IN THE SPOTLIGHT

As one of the industry's most sophisticated wilderness therapy programs, Second Nature Wilderness Program provides insight, direction and hope to troubled teens and their families. With the aid of the wilderness, licensed therapists and experienced staff, adolescents (ages 13-17) embark on a journey to make healthy choices and rewarding relationships. Field Instructors work eight days on, six days off. The eight-day shift is spent in the Uinta Mountains and high desert of Utah, hiking and camping with students and helping to keep them physically and emotionally safe. Pay starts at $105/day, and there is no cap to Field Instructor salaries. Benefits include full health and dental insurance, performance bonuses, participation in a 401k plan and a variety of professional gear deals. Applicants must commit to work for at least six months and are required to be a minimum of 19 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have current CPR and first aid certifications. Prospective Field Instructors must attend a week-long training session in the field. Trainings are scheduled every month; the next session begins on June 20th.

• As a field instructor for Second Nature Wilderness Program, you'll become a teacher and healthy role model, you'll backpack and camp with students in beautiful places and you'll keep them physically and emotionally safe.

ALASKA JOBS more

Staff Opportunities are available for the 2008 Season.
Providing challenge and change through remote wilderness adventures, Alaska Crossings offers 49-day experiential programs for youth (ages 12-18) with behavioral health issues. Field guides play an essential role in mentoring and guiding participants through physically and mentally demanding land and water-based expeditions. These adventures provide the framework for the field team to deliver a curriculum of behavior modification, social and life skill development and mentorship to elicit positive change in each client. Staff must work the entire 46 days, so experience and familiarity with backcountry travel is essential. Benefits include $120-$320 per day, pro deals, medical clinic discounts and retirement after one year. Qualifications differ for each guide level; however, all applicants should ideally have experience working with youth (especially those with behavioral issues), and be skilled in alpine environments, canoeing, mountaineering, multi-day backcountry tripping, and WFR/CPR certified. Flexibility, adaptability and strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. If you have what it takes to be the change, email your resume and cover letter to Lucy Robinson or call 907.874.2371 for more information.

Hot News: Alaska Crossings Seeks a Program Director The Program Director job requires excellent project management skills, interpersonal communication skills, writing abilities, and child management skills in a wilderness setting. read more The ability to work independently as well as plan, implement, and follow-up on events and activities involving cooperating agencies, staff, and participants is essential. Knowledge of the outdoor wilderness industry and outdoor activities is very important. For more information contact: Steve Prysunka Alaska Crossings Wilderness Program P.O. Box 2294 Wrangell, AK 99929 866.550.2371 steve@alaskacrossings.org

• Do you have what it takes to venture to rugged remote environments while mentoring and guiding 12 to 18 year-olds? Alaska Crossings field guides lead 46-day therapeutic wilderness expeditions in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska and on the Stikine River in British Columbia, Canada.

HAWAII JOBS more

Come explore Hawaii in a different way! Based in a camp-like setting on an 8-acre working, organic farm on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for students (ages 13-17) to recognize a want for change. In addition to working with a counseling and treatment team to achieve weekly outcomes, a typical day consists of working the land while learning about permaculture, sustainability, basic living skills and Hawaiian life, with outings twice a week. The treatment team consists of four field staff—Lead 1, Assistant, Support Staff and an Apprentice—all who work one week on, one week off. Benefits include a salary as well as room and board during the working period (on your week off, accommodations are not provided). At minimum, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in psychology, farming or outdoor education. If you can make a one-year commitment and have experience and enthusiasm for working with teens in an outdoor therapeutic setting, email your cover letter and resume to Brian Hannon.

• Blending a wilderness therapy model on an organic farm, Pacific Quest facilitates an environment for students to recognize a want for change while learning about permaculture, sustainability, basic living skills and Hawaiian life.

