Position Summary

The Outdoor Living Skills Specialist inspires campers to explore, appreciate, and thrive outdoors. Working closely with the Program Director, this role teaches essential outdoor skills such as fire building, shelter construction, knot tying, and camp cooking — all while promoting respect for nature and Leave No Trace principles.

The Specialist ensures every activity is fun, safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate, aligning with Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSofCT) policies, State of Connecticut Youth Camp regulations, American Camp Association (ACA) standards, and Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Plan and lead outdoor living and campcraft activities that help campers gain confidence and practical outdoor skills.
• Design lessons that emphasize teamwork, creativity, and respect for the environment.
• Adapt programs to suit different age levels, skill sets, and group sizes.
• Support girl-led programming and encourage campers to contribute ideas for activities.
• Maintain and organize all outdoor program equipment and supplies.

Environmental Education & Stewardship

• Teach outdoor ethics, Leave No Trace principles, and environmental awareness in hands-on ways.
• Encourage campers to appreciate nature and practice conservation through their camp experiences.
• Integrate nature exploration and outdoor art where appropriate to enhance learning and connection to the outdoors.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Maintain safety standards in all activities in accordance with ACA, GSofCT, and State of Connecticut regulations.
• Conduct daily inspections of camp craft areas and equipment for hazards.
• Ensure proper use and safe handling of tools, fire materials, and cooking supplies.
• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at the program area and report any injuries or incidents immediately.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust activities for safety.
• Participate in emergency drills and implement procedures as needed.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work with the Program Director and Unit Leaders to coordinate scheduling and support camp programming.
• Participate in all pre-camp training, in-service sessions, and weekly staff meetings.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Camp Director or Program Director about program needs, supplies, and camper concerns.
• Assist with camp wide activities, ceremonies, and special events.

Other Duties

• Participate in camp opening and closing procedures, including setting up and cleaning outdoor program areas.
• Maintain positive relationships with staff and campers at all times.
• Attend both optional camper overnights/late nights as applicable.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall camp success.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in outdoor education, environmental studies, or camping preferred.
• Current Adult & Child FA/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Demonstrated ability to lead youth safely in outdoor and wilderness settings.
• Strong organizational, teaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to the Girl Scout Mission and to providing inclusive, girl-led outdoor experiences.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and behavioral cues.
• Ability to provide first aid and respond calmly and effectively in an emergency.