Teen Trip Leader

Orkila specializes in two types of expedition experiences. The first are our Leadership Development Institute (LDI) courses. We offer two- and three-week LDI courses that combine wilderness travel with time spent at Orkila to take advantage of youth work and leadership experiences, time spent on a challenge course and service projects at Orkila and in the Orcas Island Community. Our pure expedition (kayaking) courses send teens out into the San Juan Islands for one, two and four weeks of adventure, peer to peer leadership and skill development. Trip leaders will often get the opportunity to lead both types of courses in a typical summer spent working at Camp Orkila.

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) 

*Some benefits only available to full-time staff

COMPENSATION: $90/day for new hires, $105/day returning staff

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is committed to providing a positive atmosphere that prioritizes safety and inclusivity for all employees. The YMCA of Greater Seattle has implemented safety standards and protocols related to preventative health measures based on CDC and local health department guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

1. Supervises a group of participants while at camp and in the field. Ensures that all participants are accounted for and safe at all times.  
2. Plans, schedules, and facilitates program activities that are developmentally appropriate and which promote camper skill and character development.  
3. Assesses personal and environmental factors to mitigate risk.  
4.  
5. Maintains high standards of housekeeping including bathrooms, cabins and main lodge.  
6. Assists in keeping all program equipment in working condition and available, including teaching participants proper equipment usage.  
7. Assists in maintaining all program areas in a safe and orderly condition. 
8. Participates in staff meetings and trainings.  
9. Assures that all of the program outcomes are met.  
10. Ensures the health and safety of all participants and staff. Maintains communication with supervisor.  
11. Communicates personal or camper needs to supervisor in a timely manner.  
12. Maintains relevant American Camping Association standards. 
13. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.  
14. Other duties as assigned.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift store or janitorial products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This seasonal camp position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations per State of Washington wage and hour law.

TRAVEL

This position is required to live onsite at camp. All travel required for work will be done by YMCA Authorized Drivers.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

1. 21 years of age or older strongly preferred.  
2. Current  CPR certification.  
3. Current Wilderness First Aid certification (paid course is provided as a part of training) 
4. Documented skills in one or more of the following: kayaking, sailing, bike touring, rock climbing, backpacking, and challenge courses.  
5. Skills in teen leadership development.  
6. Willingness and ability to meet the rigorous physical demands of the position.  
7. Current Washington State food handlers permit (paid course is provided as a part of training)  
8. Ability to participate in activities that involve rigorous activity in an outdoor setting, including, but not limited to hiking, boating, camping and swimming.  
9. Ability to relate to parents/caregivers, campers, and staff in a professional manner.    

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• One or more years of applicable education, training, and/or experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position   
• Current Wilderness First Responder or WEMT very strongly preferred.  
• Lifeguard Certification strongly preferred.  
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.   
• Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.