Youth Program & Recreation Internship
Working with Glacier Peak Institute is a unique opportunity to work in outdoor education and recreation in a beautiful mountain community! Enveloped in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Glacier Peak Institute (GPI) empowers youth to build resilient and sustainable rural communities and healthy ecosystems across the Glacier Peak region of Western Washington through innovative, action-based education programs integrating Science, Technology, recreation, Engineering, art, Mathematics, and skill-building (STrEaMs). We are a 4-H affiliated club that operates with Washington State University (WSU) Snohomish County Extension.
Interns should be passionate about empowering at-risk youth ages 10 and up, and willing to serve both directly and behind the scenes. These positions are vital to our capacity as we are a very small non-profit serving in an under-resourced community. Our internship program is designed to provide valuable professional and personal experiences.
We are looking to hire up to 6 individuals to serve in this role.
Duration: This is a 10-week internship that can run from early June to mid-August 2023 or late June to mid-September 2023. Can include 5 days of unpaid vacation. **exact dates are flexible
Interviews: Ongoing until positions are filled
Location: Darrington, WA
Supervisors: GPI Executive Director, GPI AmeriCorps, GPI Outdoor Education Managers, and Camp Director
Pay: $500/month Stipend available. One time $330 Travel reimbursement available.
Housing: Housing will be provided free of cost to interns. It will consist of a primitive-style camping experience. There will be wall tents with cots that will be shared with at least one other person. Propane camp stoves will be provided. There is running water to the site and an outdoor shower that is a 3 minute walk from the main area. There is a yurt on site and a tiny house structure to be utilized as social spaces for interns. Latrine on site. Laundry facilities will be at other staff member’s housing. Interns are expected to assist with the upkeep of the facilities. If you have any questions on housing, please email us!
Essential Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate and facilitate programs focused on STEM, outdoor recreation, and environmental education for youth ages 10 and up
- Assist in critiquing and revising existing programming
- Assist with the planning and facilitation of overnight camps that range from 3-4 days. Interns are expected to stay on site for the duration of the camp, and may be required to reside with and lead a cohort of campers for the entire duration of the camp paired with another adult volunteer
- Aid in developing and facilitating training for adult volunteers and camper orientation
- Assist in the set-up, maintenance, and tear-down of camp activities and spaces
- Maintain, log, and organize donations and gear
- Update and manage social media accounts
- Plan, coordinate, and participate in community outreach events
- Maintain safety of participants and staff at all times during activities
- Drive GPI vehicles for event and program needs. Load, unload, and operate
- recreational equipment as needed for the program
- Store and care for equipment and vehicles to ensure they are safe and reliable for current and future programs
- Assist with compiling information, and keeping necessary paperwork up to date
- Be on time and prepared for events
- Be a positive representative and promoter of GPI and WSU, events, and activities in our community
- Other duties as identified
Qualifications:
- Must be 21 years of age or older (If you are 18-20 years old, you are still eligible to apply. Some exceptions may be made)
- Ability to work closely with people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines
- Ability to work independently with little supervision
- Capable of lifting at least 35 pounds
- Ability to be flexible, creative and positive in a variety of situations
- Commitment to a positive, fun and team-oriented working environment
- Ability to receive feedback, and provide constructive feedback to peers
- Has a valid driver’s license or an ability to obtain prior to position start
- Has experience and a passion for outdoor recreation, and experiential learning
- Comfortable working in an outdoor setting in cold, heat and/or rain
- Ability to share living quarters with other interns
- Understanding that most time on the job will be spent outdoors
- Understanding that work hours may go beyond or outside of a typical eight hour day
- Interns may work at various camps throughout the summer and are expected to stay on site for the duration
- Preferred practical experience working with youth/teenagers (Be willing and open to learn more about and expand your understanding of the unique challenges that rural youth may face, and how to best support this population)
- Preferred current certification in Mental Health First Aid, or be willing to be certified prior to the 1st day of camp
- Preferred current certification in Wilderness First Responder (or equivalent), Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR/First Aid, and/or Lifeguard Certification
Benefits:
- Access to recreation gear (such as boots, rain gear, fishing equipment, climbing gear, etc)
- Summer/Community events: Darrington Bluegrass Festival, Gem and Rock Show, Darrington Days Street Fair
- Abundant recreation opportunities: Darrington is within an hour drive of North Cascades National Park, close to several hikes off of Mountain Loop Highway, and is a short drive from the North Mountain bike trails.
If you would like to learn more about Glacier Peak Institute please follow the below link: https://www.glacierpeakinstitute.org