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Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor

For almost 20  years, Avid4 Adventure has empowered kids to live active outdoor lifestyles through our unique outdoor programming. Survival Skills Instructors co-lead and mentor a different group of 13 kids in Grades 2-7 (groups formed by grade) every week and guide them through an array of survival skills activities including but not limited to: shelter building, plant identification, bow drills, animal tracking and rescue techniques. This position is responsible for helping campers build a sense of team, supporting campers’ sense of comfort and confidence with primitive and survival activities, engaging campers both during and after activities, and maintaining a safety-oriented environment. If you are seeking meaningful work as part of an inclusive community of outdoor enthusiasts, we invite you to join us this upcoming summer!

Candidates must qualify to drive for us in CA in order to be considered for some of our Specialist roles. Due to California regulations, in order to drive our 15-passenger vans, staff must either possess a CDL or non-CA based drivers license.

In this role you will:

  • Summer Day Camp Survival Skills Instructors co-lead groups of up to 13 campers in age and developmentally appropriate instruction with outdoor activities including shelter building, fire making, navigation, plant and animal identification, Leave No Trace principles, teambuilding, and more.

  • Survival Skills Instructors may be asked to also instruct our other core sports - paddling, rock climbing, and mountain biking.  We will provide you with all of the hard and soft skills you need to succeed in this position! 

  • Organize and participate in camp programming, ranging from outdoor sports to camp games and rituals

  • Follow and educate campers on safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of participants

  • Serve as a role model by exhibiting appropriate behavior, attitudes, and activities

  • Provide exceptional customer service to parents and all program participants

  • If you are a trained Driver, transport up to 13 campers to and from program areas with company passenger vans

Your Background:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of camp for all positions

  • Must be at least 20 years of age to be eligible for a Driver position

  • In order to qualify to driver position for our California camps, you must either possess a CDL or a non-California drivers license

  • +1 years of experience working with kids in a professional or volunteer setting preferred

  • Personal and/or professional experience in primitive and survival wilderness skills

  • Minimum of Basic First Aid & CPR certification by the start of camp (and we can point you in the right direction to get this done)

Important Details

  • Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 35-40  hours/week

  • Position Duration: Training begins May 30; day camps run from June 9 - August 8

  • Compensation: Pay is determined by position, additional responsibilities, relevant certifications, and staff tenure. Starting hourly rates are below:

    • Base rate: $23.55/hour

    • Relevant Certification Bonuses: $100 - $400 per certification (up to $1,000) 


Our Interview Process

We understand your time is valuable which is why we have a simple, 3-minutes or less, mobile-friendly application. We also like to be transparent about our interview process so here is what you can expect after you apply:

  • Step 1: Complete a one-way video interview and submit three references (personal and/or professional)

  • Step 2: 20-minute live virtual interview

  • Final decision!!

This process moves quickly so be ready to hear from us shortly after you submit your application.

Why Avid4 Adventure?

  • We are repeatedly voted by Outside Magazine as one of the 50 Best Places to Work.

  • We are the only summer camp in the world that is a Certified B Corp (Benefit Corporation).

  • We truly live by our Core Values.

  • We are committed to improving inclusion, diversity, justice, and equity both internally and in the outdoor industry as a whole. You can learn more about our JEDI commitments and progress here.

  • Benefits - Affordable health insurance for seasonal staff, access to free gear, discounted pro deals on gear, professional development, public transportation reimbursement to/from camp, and more!

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Average salary estimate

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$64000K

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What You Should Know About Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor, Avid4 Adventure

Join us as a Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor at Avid4 Adventure, where we’ve been igniting a passion for outdoor lifestyles in kids for nearly 20 years! If you’re excited about spending your summer under the sun, guiding groups of energetic campers in Grades 2-7, this is the perfect role for you. As a Survival Skills Instructor, you’ll co-lead groups of 13 campers as they dive into essential outdoor skills, from building shelters and identifying plants to mastering animal tracking and rescue techniques. Your main goal will be to foster teamwork and camaraderie while ensuring each child feels comfortable and confident in their newfound skills. Emphasis on safety is crucial, so you’ll teach kids the importance of following safety protocols to keep everyone secure. This position is not just about teaching; it’s about participating in fun camp games, providing exceptional customer service to parents, and embodying the role of an outdoor enthusiast. If you love sharing your knowledge of primitive and survival wilderness skills and possess a Basic First Aid & CPR certification (or are willing to get one), we would love for you to apply! With training starting on May 30 and camps running from June 9 to August 8, join us for a summer of adventure and learning at Avid4 Adventure where our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the outdoor space shines through every aspect of our camp!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor Role at Avid4 Adventure
What are the main responsibilities of a Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor at Avid4 Adventure?