IDAHO JOBS more

Using the Idaho wilderness, primitive skills and backpacking as therapeutic tools, SUWS empowers at-risk youth to overcome self-destructive behaviors, gain self-confidence, and leave the desert with the ability to have healthy relationships and make positive choices for their future. Working in pairs with groups of up to 8 students and supported by licensed therapists, Wilderness Instructors become guides and role models for students and are directly responsible for their physical and emotional safety. Duties include teaching primitive outdoor skills and facilitating therapeutic activities—from search and rescue techniques and journal writing to ropes course challenges and team building initiatives. Positions are offered seasonally and year-round, with a two-week on (24 hours/day), two-week off schedule. Compensation includes competitive wages, quick advancement, in-house wilderness medical training through SOLO for Head Instructors, paid training before trips, dozens of pro-deals, and a benefits package including health, dental, vision and 401k. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, with preference given to those who have experience working with at-risk youth, competency with wilderness skills, and teaching or mentoring experience. Potential instructors must participate in a five-day pre-hiring session (the next seminar begins on June 8th). For more information or to begin the application process, contact Mike Schwartz through email or by calling 208.735.4471.

• Lead 14-day courses with teens in the Idaho desert. Teach primitive outdoor skills. Facilitate wilderness therapy activities. Empower students to make healthy choices and become more self-reliant. This and much, much more working as a seasonal or year-round wilderness instructor for SUWS!

MAINE JOBS more

Providing a supportive and therapeutic environment within the peaceful Maine woods, New Horizons for Young Women has helped hundreds of teenage girls who are having difficulties with the transition between girl and womanhood. Knowing that the beauty and challenge of nature is sometimes the best path back to a healthy life, girls are taken into the great outdoors where they can reflect on past decisions and future choices, and do things they never thought possible. But along the way, they need someone to guide, encourage, and expect the best from. That's where you come in. Wilderness Instructors are at the heart of helping young women discover their inner strength and abilities. You will become a positive role model, teach life skills, facilitate group discussions and lead a variety of activities and outdoor expeditions. You'll earn a salary starting at $23,660, participate in weekly workshops, and after 90 days, full medical coverage, paid vacations/holidays and an education/gear stipend are provided. If you are a self-starter with a big heart, have lots of energy and a desire to teach and to learn, this job may be the perfect fit. Although applications are accepted year-round, the next pre-hire orientation begins the third week of October.

• As a wilderness instructor for New Horizons for Young Women you will have the opportunity to lead life-changing outdoor expeditions and teach unique activities—from canoeing and dog sledding to maple syrup tapping, drumming and yoga.

MONTANA JOBS more

Located on a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch in northwest Montana, family-owned Wilderness Treatment Center combines a traditional residential program with a true wilderness experience over a sixty-day period for young men between the ages of 14 and 24. Along with a licensed addiction counselor, wilderness instructors lead 16-21 day expeditions into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Yellowstone National Park with a group of up to nine young men up to 6 times per year. When not in the field, instructors work a 40-hour week on campus facilitating recreational activities, leading work therapy groups, and performing logistic assistance, equipment maintenance and some driving. Applicants are asked to make an initial one-year commitment, have the ability to teach outdoor skills, believe in Leave No Trace principles and have or quickly attain a WFR minimum level of first aid training. Those who have completed a NOLS course or similar experience are preferred, but not a must. To begin the application process email your cover letter and resume to Patrick Hawkins or fax to 406.854.2835. Starting salary DOE with an incentive program that rewards longevity.

• With the help of a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Yellowstone National Park, Wilderness Treatment Center wilderness instructors provide an environment for young males to gain self-confidence and personal growth from challenging goals in the wild.

NEW YORK JOBS more

Are you willing to challenge yourself physically and emotionally? Flexible and adaptable to changing situations? Comfortable in a wilderness setting? Eager to guide students down a path of increased self awareness? As a character development wilderness program for troubled teens, Adirondack Leadership Expeditions (ALE) promotes personal growth through a focus on insight-oriented experiences. Seasonal and year-round Wilderness Field Instructors assist the lead instructor in carrying out therapeutic outcomes for each student while using primitive survival skills, 4-5 day backpacking expeditions and outdoor experiential education techniques as tools for emotional and spiritual growth for their group. Instructing for ALE is not only a wonderful opportunity to help change the lives of teenagers, but also a chance to challenge your self and grow. Field instructors work 8-day shifts, with 6 days off in between, spending 24 hours a day with the students while on shift. In addition to a competitive wage and outdoor gear pro deals, you'll have continuous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; detailed information can be obtained by connecting with Patricia Williams (Human Resources Manager) at 518.897.5011.

