Nature Day Camp and Overnight (Trips) Camp Instructors

Camp Wa-Ya, a nature-based Day and Overnight Trips camp in Olympia, WA is hiring Day and Overnight Camp Instructors!

We offer camps for kids ages 6-13 and our programs focus on environmental education, Indigenous culture, and outdoor play.

All Wa-Ya staff engage in a culturally integrated environment, where Wa-Ya’s values of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion are practiced.

Day Camp: 

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (8 hour shifts)

Pay is $680-760/week

Kids ages 6-14 (divided into smaller age groups)

Programs include kayaking, swimming, hiking, survival skills, nature art, Indigenous culture, and rock climbing.

Adventure Camp (Overnight Trips):

Monday-Friday (no weekends!)

Pay is $680-760/week + $100/night overnight stipend

Kids ages 9-17 (different weeks have different ages)

Programs include sea kayaking, backpacking, car camping, and a road trip.

Training includes 4 nights backpacking/kayaking.

DO NOT APPLY ON HANDSHAKE

To apply, visit our website at https://wayaoutdoorschool.com/2025-openings 

Responsibilities:

● Develop curriculum and create and teach lessons that achieve Wa-Ya’s learning objectives related to environmental education topics.

● Teach South Puget Sound plant identification, natural history, conservation, marine biology, geology, river systems, survival skills, orienteering, and Indigenous culture.

● Provide instruction in activities including hiking, kayaking, swimming, survival, and art projects.

● Ensure the routine integration of tribal culture lessons and activities, with the assistance of Wa-Ya’s Tribal Fellow, as well as visiting Indigenous community leaders.

● Assist with weekly preparation and camp clean-up.

● Provide care and quality control of Wa-Ya field and adventure equipment and teaching supplies, including maintaining a well-organized and clean equipment storage room.

● Provide mentoring and direction to Wa-Ya Assistant Instructors and summer interns and actively engage them in daily camp activities, logistics, and lesson delivery.

● Drive the Wa-Ya vans (12- and 15-passenger) to teaching sites, including periodically towing Wa-Ya’s sea kayak trailer.

● Engage with parents, guest speakers, board members, and other camp staff.

● Follow camp policies and procedures and ensure the safety and well-being of all participants at camp.

Qualifications:

Applicants who do not meet all the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered. If you are passionate about this work, please apply!

● A passion for inspiring and educating youth and connecting them to their authentic selves, their environment, science, and Native perspectives.

● Experience working with youth.

● Experience supervising staff or peers.

● Knowledge, skills, and abilities to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, prioritizing, conflict management, and multitasking skills.

● Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver environmental science and/or outdoor curriculum to kids.

● Familiarity and experience in at least two of the following: environmental education, outdoor adventure activities, ecological science/research, native cultures.

● Familiarity with local flora and fauna; and STEAM activities.

● Experience participating in or teaching adventure-related activities including, but not limited to, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and outdoor survival.

● Curiosity, patience, and reliability.

● Available to work Monday-Friday

● Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

● Comfortable working outdoors all day in all summer weather conditions.

● Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a background check.

● First Aid/CPR certified (Wa-Ya can help you with this!)