Dates: June 14-August 28

Compensation: $690/week ($17.25/hour)

TO APPLY: Visit our website at https://wayaoutdoorschool.com/job-openings

About the Organization:

We are a Native women-led nonprofit that offers programs that intertwine outdoor adventure, science
education, and Indigenous knowledge. Camp Wa-Ya, our nomadic outdoor summer camp, combines a
love of local South Sound landscapes and Native culture with the integration of Western and
Indigenous science and learning.

Position Overview:

The purpose of this Fellowship is to provide an opportunity for a person connected to the Indigenous community to develop leadership and outdoor instructor skills that will result in them being comfortable with teaching large groups of diverse youth. Fellows will be trained in developing and teaching curriculum, working with diverse youth, coordinating with tribal communities and teachers, and sharing cultural knowledge in a way that is consistent with cultural teachings.

The Indigenous Fellow will assist Camp Wa-Ya Instructors in the development and delivery of curriculum, and creation of lesson plans, and will be responsible for providing instruction, running activities, and organizing games for groups of 9-13 campers. The Fellow will assist with day-to-day camp operations as needed, including but not limited to transportation, equipment and supplies management, set-up, clean up, taking pictures, posting to Wa-Ya’s social media, and other duties as required. This position serves as the primary support staff for the creation and delivery of Wa-Ya’s Indigenous teaching objectives.

Wa-Ya runs a 10-week summer camp program with Day Camp offerings for ages 6-13 and Adventure Camp trips for ages 12-17. Our lessons are centered around a science-based curriculum, in combination with Indigenous practices and arts, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship, and provide an environment that fosters a sense of wonder for Wa-Ya campers. Camp Wa-Ya staff and campers spend most of their day outdoors, engaged in regular activity. Our programs include hiking, kayaking, and outdoor skills, and Instructors should be prepared to work outside in any weather. Instructors are responsible for driving campers in 12- and 15-passenger vans. All Wa-Ya staff engage in a culturally integrated environment, where Wa-Ya’s values of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion are practiced.

Schedule & Location:

This position is expected to work on-site from June 14-August 28, 2025. All programs run Monday-Friday. Shifts are approximately 8 hours, although additional time may be needed for curriculum prep, cleanup, or to provide routine child care.

Camp Wa-Ya is based at Tumwater Historical Park, off of I-5, just south of Olympia, WA. While our days start and end at THP, our campers & instructors travel by van to sites throughout the Olympia area each day.

Compensation:

Compensation for this position is a $690 per week salary ($17.25/hour equivalent). This position is expected to work 40 hours per week. We will also cover First Aid & CPR and other related training for the right candidate.

Wa-Ya has local connections to help you find affordable housing during your summer contract.

Fellowship Objectives:

• Learn to develop and teach lessons that achieve Wa-Ya’s learning objectives related to environmental education topics, including:
  • South Puget Sound plant identification, natural history, conservation, marine biology, geology, river systems, orienteering, and Indigenous culture.
  • Outdoor skills including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, Leave No Trace principles, survival, yoga, mindfulness, and art projects.
  • The integration of tribal culture lessons and activities, with the assistance of visiting Indigenous community leaders.
• Foster an awareness of the role of Indigenous culture and education in natural resource science, environmental education, and place-based conservation.
• Develop a familiarity with summer camp operations and logistics.
• Cultivate confidence and leadership skills in working with teams, teaching youth, and coordinating with diverse staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with weekly preparation and camp clean-up.
• Provide care and quality control of Wa-Ya field and adventure equipment and teaching supplies, including maintaining a well-organized and clean equipment storage room.
• If needed, drive the Wa-Ya vans (12- and 15-passenger) to teaching sites, including periodically towing Wa-Ya’s sea kayak trailer.
• Engage with parents, guest speakers, board members, and other camp staff.
• Follow camp policies and procedures and ensure the safety and well-being of all participants at camp

Qualifications:

Applicants who do not meet all the qualifications listed below but present other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered. If you are excited about this work, please apply!

• A passion for inspiring and educating youth.
• Experience working with youth.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, prioritizing,
  conflict management, and multitasking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver environmental science and/or outdoor
  curriculum to kids.
• Familiarity and experience in at least two of the following: environmental education,
  outdoor adventure activities, ecological science/research, native cultures.
• Familiarity with local flora and fauna; and STEAM activities.
• Experience participating in or teaching adventure-related activities including, but not
  limited to, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and outdoor survival.
• Curiosity, patience, and reliability.
• Available to work 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working outdoors all day in all summer weather conditions.
• At least 18 years old and/or graduated from high school.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a background check.
• First Aid/CPR certified, Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder preferred.
• Can demonstrate a cultural connection to the Indigenous community.