Overview
The American Youth Foundation-Merrowvista is a nonprofit outdoor and experiential education center specializing in youth development and character building for young people ages 8-18. We are a co-ed organization that runs onsite residential programming and wilderness adventure trips, all with the focus of helping young people discover and develop the best in who they are. The Outdoor Gear Specialist (out-camping equipment) will support the camp program by coordinating the care, maintenance and issuing out and return of out camping equipment and other trip support. 

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
The American Youth Foundation enthusiastically welcomes staff and participants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. AYF seeks to continually assess our practices through a broad lens of cultural competency and is committed to taking action and changing for the better of all. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally and all are highly encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Take an opening inventory of all supplies and out camping equipment, and create a system for logging equipment use, issuing and check-in of equipment.
• Follow an established system for checking gear out that holds campers/villages responsible for equipment.
• Coordinate with the program coordinators as needed to issue and check in equipment.
• Support the bicycle mechanic and out camping food specialist as needed.
• Repair and clean all equipment as necessary including tent, packs, stoves, etc., and/or supervise campers in cleanup.
• Instruct campers in the use and care of out camping equipment and low-impact camping.
• Take a closing inventory of all supplies, establishing “usage” data for the summer and a recommendation for supplies before the next camping season.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• If 21 or older, be prepared to drive out camping trips on a regular basis.
• Join and facilitate day and evening activities with in-camp participants.
• Support the in-camp program by reading stories and helping with homesick campers during the evening.
• Support the adventure trip program on a rotating business while they are in camp, lead down-time activities and games.
• Adapt to unforeseen circumstances in the event that program activities need be altered.
• Set personal and professional goals for the summer and work towards achieving those goals.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to respond to and direct groups of kids and/or staff in an emergency.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age (21 years preferred).
• Three years of camping experience or equivalent.
• Ability to organize and maintain equipment.
• Interest, knowledge, and skill in the out camping equipment area.

Benefits:

• Intensive, quality, paid staff training
• $315+/week
• Certifications
• Housing and food provided for duration of employment
• Beautiful location