As a Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor at Avid4 Adventure, your main responsibilities will include co-leading small groups of campers in various outdoor survival activities such as shelter building, fire making, and animal tracking. You'll support the campers in building teamwork and confidence while ensuring their safety and educating them on essential outdoor skills. Additionally, you may also instruct other core activities like paddling and climbing, making it a diverse and engaging role.

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What qualifications are required for the Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor position?

To qualify for the Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor position at Avid4 Adventure, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have experience working with children, and possess a Basic First Aid & CPR certification by the start of camp. If applying for the driving role, you’ll need either a CDL or a non-California driver's license. Your experience with primitive wilderness skills will also be beneficial.

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How does Avid4 Adventure promote safety in its Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor role?

Avid4 Adventure prioritizes safety for its campers, and as a Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor, you'll be responsible for following and teaching safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all participants. This might include educating campers about potential risks in outdoor activities and methods to mitigate them, ensuring that every camper has a positive and secure experience.

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What is the compensation for the Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor at Avid4 Adventure?

The compensation for the Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor role at Avid4 Adventure starts at $23.55 per hour, with potential bonuses for relevant certifications ranging from $100 to $400, up to a total of $1,000. This competitive pay structure reflects the value we place on our instructors’ skills and experience.

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What is the work schedule like for a Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor?

The work schedule for a Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor at Avid4 Adventure includes weekday shifts from Monday to Friday, comprising 35-40 hours a week. The position spans from the start of training on May 30 until the end of the summer camp on August 8, giving you a rich and rewarding summer experience.

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Common Interview Questions for Menlo Park Survival Skills Instructor
Can you describe your experience working with children in outdoor settings?

In your response, detail your past experiences teaching or mentoring children outdoors, highlighting specific skills or activities you facilitated. Sharing a personal story about a successful experience can enhance your answer and showcase your passion.

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How do you ensure the safety of campers during outdoor activities?

Discuss your approach to safety, emphasizing your ability to communicate safety protocols effectively and your understanding of potential risks in outdoor activities. It's essential to show that you prioritize the campers' safety while encouraging them to engage fully in adventurous experiences.

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What survival skills do you feel most confident teaching children?

Share specific survival skills you excel in, such as fire making or plant identification, and explain how you would adapt your teaching methods to suit different age groups. Highlight any relevant certifications or experiences that bolster your authority in these skills.

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How would you handle a disagreement or conflict among campers?

Illustrate your conflict-resolution skills by describing a time you've successfully mediated a disagreement, focusing on your communication skills, empathy, and ability to facilitate a team-oriented solution that reinforced camaraderie among campers.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Why is it important to incorporate teamwork in survival skills training?

Explain that teamwork fosters a collaborative spirit and enhances learning experiences. Share how working together not only builds essential survival skills but also creates a supportive community among campers, enriching their camp experience.

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What do you think are the key qualities of a great outdoor instructor?

Discuss qualities such as patience, enthusiasm, strong communication skills, and a passion for the outdoors. Illustrating how these key traits contribute to a positive camp environment can resonate well with interviewers.

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How would you adapt activities for different skill levels among campers?

Describe your approach to differentiating instruction based on campers' skill levels, emphasizing your ability to assess needs and adjust activities to ensure inclusivity and engagement for each camper.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How can you inspire a love for the outdoors in children?

Share strategies you might use to spark excitement in outdoor activities, such as storytelling, hands-on learning, or setting up fun challenges. Connect your passion for the outdoors with techniques that have worked in your past experiences.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What steps would you take if a camper gets injured during an activity?

Outline the procedures you would follow, emphasizing quick assessment, communication with emergency personnel if necessary, and reassuring the other campers. Highlight your knowledge of first-aid practices to ensure confidence in your response.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is your experience with the Leave No Trace principles, and how would you teach them to campers?

Share your understanding of Leave No Trace principles and examples of how you’ve applied them in practice. Explain your strategy for teaching these principles to campers in an engaging way that emphasizes environmental stewardship.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 5, 2025

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