Expedition Leader

Posted by Camp Gallagher on 06/10/2024

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Expedition Leader Job Basics

Industry Sector: Outdoor, WaterSports
Job Type: Seasonal Full-Time
Job Categories: Camp Staff & Counselors
Salary: $ per day
Required to Relocate: No
Required to Travel: No
Employee May Telecommute: No
State: Washington D.C.
Job Seeker Must Live Within: -
City: Lakebay
Required Experience: 1 - 3 years

Expedition Leader Job Description & Requirements

While every Camp Gallagher experience includes adventure on the water, the expedition program offers extended opportunities to explore the south Puget Sound, sleep under the stars, and hone boating and camping skills. As the expedition leader, you are responsible for planning and executing exciting and safe tripping experiences for groups of 6-10 mixed aged campers using the designated watercraft for the session.

You’ll meet your campers at Gallagher, work together to solidify your itinerary, pack group and personal gear, practice necessary skills, develop team-building habits and norms, and set some individual and group goals before heading out on the open water in your vessels. You’ll spend the next several days navigating the local waterways and teaching both hard and soft skills that make outdoor adventure unforgettable, responsible, and sustainable. Then you’ll return to main camp to share your stories with all those who stayed behind.

Position Purpose:

To further the mission of the camp through the development and delivery of tripping activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities. Assist in the management to the physical operation of the tripping program and related equipment.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Develop and deliver a tripping program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the campers

· Evaluate abilities of campers and staff related to the proposed trip.

· Evaluate the success of the tripping program.

· Teach the skills necessary for a fun and safe trip before leaving the camp site, including personal and group health and safety, outdoor cooking and camping, comfortable travel methods, maintenance and care of equipment, emergency procedures, etc.

· Meet with the camp nurse before and after trips to monitor camper health during and following trips.

· Lead and teach campers in various outdoor program areas.

· Plan itineraries and file with the camp director or supervisor before leaving for each trip.

· With the assistance of campers and staff, pack and load into vehicles all necessary camping and safety equipment, food, and water for the trip.

2. Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their tripping group, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

· Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.

· Assure campers are always properly supervised.

· Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

3. Ensure that camp staff and campers follow established safety guidelines

· Assist in the implementation of staff training for tripping.

· Train other staff in their responsibilities on trips.

· Be prepared to enact written emergency procedures in the event of accident or illness.

4. Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the tripping area

· Maintain the tripping equipment

· Ensure the security of the tripping equipment when not in use.

· Conduct a check of equipment before and after each use, for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.

Other Job Duties:

1. Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.

2. Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.

3. Assist in the planning of any special events.

Qualifications:

1. Must be 21 years of age.

2. Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR. WFA or WFR preferred.

3. Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.

4. Ability to interact with all age levels.

5. Current lifeguard certification (can be built into training).

6. Current certification in tripping instruction or documented training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Training and experience in teaching tripping skills to children.

2. Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions.

3. Skills in outdoor program design particular to the type of tripping and camping activities assigned to the unit.

4. Previous experience leading wilderness trips and/or student experience with NOLS, Outward Bound, or similar programs.

Physical Aspects of the Position:

1. Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.

2. Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.

3. Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.

4. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

5. Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

6. Ability to lift and carry.

7. Ability to perform job responsibilities during daylight and nighttime hours.

8. Physical ability to prepare for, participate in, and lead campers in wilderness activities involving tripping activities specific to this camp and position.

Some physical requirements of a tripping position could be endurance including walking, hiking, standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/program. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility and environment available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and exposure to various animals, plants, and environmental conditions

About Camp Gallagher

Situated on the sunny shores of Case Inlet, in the south Puget Sound, Camp Gallagher is one of the most beautiful summer camps in the world. It's a place where middle schoolers and high schoolers can embrace nature, friendship, adventure and stewardship in a truly spectacular setting.

The Gallagher community is intentionally diverse. Campers of all genders, races, abilities and sexual orientations are celebrated here.

Away from the fast-paced world of homework, cell phones and social media, Camp Gallagher offers teens a much-needed connection to each other and their natural environment.

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