Overview: Camp Wa-Ya is hiring an Indigenous Fellow to work summer 2023 (June 19th through September 1st). 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 capable of leading and teaching large groups of diverse youth. At the end of the fellowship, candidates will be capable of 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 up to 14 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 reports directly to the Camp Director and serves as primary support staff for the creation and delivery of Wa-Ya’s Indigenous teaching objectives.

All Wa-Ya staff engage in a culturally integrated environment, where Wa-Ya’s values of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion are practiced.

Fellowship Objectives:

1. Learn to develop and teach curriculum:

• Outdoor science or conservation based, including Wa-Ya’s core environmental education tops such as marine science and coastal studies, forest ecology, geology, creek and wetland study including salmon science, and wilderness survival
• Outdoor skills, including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and Leave No Trace principles.
• Cultural Knowledge
• Mindfulness and Wellness

2. Foster an awareness of the role of indigenous culture and education in natural resource science, environmental education, and place based conservation.
3. Develop a familiarity with summer camp operations and logistics, including social media and outreach management.
4. Cultivate confidence and leadership skills in working with teams, teaching youth, and coordinating with diverse staff and volunteers.

Qualifications:

• First Aid/CPR certified, Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to pass a background check.
• Enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribe.
• Demonstrated cultural connection to the Indigenous community.
• Must be 16 or older.
• Experience developing and delivering environmental science and/or outdoor curriculum to kids preferred.
• Familiarity with local flora and fauna, and STEAM activities preferred.
• Enjoy working with diverse youth.
• Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Passion, curiosity, patience, and reliability required.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in a changing environment.
• Available to work 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday

Schedule:

In-person 5-day staff training begins June 19, 2023, and camp begins June 26, 2023. All camps run Monday through Friday and end September 1, 2023. All shifts run approximately 8 hours, although additional time may occur for curriculum prep, cleanup, or to provide routine childcare needs.

Compensation:

$680 per week salary ($17.00 per hour equivalent)

Non-Discrimination Policy:

Wa-Ya does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and campers.