Summer Intern

All intern positions for the 2023 summer have been filled.

Join us this summer as a Summer Camp Nature Instructor Intern! Train to be a “Coyote Mentor” capable of igniting kids’ passions for learning and experience the difference nature connection makes.

Who We Are:

Wilderness Awareness School is a national not-for-profit environmental education organization that strives to use modern and traditional practices to connect students to nature, community, and themselves. We believe that a child who is rooted in nature carries the curiosity and vitality to grow into a more balanced and fulfilled human being. The magic happens in the simple things; nature immersion, playing, laughing, singing, hands-on skills, natural movement, and finding wonder in the world we live in. Interns are invited to come and explore how Wilderness Awareness Summer Camps encourage each of us to live a wildly successful and effective life as a leader, mentor, and steward of our communities.

 

Internship Details:

Staff Training: (20%, 2 weeks, June 12-23)- learn the curriculum, policies, and culture of our camps.

Intern Training: (10%, 1 week, July 3-7) – learn our signature Coyote Mentoring principles and practices.

Field-Based hands-on practice: (7 or 8 weeks) – Camp programs include day camp and overnight experiences. Specific assignments are based on the intern’s interests and camp needs.

  • (40%, 4 weeks) Shadow and assist multiple Lead Instructors in facilitating camps for campers ages 6-18. Shadowing and assisting will allow interns to experience multiple instructors using Coyote Mentoring principles to engage campers in nature connection. This covers topics that include wildlife tracking, bird language, peacemaking, edible and medicinal plants, knife use and safety, shelter building, outdoor cooking, navigation, wandering, sit spot, community crafting, and more. While shadowing, interns will be able to experiment by leading nature-based games, curriculum, storytelling, songs, and most other aspects of the camps. Daily reflection and feedback will be part of the shadowing weeks. 
  • (30%, 3 weeks) Serve as Lead Instructor, responsible for carrying out all aspects of summer camps, including mentoring volunteers. These three weeks will focus on campers ages 6-12.


Mentoring Meetings with Program Coordinator: multiple times during the summer outside of camp time to reflect and process the internship experience. (+2%)

Qualified Internship applicants will possess:

  • A passion to join the outdoor/nature education industry with a strong understanding of the operation of a leading nature education organization based in the U.S., exemplified by a knowledge of cutting-edge instructional methodology working with youth ages 6-18 in a variety of program offerings
  • A strong understanding of the balance between the benefit to the student and the organization in attaining success. A strong applicant is committed to fulfilling the internship and understands that return is dictated by investment.
  • Reliable transportation
  • A valid driver’s license
  • Reliable cell phone
  • Ability to secure appropriate housing in the local area
  • Current Wilderness First Aid certification.
  • Willingness to submit to background and reference checks.

Requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Desire to connect with youth ages 6-18 on a weekly basis. 
  • Experience with outdoor education (e.g. traditional skills, mentoring, or other childcare models)
  • Ethical (strong personal and work ethic)
  • Highly motivated with an ability to work long hours 
  • Positive attitude as a cooperative team member
  • Ability to communicate appropriately with all stakeholders: staff, volunteers, campers, and parents.

Benefits:

  • Three Lead Instructor weeks, paid at approximately $800 per week. 
  • Four Shadow weeks, paid at approximately $1,600 total.  
  • Personal mentoring and feedback from multiple instructors throughout the summer. 
  • Flexibility to explore one’s own passions and areas of growth in a supportive setting.  
  • Gain valuable skills in experiential education, specifically in relation to Coyote Mentoring.
  • Possible college credit approved by your school
  • Successful completion of the internship may lead to paid instructor positions in the future
  • Letter of Recommendation following the successful completion, upon request

Locations

Beautiful State and local parks in the greater Seattle, WA area on Snoqualmie, Snohomish, Skykomish, and Duwamish traditional territories. Our current parks include:

  • Seward Park
  • St Edwards State Park
  • Cougar Mountain County Park
  • Tolt McDonald County Park
  • Carnation Farms
  • Linne Doran (Our 50-acre campus in Duvall)

Dates

Starting around June 12th, 2023 – August 26th, 2023.

The application deadline is March 8th, 2023, or until positions are filled.

How to apply

Complete our Intern Application form:

Questions?

Samuel Bowman – Summer Volunteer Coordinator
Wilderness Awareness School
POB 219, PMB 137Duvall, WA 98019
(425) 788-1301
[email protected]

Wilderness Awareness School