• While helping to change lives in a beautiful Adirondack mountain setting, wilderness field instructors with Adirondack Leadership Expeditions also have a chance to professionally and personally learn and grow in new ways.

NORTH CAROLINA JOBS more

Located in the Pisgah National Forest, SUWS of the Carolinas and Phoenix Outdoor empower at-risk students to rediscover their strengths while preparing them to become more self-reliant, sustain meaningful relationships and possess a higher level of personal integrity. Using the outdoors as an alternative to conventional treatment environments, wilderness field instructors co-lead groups of adolescents in the backcountry, accounting for 24-hour safety and supervision. Duties include teaching primitive outdoor skills, facilitating therapeutic activities and treatment goals and empowering students to take responsibility for their actions and make healthy choices. Positions are offered year-round, during the summer or seasonally, and most staff works an 8-day on, 6-day off rotation (although there is flexibility in scheduling). Competitive wages start at $116 per day, with benefits that include a $300 signing bonus, health insurance, paid time off, 401k and prodeal purchases. Applicants must be at least 21 and have comfort in the backcountry and working with adolescents. A college degree in the outdoor or psychology field is a plus; WFR or WFA is recommended but not required. To begin the application process, email your cover letter and resume to Dave Browning or call 828.668.7590.

• Teach primitive outdoor skills in the Pisgah National Forest. Facilitate wilderness therapy activities. Empower students to make healthy choices and become more self-reliant. This and so much more working as a wilderness field instructor for SUWS of the Carolinas and Phoenix Outdoor!

TEXAS JOBS more

Exciting Jobs in Outdoor Wilderness Therapy!
Located in the Davy Crockett National Forest in eastern Texas, Lone Star Expeditions assists teens who are searching for, creating and working to follow healthier trails. Field guides are charged with the duty of, well, guiding. By acting as mentor and role model as well as teaching flint and steel fires, bow drill fires, primitive shelter construction, navigation, leather working, primitive cooking and even fly fishing, each guide will be able to bring about growth in each student as well as themselves. The guide position is an open door to a life-long career in the wilderness therapy industry! Guides who can make a one-year commitment are preferred, although seasonal guide positions (for those searching out their career paths) are also available. All guides work an 8-day on, 6-day off shift. Benefits include a salary ranging from $21K-$29K, paid supplies while on the trail, pre and post-trip staff housing, healthcare coverage, 401K after 90 days and paid time off after 180 days. Those who are dynamic, full of energy, inviting and willing to inspire students without having to say a word will thrive in this environment. Email your cover letter and resume to Melvin M. Cates or call 936.831.3133 for more information. Applications are accepted year-round.

• If you love the great outdoors and making a difference in the lives of others, working as a field guide with Lone Star Expeditions is your opportunity to explore both!

UTAH JOBS more

Camping. Backpacking. Bow drill fires. Oh yeah, and teenagers. All in southern Utah's spectacular backcountry. With RedCliff Ascent you'll make your living helping troubled teens and conquering yourself while you do it. You'll get paid for being outside with a whole bunch of people who love the outdoors as much as you do. RedCliff is unlike anything you've ever experienced. It's work without walls, without limits. This job makes you better, stronger—more sure of who you are and what you want. It's an experience you'll never forget. If you're tough enough to take it, call 'em. They're not in the office. Prospective field instructors must attend a 1-week training session in the field, which are scheduled every month. The next session begins on May 15th.

• Few roles are more fulfilling in life than the role of mentor, and few jobs offer the wide range of opportunities which RedCliff offers to its field staff. Hiking, camping, backpacking, beautiful scenery and dynamic interpersonal relationships all come with the job. Add to this the chance to tone up the physique and improve your level of self confidence and personal character, and you have a job that is hard to beat.

