Position Title: Red Wolf Camp Instructor
Organization: The Pine Project
Location: Haliburton, Ontario
Position Type: Full-time, contract Start
Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023 End
Date: Sunday, August 27, 2023
Compensation: $2,150-$3,000 commensurate on experience and certifications
About the Pine Project
The Pine Project is Ontario’s leading nature connection organization! We offer year-round nature connection
programs for people of all ages in Toronto and the surrounding area, including Outdoor School, March Break
programs, and highly sought-after summer camps. Each year we engage with over 1,500 children, teens, families
and adults. Our programs foster confidence, competence, resilience and a deep relationship with nature in a
way that is hard to achieve in more conventional learning environments.
By helping children connect to nature and teaching adults to do the same, we inspire children to respect,
cherish, and care for the Earth. We are empowering the next generation of environmental stewards, problem
solvers and leaders. Check out our website – pineproject.org – for more info.
Position Summary
The Pine Project is seeking Instructors to join our Red Wolf Overnight Wilderness Camp team. Unlike many
overnight camps, Red Wolf Overnight Wilderness Camp takes place in a backcountry setting, with campers and
staff living in tents, cooking over open fires, and living in harmony with the land. This is an exciting opportunity
for individuals with outdoor education experience, particularly backcountry and adventure-programming
experience. Working under the supervision of the Camp Manager, Red Wolf Camp Instructors are responsible
for a variety of different areas of camp life including running games and activities in a backcountry setting, as
well as preparing meals and supporting campers in learning how to live off the land.
This position is all about delivering high-quality programs creatively and effectively to advance our mission
and vision of a world where healthy people care for themselves, others and the natural environment.
Key Position Responsibilities
- Facilitate positive learning and recreational experiences in nature with campers ages 7-14
- Ensure social and physical well-being of all campers by preparing meals, managing risks and overseeing
general group management throughout their stay at camp - Lead groups of up to 12 campers with a co-instructor, and possibly an additional apprentice
- Lead program planning, development, and prep/debrief meetings
- Develop camp culture by leading and participating in skits, songs, and games
- Mentor fellow staff in skill building and develop your own nature connection skillset
- Encourage camper development at their own pace, recognizing their achievements and following their
inspiration - Respond appropriately when addressing challenging camper behaviours as they arise
- Participate in staff training week and camp take-down weekend
- Be prepared to work and live outdoors in all weather conditions
- Act in the best interest of all campers and staff in attendance at all times
- Willingness to continuously learn relevant knowledge and skills related to program content and
curriculum - Familiarize yourself with and abide by all policies and procedures including, but not limited to, the staff
handbook and emergency plans
Requirements
- Up to date Police Vulnerable Sectors Check (or willingness to obtain prior to employment)
- Up to date Standard First Aid and CPR-C or higher (or willingness to obtain prior to employment)
- Bronze Cross (NLS preferred)
- Up to date Wilderness First Aid certification (WFR/WAFA preferred)
- Extensive experience working with children in a mentorship role
- Experience working with children and youth with diverse learning needs an asset
The Pine Project understands that the cost of certifications can be a barrier to accessing employment in the
outdoor industry. If you identify as a member of a disadvantaged or marginalized group, or have faced other
systemic barriers to accessing employment, we may be able to subsidize one or all of the required certifications.
About you:
- Enthusiastic, outgoing, and flexible
- Able and willing to work as part of a team
- Have good communication, time management, and organizational skills
- Identify with Pine’s mission statement and core values
- Have a desire to further own naturalist/wilderness skills, mentoring techniques, and/or nature
connection through professional development opportunities
It’d be great if you have experience in any of the following areas:
- Outdoor and environmental education
- Backcountry camping experience
- Naturalist experience and knowledge
- Survival skills, wilderness experience
- Experience with the Pine Project (e.g. volunteering, adult programs, participation in Outdoor School).
Application Procedure:
There are two options to apply:
1. Submit a resume and cover letter to work@pineproject.org. Please refer to the “Red Wolf Instructor”
position in the email subject line.
Your cover letter should be about one page in length and include:
- Where you saw this job posting
- Why you are interested in the Pine Project and the Red Wolf Instructor role
- A brief description of your relevant skills, experience and aptitudes
- Applicants who do not meet all of the stated qualifications but have transferable skills,
experiences or aptitudes are encouraged to apply and explain their relevance to the role
in the cover letter.
2. Apply online here: https://pineprojectstaff.campbrainstaff.com/. The form will ask you about education
and work experience (similar to a resume) and ask the above questions (similar to a cover letter)
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. No
phone calls please.
The Pine Project is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity and diversity within
our workplace and greater community. We work proactively to develop a barrier-free selection process and
inclusive work environment where team members feel empowered to express authentic ideas and experiences.
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants with an interest in advancing our mission, vision and
values. We especially encourage applications from members of disadvantaged and marginalized groups,
including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, persons with disabilities, women and/or
LGBTQ2S+. If contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation measures required to
enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received will be addressed in confidence.