Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, (GSCNWI) is an organization that focuses on helping girls build courage, confidence, and character. We pride ourselves on collaboration, communication, and teamwork. If you are looking for an organization with a mission that impacts the hearts and minds of girls in a meaningful way, then look no further. We’re commited to being an equitable, trauma-informed, community based organization serving the needs and interests of girls and their famalies in the 245 communities we cover. We are the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Looking to work with a mission driven organization? Looking for a role that challenges you? Want your work to add value? Then the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana is the organization for you. The Outdoor Program Specialist role is a position that moves our mission forward and helps change lives.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Outdoor Program, the OUTDOOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST will facilitate programs for girls and volunteers and will assist with various projects that will benefit the outdoor program experience.

This position is full time, with total hours for on-site and office work not to exceed 40 hours per week. Candidates can generally expect to work Wednesday-Sunday, with office hours on weekdays and overnight programming on weekends. This position will require travel to each of the council owned camp properties, community locations and frequent overnights on site. The Outdoor Program Specialist will work in a leadership role in a summer camp program (resident or day), or continue with troop-focused programs during the summer camp season

Essential 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
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old and a high school grad
• Knowledge of the outdoors and 1-3 years’ experience working with children in a camp setting or equivalent
• Must be able to problem solve
• Excellent time management skills
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to all camp locations

Essential physical, visual, and auditory function

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

Additional Requirements

• Must be certified in First Aid, CPR, and obtain their Mandated Reporter training certificate. Training may be provided by GSGCNWI
• Possess (or be willing to obtain) additional certifications in life-guarding, small craft, and archery, Adventure Course facilitation are strongly preferred.
• Membership with Girl Scouts of the USA, or willingness to become a member with the Girl Scouts of the USA

Work Environment
Candidates should be willing to work in an indoor and outdoor camp setting, which includes working irregular hours with limited or simple equipment, rustic facilities, wildlife and insects; limited technology while at camp, and exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions.

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