Outdoor Adventure Club - Program Facilitator

Program Facilitator – The Outdoor Adventure Club

Location: Hidden Valley Elementary School

Start Date: August 24, 2026

End Date: June 11th, 2027

Monday to Friday from 2:45-5:15 PM

(closed on all school breaks and PD days)

Compensation: $25.00/hour

Position Overview:

The Program Facilitator plays a crucial role in delivering engaging, nature-based experiences for children aged 5-13. This individual will lead outdoor activities, support experiential learning, and help foster a deep connection to nature. As a key point of interaction with students, the Program Facilitator will guide participants through group games, outdoor exploration, and learning activities, ensuring an enriching environment for all.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Delivery & Facilitation:
   • Lead and facilitate outdoor activities, including nature hikes, group games, and other physical literacy-based adventures, tailored to the abilities and interests of participants.
   • Create a supportive and engaging atmosphere that encourages active participation, teamwork, and personal growth.
   • Utilize experiential learning techniques to enhance participants' understanding of the natural world, including flora, fauna, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.
2. Safety & Supervision:
   • Lead the safety and well-being of all participants during outdoor activities by following risk management protocols and safety guidelines.
   • Conduct headcounts and manage the arrival and departure of students at the beginning and end of each session.
   • Identify and respond to any first aid needs
3. Community Building:
   • Promote inclusivity and teamwork by fostering a respectful, cooperative group dynamic.
   • Engage students in Opening and Closing Circles, helping to reflect on their experiences and express gratitude for the land and community.
   • Support participants in developing a sense of connection to the boreal forest and the values of environmental stewardship.

1. Communication & Reporting:
   • Maintain open and effective communication with the Executive Director, providing updates on daily activities, participant engagement, and any incidents.
   • Engage briefly with parents or guardians during pick-up to provide updates on their child’s experience.
   • Checking the program email account before and after the program.
   • Calling parents of absent students to confirm daily participation.
   • Communicating with parents about cold-weather cancellation days at noon.
   • Ensuring accurate documentation of attendance and student check-in/check-out.
   • Communicating with other program facilitators
2. Program Setup & Teardown:
   • Lighting a woodstove.
   • Splitting firewood
   • Help organize and clean up the activity areas at the end of each program day.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
  • Experience working with children in an outdoor or educational setting.
  • Knowledge of outdoor recreation or environmental education is an asset.
  • A background in experiential learning, teaching, or outdoor leadership is highly desirable.
  • Experience lighting a fire and using an axe to split firewood and kindling.
• Certifications:
  • RCMP Vulnerable Sector Check (required).
  • First Aid & CPR Certification (required).
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong leadership and group management skills, with an ability to engage and inspire young participants.
  • A passion for the outdoors and environmental education, with knowledge of Yukon’s ecosystems.
  • Ability to remain calm and resourceful in outdoor settings, including managing minor first aid incidents and ensuring group safety.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with children, parents, and colleagues.

Working Conditions:

• This is an outdoor position, requiring the ability to work in a variety of weather conditions (rain, snow, cold).
• The facilitator must be able to lead hikes, games, and physical activities that take place on trails, in forests, and in natural settings.