Outdoor Program Specialist

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana•Vernon Hills, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSCNWI) is an organization dedicated to helping girls build courage, confidence, and character. We foster collaboration, communication, and teamwork, aiming to positively impact the hearts and minds of girls. We are committed to being an equitable, trauma-informed, community-based organization serving the needs and interests of girls and their families across 245 communities. The Outdoor Program Specialist role is crucial in advancing our mission and transforming lives. This position involves facilitating programs for girls and volunteers, assisting with projects to enhance the outdoor program experience, serving as Assistant Camp Director for summer overnight camp, and overseeing weekend troop camping reservations during non-summer months. From September to May, the role is full-time, non-exempt, with up to 37.5 hours per week combining on-site and office work, typically Wednesday-Sunday. Travel to council-owned camp properties and frequent overnights are required. From late May to mid-August, the position is full-time, exempt, requiring on-site living at Camp Juniper Knoll in East Troy, WI, typically Sunday-Friday, with room and board provided. Compensation is $24.36/hour.

Requirements

Must be 21+ years old
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Knowledge of the outdoors
3+ years’ experience working with children in a camp setting or equivalent
Must be able to successfully problem-solve
Excellent time management skills
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to all camp locations
Must be certified in First Aid, CPR, and obtain their Mandated Reporter training certificate.
Membership with Girl Scouts of the USA, or willingness to become a member with the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree with concentration in an outdoor education field or equivalent experience is preferred
2+ years’ experience working as a lifeguard preferred
Possess (or be willing to obtain) additional certifications in lifeguarding (including waterfront skills), lifeguard instructor, small craft, and archery are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate with troop leaders, volunteers, and chaperones regarding program confirmation, schedules, and expectations
Develop curriculum for use in outdoor programs that is fun, safe, and promotes the Girl Scout experience
Work directly with children ages 5-17 in facilitation of outdoor programming
Participate fully in various projects which will promote the outdoor program experience
Participate enthusiastically in all aspects of camp life and act as a role model
Assist with management and care of program spaces and supplies including equipment maintenance, manage supply inventory, make purchases as needed, and alert the outdoor program manager of any safety or maintenance concerns
Be able to move items around in the program areas, such as firewood, canoes, archery and sports equipment. Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry items up to 25 pounds (e.g. firewood, canoes, archery/sports equipment
Possess strength and stamina to remain alert, friendly, courteous, and patient for the duration of the staff member’s time on the job
Other duties as assigned