Working with Glacier Peak Institute (GPI) and WSU is a unique opportunity to work in outdoor education and recreation in a beautiful mountain community! Interns should be passionate about empowering at-risk youth, 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.

GPI Overview: Enveloped in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, GPI empowers youth, community, and ecosystems to prosper and cultivate a shared resilient future through action-based outdoor education. GPI provides STrEaMs based education to rural youth (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math experienced through recreation and art to gain skills). GPI also employs a summer youth forestry crew, and hosts a WSU Cascade Mountains Military Teen Adventure Camp.

Military Teen Adventure Camp Description: The WSU North Cascades Military Teen Adventure Camp is an overnight camp located in Darrington, WA that will serve teens ages 14-18 that are dependents of Military Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Retired, and Veteran personnel. This camp will provide opportunities for the teens to try their hand at activities such as river rafting, archery, and outdoor survival skills. Furthermore, they will also develop a growth mindset, personal skills, and lifelong friends, all while building a foundation of environmental education.

Job Summary: The Recreation Intern will work as a team with AmeriCorps Programming Coordinators and other summer interns. The recreation internship has two main portions. Six weeks of the Internship will be working directly with GPI and will be focused on the preparation, coordination, and facilitation of outdoor recreation events for local youth ages 10-18. This includes both day events and overnight events. For the remaining four weeks of the position, the Recreation Intern will assist in the preparation and organization of the WSU Cascade Mountains Military Teen Adventure Camp, and will lead groups of teens and volunteers during recreation events and various other activities.

Dates: June 14th – August 27th (1 week off included, unpaid)  **dates are flexible

Interviews: Starting ASAP and ongoing until positions are filled

Supervisors: Camp Director and GPI Executive Director

Pay and Housing: Stipend will be available. Shared housing will be provided.

Responsibilities: 

Overall (GPI and Camp):

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate youth programs focused on STEM, outdoor recreation, and environmental education
• Assist in critiquing and revising existing programming
• Manage, coordinate, and recruit volunteers
• Maintain, log, and organize donations and gear
• Assist in grant writing and fundraising campaigns
• Update and manage social media accounts
• Assist in ensuring compliance with COVID-19 protocols during programs
• Maintain safety of participants and staff at all times during activities
• Problem-solve unexpected changes in activity plans, camper, and/ participation as a team
• 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

Summer Camp Specific: 

• 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
• Will be required to stay onsite for the duration of the 3 camp sessions (5 days per session)
• Depending on number of registered campers, interns may be required to reside with and lead a cohort of campers for the entire duration of the camp paired with another adult volunteer
• Communicate with Camp Director when necessary

Qualifications, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must be willing to adhere to GPI COVID-19 protocols
• Ability to work closely with people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Have strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Preferred current certification in Mental Health First Aid, or be willing to be certified prior to the 1st day of camp
• Preferred certification in Wilderness First Responder (or equivalent), Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR/First Aid, and/or Lifeguard Certification
• 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
• Preferred practical experience working with youth/teenagers and/or military youth
• Be willing and open to learn more about and expand your understanding of the unique challenges that military youth may face, and how to best support this population
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers in an outdoor environment
• 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, and Campers (during camp sessions) in rustic style housing, or camping
• Understanding that work hours may go beyond or outside of a typical eight hour day

Benefits: 

• While working at the Teen Adventure Summer Camp, GPI will provide the intern with three meals a day (total of 15 days)
• Access to gear (such as boots, rain gear, fishing equipment, climbing gear, etc)
• Summer/Community events: Darrington Bluegrass Festival, Summer Meltdown

WSU Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin; physical, mental or sensory disability; marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam- era or disabled veteran. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.