American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The Logistics Coordinator works with the Four Trails manager and coordinator to prepare and implement the camp’s wilderness trip and adventure program, ensuring the program meets all applicable state and American Camp Association regulations. Campers go on backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and cycling trips ranging from 2–16 days, with older campers taking on longer and more challenging routes. The Logistics Coordinator oversees the Out Camping Equipment and Out Camping Food spaces and staff working with them to make sure groups are properly equipped when they leave and return gear in good condition when they return. The logistics coordinator is also responsible for managing transportation, both to and from these trips and for other purposes such as staff pick up or emergency response. This role brings experienced leadership to the team, and provides daily guidance, instruction, and encouragement to their logistics staff.  

Job Locations

• Merrowvista – Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire
• Merrowvista necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Logistics Coordinator lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or may occasionally be asked to sleep in a cabin with campers, as necessary.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

Program Management and Compliance

• Review procedures and ensure the trip/adventure program meets all applicable state and American Camp Association regulatory standards.
• Implement risk management practices to ensure sufficient protocols are instituted.
• Ensure trips are appropriately routed and planned as it relates to emergency resources, communication points, environmental resources, and risk management.
• Evaluate program quality and implement improvements as needed.

Staff Supervision and Training

• Train, supervise, and evaluate Logistics and/or Four Trails staff, providing daily support and relevant training.
• Plan and implement staff training.
• Offer guidance and coaching to staff on gear maintenance, Leave No Trace protocols, wilderness skills, risk management, and cooking in the backcountry.
• Support the team through scheduling of in-camp activities, facilitation of program activities, camper behavior management, and consistent feedback.

Trip Logistics

• Prepare logistics for 2–16 day backpacking, canoeing, and cycling trips through rugged terrain to primitive campsites, including issuing/de-issuing gear, packaging food, and supporting resupply trips.
• Organize and execute the Food Pack Out Program for wilderness trips.
• Allocate and maintain gear (e.g., bicycles, canoes, tents) for trips, ensuring each trip has the correct equipment; assist in gear repair.

Emergency Response

• Respond to emergencies such as injury, illness, behavioral incidents, and inclement weather 24 hours a day.
• Serve as an emergency/backup driver, which may include responding to an urgent evacuation of a group on trail, airport runs, or chaperoning unaccompanied minors on drives.
• Assist in phone coverage rotation for trip communications.

Camp Community Participation

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, and balanced personal growth, in line with AYF’s philosophy.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook.
• Be a positive role model; provide instruction in select skilled program activities.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities, including early morning and evening activities, meals, and daily reflections; eat meals with a cabin group as assigned.
• Instruct campers in safety, health regulations, and camp policies and procedures.
• Assist the In-Camp and Activities teams as needed; assist with staff coverage in the case of absence, illness, terminations, or early departures.
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times by following and implementing all safety standards.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction.
• Complete all job functions and other duties as assigned. This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum age: 21 years old.
• Ability to drive a 15-passenger van and other company vehicles, and pass a driver’s background check.
• 1–2 years of experience in outdoor adventure education, wilderness trip leading, or logistics work.
• Basic outdoor skills: hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, cycling, and Leave No Trace principles.
• Working knowledge of outdoor gear, such as backpacks, stoves, water filtration, trail hygiene, and communication devices.
• 1–2 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Professional experience as a peer supervisor, or 2–3 years of student leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain focus for extended periods while assessing risks and supervising campers.
• Ability to respond to, teach, and manage the behaviors of campers in their care.
• Ability to effectively manage emotions to remain focused on what is in the best interest of campers in a variety of situations.
• Ability to respond to and direct campers and/or staff in an emergency.
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities.
• Ability to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers.
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to balanced personal development and excellence.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Tripping experience with a reputable or accredited organization; previous experience leading backpacking and/or canoeing trips.
• Understanding of the elements of adventure programming as it relates to administration, route planning, curriculum implementation, risk management, technical skills, group management, communications, and emergency protocols.
• Current certification in CPR and Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder (training available for accepted candidates).
• Previous experience working at a summer camp.
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.