Looking for an office with a view, a meaningful career in the outdoor industry, and being part of a community that cares? Share your outdoor passion and skills with Second Nature Entrada in the Red Rocks of Southern Utah! As a year-round licensed therapeutic wilderness program, Entrada uses the wilderness to assist adolescent and adult clients in their journey toward healthy behaviors and rewarding relationships. Working in a group with three to four other staff members, Field Instructors keep eight to ten clients safe while backpacking in the high desert of Southern Utah. In addition to implementing the Entrada program philosophy, other responsibilities include role modeling as well as teaching backpacking, communication, and wilderness survival skills. Instructors work a rotating schedule of eight days on and six days off, and a 1-year commitment is necessary. Pay starts at $110/day and progresses up to $195/day, plus bonuses. Benefits include full health and dental insurance, medical and professional training stipends and a variety of professional gear deals. First aid and CPR certification is required (although WFR, EMT or WEMT certification is preferred). Detailed info and application materials are available online. Prospective field instructors must attend a 1-week training session in the field, which are scheduled every month. The next training session begins on May 23rd.

• Wilderness field instructors for Second Nature Entrada become teachers and positive role models for adolescents and adults looking to build their confidence and self-esteem in the Red Rocks of Southern Utah.

Blending the best of ancient cultural systems with a wilderness therapy program, Outback Therapeutic Expeditions provides a powerful setting for real change in troubled teens. The elements of a wilderness experience, individualized treatment, family counseling, and peer interaction combine to help students turn negative habits and behaviors into positive change. Wilderness Field Guides empower adolescents by focusing on the their self-esteem, team building, and positive decision-making skills. They act as mentors in building relationships of trust as well as teachers of primitive and survival skills. Guides work a 1-week on, 1-week off schedule. The annual salary starts at $19,000-$21,000 and goes up to $36,400. Health, dental and vision benefits kick in after 90 days. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and CPR/first aid certified (WFR preferred); preference is given to those with at least six months of experience working with teens. If you are a person who can establish relationships fast, loves adventure, and is outgoing, active, and can work well in a team environment, check out www.outbacktreatment.com. Watch the online video, and if you are interested in applying for the most rewarding job you will ever have, email your resume along with 3 work-related references to Sara Troutman or call 801.319.3981 for further information.

• Working for OutbackTherapeutic Expeditions is not just a job, it's a journey. It is an experience that will challenge and reward you in countless ways as you touch the lives of the students in your care. It is emotionally, physically and mentally challenging—and will probably become the most memorable and most fulfilling job you'll ever have.

As a new, growing and unique therapeutic boarding school in beautiful southern Utah for boys ages 13 through 17, Silverado Boys Ranch is actively seeking qualified and energetic professionals to join the Silverado team. Built upon the three core principles of work, love, and play, the ranch is specifically designed to integrate real world skills and enhance self-esteem through a combination of experiential therapy, challenging academics, and healthy relationships. Recreation and adventure leaders are responsible for developing, planning, organizing, and implementing therapeutic recreational and leisure-time activities. Entry-level team coaches become mentors, guides and healthy role models, and are responsible for the direct care, supervision and safety of students as well as assist with daily living activities, treatment, outdoor activities and community service projects. Therapists and substance abuse counselor positions are also available for those who have more experience and advanced degrees. Benefits include a salary based on experience and education; temporary housing may be available. As a relationship-driven program with a heavy emphasis on experiential therapy, applicants who are creative and innovative in their approach will thrive in this environment. Email, mail or fax (435.676.8488) your cover letter and resume to Denise Westman, Silverado Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 919, Panguitch, UT 84759.

• Just minutes away from Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, and Zion National Park, the 200-acre Silverado Boys Ranch location provides an inspirational setting for staff members to provide a work, love and live environment that assists boys to grow into resilient young men.

