2025 Outdoor Educator - Easter Seals Camp Horizon

Outdoor Educator

Are you passionate about working in a fun outdoor environment? Are you interested in supporting people with disabilities and medical conditions with the support they need to engage in fun camp activities? Do you like working with youth and adults in educational and recreational programs?

Established in 1965 Easter Seals Alberta Camp Horizon specializes in an accessible and inclusive summer camp experience for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. We offer programs such as high ropes, rock climbing, waterfront paddling, camping, archery, bushcraft, arts and crafts, leadership training and so much more! Easter Seals Alberta fosters a work environment that is inclusive as well as diverse, where our people can be themselves. Every idea and perspective is valued to reflect the people we serve.

Our campers are children, youth, and adults with a variety of disabilities and complex medical needs. The Outdoor Instructor(s) are responsible for facilitating all of Camp Horizons' highly skilled activities such as high ropes, giant swing, hiking, and backpacking. Lead by the Outdoor Education Lead, the Outdoor Education Team will work together to facilitate a variety of inclusive, educational, and fun outdoor activities. This position requires individual(s) who are flexible, creative, safety conscious, and experienced in the outdoors.

Start Date: March 1, 2025

End Date: October 31, 2025

Location: 1 Camp Horizon Road, Bragg Creek, Alberta

What you’ll be doing:

·         Facilitating a diverse outdoor education program in the spring and fall, for school and community groups, that includes activities such as team building, orienteering, hiking, camping, high ropes, rock climbing, zip line, etc.

·         Facilitate and deliver programming for summer camps for persons living with disabilities and complex medical conditions

·         Providing programming on and off-site

·         Working  in a highly collaborative team environment

·         Participating in and delivering our unique mentorship program

·         Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all campers and staff

·         Ongoing maintenance of gear and equipment

·         Pre-season site prep; trail maintenance, scouting, repairing gear, cleaning, etc.

·         Updating Camp Horizon’s standard operating procedures

·         Promote camper participation by using Challenge by Choice fundamentals

·         Communicate effectively with your team

·         Model and demonstrate appropriate camp behavior and healthy choices for campers

·         Attend daily and weekly staff meetings

·         Assisting with staff training

·         Provide personal care as needed for campers with disabilities. Personal care includes but is not limited to assisting with mobility devices, portering, feeding, toileting, and showering

·         Assist other departments as needed. Tasks could include but are not limited to cleaning, serving food, kitchen support, and minor maintenance tasks.

·         Participate in on-call shifts

·         Work weekends and evenings as required

·         Live on-site July and August and while groups are on site

Your Skills and Experience:

·         1-year experience with outdoor education and facilitation/teaching

·         1-year experience in a leadership position preferred

·         Wilderness First Aid 40 or willing to complete before the start date

·         Class 5 AB driver's license an asset Class 4 preferred

·         Experience working with individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs

·         Physically able to assist with lifts and transfers; ability to lift 50lbs

·         Energetic and enthusiastic; ability to create a fun and inclusive environment for all program participants

·         Self initiative; being accountable and invested in the outcome of a program

·         Ability to multitask and keep a group organized

·         Ability to work well both in a team and independently 

·         Ability to work outside in inclement weather

·         Must be able to attend and participate in all days of counselor training: June 3rd to June 20th, 2025

Considered an asset:      

·         Experience in group management and risk assessment

·         Post-secondary education in outdoor recreation, outdoor leadership, or equivalent.

·         Previous experience at an overnight summer camp

·         Experience in behavior management and de-escalation

·         Any additional outdoor certifications (WFA, ACCT, OCC)

Working Conditions:

·         Working outdoors each day in all kinds of weather

·         Working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and behavior

·         What We Can Offer You

·         Professional development in Outdoor Education

·         Shared accommodation and meals for the duration of the contract

·         Have a positive impact on the lives of all of our campers

·         Opportunity to work with a diverse and international group of like-minded people.

Conditions of Employment:

·         Satisfactory completion of a police information and vulnerable sector check

·         Be 18+ by the start date of your contract

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.