Summer Program Instructor

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Become a Vancouver Outdoors Society Instructor

Job Position: Summer Program Instructor – Seasonal

Location: Squamish BC – Quest University

Dates

June 15th – June 21st

July 3rd – July 16th

July 24th – August 6th

August 14th – August 27th

Compensation: $200 per day (approximately 50 days work, including 7 days staff training)

About Us:

The Vancouver Outdoors Society (VOS) offers participants outdoor experiential education programs focused on what we call the VOS Big 5 Character Traits (honesty, leadership, trust, courage and patience). The main objective of this program is self-discovery (answering the questions: who am I?, what am I?, what do I believe?, what do I want?, what I am capable of?, and where did I come from and where am I going?). Through a journey of exciting outdoor adventure activities, environments, and relationships, as well as cultural awareness opportunities, VOS offers youth a chance to go beyond learning how to have fun and recreate in the outdoors. The aim is to build character in young people and foster resilient, compassionate, critical thinkers, leaders, and followers for the future.

The Discovery Academy Summer Camp:

The Discovery Academy is a two-week summer camp program for teens ages 13-18 years. All of the two-week sessions will run between July and August. This program is intended to provide an ultimate Canadian summer camp journey of self-discovery and adventure. Activities will include a multi-day sea kayaking trip, backcountry hiking, helicopter overnight hut drop, mountain biking and other wilderness skills programs. Learning outcomes are critical thinking, community collaboration, technology skills, cultural competence, and environmental stewardship.

Overview:

Program Instructors report to the Program Manager and will lead and co-lead Vancouver Outdoors Society’s Discovery Academy program groups. Instructors will be expected to deliver, frame and re-frame program activities, group processes and objectives with a high level of enthusiasm and efficacy.

  • Working directly with students, parents, and supervisors to facilitate Discovery Academy programming and initiatives
  • Implement the VOS risk management plans, policies and procedures
  • Lead multi-day backpacking and sea kayaking trips
  • Communicate program requirements as they arise with the Project Manager
  • Prepare necessary equipment, food rations and logistics for programs and events
  • Provide feedback and evaluations to supervisors and program developers and post-trip reports
  • Provide ongoing participant evaluations and check-ins during and post-program

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

  • Wilderness First Aid Certificate (AWFA 40+ hours, or WFR 80 hours preferred)
  • National Life Saver (NLS) Certificate or equivalent
  • AOG Sea Kayak Guiding Certificate (or equivalent experience)
  • Class 4 Unrestricted Driver’s License (preferred)
  • Certifications or experience in leading/instructing outdoor adventure sports, such as rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, paddle boarding, orienteering, etc.

Successful applicants will need to provide a clean Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check before employment.

The Vancouver Outdoors Society will provide a safe, flexible and supportive working environment to the candidate that can demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

  • Experience and passion for working with youth in experiential education programs
  • A high level of responsibility
  • Safety
  • Punctuality
  • Enthusiastic and positive outlook
  • If you speak Mandarin/Cantonese or have experience working with Chinese culture
  • If you have experience working with companies such as NOLS, COLT, Outward Bound, or Where There Be Dragons

Hours:

The Discovery Academy programs operate over three, 24-hour, two-week sessions from July to August with five days off between every session and one pre-day and post-a-day for each session. Each session for staff is sixteen days long.

How to Apply:

Vancouver Outdoors Society is looking for applicants who can commit to working the entire three summer sessions (July to August). Send your resume and cover letter to info@vanoutdoorsociety.com