Leader, White Mountain National Forest Guide, and Adventure Ropes Skills (High 5), as well as reimbursement for Lifeguard certification (must be obtained before arrival)
• Get paid to explore the natural wonders of the American Northeast!

*These are not the only duties to be performed.  Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required.