Join our team!
We are looking for energetic and reliable people to join our team of guides for our Le Jardin Academy Wild Kids After School program! Our Wild Guides are community oriented, have a deep appreciation for nature, love to play and explore, and most importantly, genuinely enjoy spending time with kids of all ages. Our guides are responsible for safely leading groups through the forest, exploring new trails, playing games, making nature art, guiding group discussions and intentionally holding liminal space as mentors. We expect our guides to maintain an attitude of gratitude, treat every human with respect, approach all perspectives with curiosity, use anticipatory thinking skills and vigilantly monitor the physical and emotional safety of the entire group. Wild Kids guides are all required to communicate clearly with the group and other guides, as well as the families involved in the program. We ask our team to be self reflective, open to constructive feedback about their actions and keep a growth oriented mindset.
Guides who work for our after school program in Hawai’i are eligible to join our Montana Leadership Team for the summer program as well.
Hawai’i Wild Guide Position
A day in the forest at Wild Kids begins with a circle discussion at the Meeting Tree before heading out on an adventure. Adventures may include, but are not limited to, mudslides, forest exploration, an impromptu discussion about life or how to take care of the planet, games, wild art, trailblazing to a new place, a dance party, a search for magical creatures and/or fort building. Every day ends at the Meeting Tree where we share appreciations with each other in a closing circle.
Working for Wild Kids is an opportunity to be apart of an intergenerational community that stems from a deep connection with the Earth. This is a place where you can enrich your life experience and hone your leadership skills through working with kids ages K-12th grade. Wild Kids encourages flexibility, play, collaboration and self-reflection from our team members and is committed to helping each person grow as a leader. We also provide opportunities to extend beyond our after school program and work with our high school Community Stewardship Council, focusing on environmental service and activism on O’ahu, as well as joining us on our Summer trips to the Montana wilderness for those who are interested.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Wild Guide
Arrive 2-3 minutes early to designated meeting spot for student pick-up (per Lead Guide's direction).
Actively participate in Junior Counselor debrief (15-20 minutes after class).
Attend at least one weekend hike or camp-out, unless otherwise determined by Guide Team.
Help plan and implement activities. Note: This is often a group decision, allowing students the majority of input, but, when appropriate, guides can plan an activity for the group.
Communicate with Lead Guide and parents when there is a behavioral incident. Document appropriately. Review incident with Wild Kids Directors. Note: Tone is always supportive and open.
Keep track of your own attendance (clock-in).
Provide first aid as needed, following WK Safety and First Aid Protocol.
Communicate with Lead Guide and parents when there is an injury. Document appropriately. Review incident with After School Program Director and Lead Guide.
Assist in communication with parents, Wild Kids team and with school when there is a cancellation due to weather or other circumstances.
Model 10 core traits and embrace growth areas (see handbook).
Promote effective, healthy communication among team members.
Facilitate a respectful environment for children and adults by employing restorative practices (see handbook).
Ensure respectful and open lines of communication with parents.
Participate in debrief with guides and JC’s. Openly request support and feedback from After School Program Director and Wild Communities Foundation Director when needed.
Promote the safety of all members of Wild Kids, including Junior Counselors, by carefully assessing situations, decisions and relationships during the session and responding accordingly.
Be a community leader, responsible for the program and its reputation for excellence.
Qualifications
Must be comfortable working in a group and collaborating with Guide Team and student leaders
Views students as wisdom holders and makes space for students to safely share their perspectives with the group
Must be able to receive feedback from Program Director and other leaders, and be willing to self reflect
Must be able to maintain point of influence in the group and safely lead the group through the forest and back out within the allotted time
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with parents, students and Guide Team when necessary
Education/Experience
First Aid/CPR training required, Wilderness First Aid Certification preferred.
Outdoor leadership and/or hiking and backpacking experience is a plus, but not required.
Pay Rate
Two unpaid days of observation followed by a five day paid training period. After the training period ends, the starting guide rate is between $16.00-18.00/hr. Starting rate is based on above Education/Experience. There is the possibility of moving into a Lead Guide position for qualified guides. If interested in Lead Guide position, please inquire about requirements at time of hire.