Ready to begin an incredible adventure with a brand new outdoor therapy company in Utah's pristine red rock territory? With a program director who has successfully helped start two other wilderness programs, WindGate Wilderness Therapy is actively recruiting wilderness field guides to begin work right away. As you work with a group of great teens who have made some poor choices, you will have life-changing experiences and opportunities to help them live happier and more fulfilling lives. Thus, a healthy and positive lifestyle is essential for becoming a true example and role model for your group. Preference is given to those who can commit for at least one year; and at this time, you must have at least six months experience working with at-risk youth (those who have no experience will be considered later in the year). Compensation starts at $105/day, with the opportunity to make up to $195/day (daily rates will be gladly matched if you are coming from another company with wilderness experience). Health and dental benefits are also provided after 90 days. If you are looking for a unique opportunity to help create and build something great, email WindGateJobs@gmail.com to learn more about the company's philosophy and application process (please include your resume).

• HOT NEWS: WindGate Wilderness Therapy will be rolling out their website soon. As soon as we receive word, we'll introduce their website here!

MULTI-STATE JOBS more

Want to make your mark on this world? Got a love for hiking, biking, climbing, and canoeing? Interested in working with adolescents who need positive direction in their lives? Consider working for Three Springs at one of their outdoor treatment sites in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia. With a focus on promoting self-esteem, responsibility, healthy relationships, good communication skills and self-discipline, residential outdoor youth counselors are responsible for the direct care and supervision of a group of 10-12 troubled adolescent. Structured days are spent in school, on the ropes course, doing outside vocational activities, teambuilding and leading group therapy sessions and off-campus adventure trips. Counselors must commit to at least a one-year term with a typical work shift of 4-5 days on and 2-3 days off. Pay starts at $23,700, with benefits that include medical and dental after 3 months, 3 weeks paid vacation, paid training and lots of room for advancement. If you have at least a bachelor's degree, are outdoors-minded, and enjoy a challenge and helping others, explore what Three Springs has to offer you!

• Grow and Flourish! Residential outdoor youth counselors with Three Springs have the true opportunity to make a difference for the young people in their group—and even a greater opportunity to learn counseling skills and to grow personally and professionally.

Fresh air. Open spaces. Miles of blue sky above you. You won't find these in a corporate cubicle, but you will find them working with kids as an outdoor youth counselor at an Eckerd Youth Alternatives outdoor therapeutic program. With year-round, full-time residential job opportunities available in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Vermont, here's your chance to brighten young futures with your positive influence. You'll work with gender-specific groups of about 10 kids, ages 10-18, in a rustic camp setting. You'll ensure that group members are engaged in productive behaviors and developing effective problem-solving skills. You'll lead your group in hiking, backpacking, canoeing adventures, low and high ropes work, outdoor games and community service projects. Just as important, you'll be a mentor and role model, as you help at-risk kids get back on track. Salaries start at $23,600/year, plus paid training, room and board, time-off housing, medical/dental/life insurance, retirement plan, paid vacations and holidays, clothing allowance and lots of room for advancement. Candidates should be at least 21 years of age, physically fit, and enjoy working with kids and outdoor activities. A college degree and previous volunteer or paid work with children is preferred, but not required. Start your journey online at www.eckerdyouth.org.

• The perfect job: working with kids, being outdoors and making a difference. Where fresh ideas and a spirit of adventure is always welcomed, you'll be able to develop your own talents and skills as an Eckerd Youth Alternatives outdoor youth counselor.

Outward Bound Discovery offers unique wilderness and adventure-based programs to youth, families, schools, professional organizations and communities throughout Florida, South Carolina and Alabama. Discovery is committed to targeting the factors that put today's youth at-risk for crime, violence and substance abuse. Discovery is seeking new and experienced wilderness instructors, educators, field supervisors and support staff who are at least 21 years or older, with a desire to make a difference with struggling teens. Training programs provide new and experienced wilderness instructors and program staff with the necessary training and professional development to begin working right away. Upcoming Discovery staff training for experienced and entry-level wilderness instructors is scheduled from May 26th—June 6th AND August 29th—September 9th, 2008. After participation in new staff training, a 9-12 week Instructor Practicum for those seeking more experience is offered.

There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps, for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less. —Kurt Hahn, founder of Outward Bound

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