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

Merrowvista offers year-round experiential education programs for school and community groups, focused on helping individuals achieve their personal best, foster positive communities, and build respect for themselves, others, and the environment through outdoor-based learning. Returning Instructors engage directly with youth, leading experiential programs with a diverse range of participants across age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and bring at least one season of prior CSP experience to help mentor incoming instructors. The American Youth Foundation is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of its facilitators, providing valuable learning experiences to develop their skills as effective educators, and aims to inspire facilitators to reach their full potential, explore their unique strengths, and grow as confident leaders in their careers.

Job Locations

• Merrowvista – Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire
• The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Returning Instructors live onsite during the program season.
• All meals during programming are provided.
• Housing provided during full season; instructors share a home and workplace with several fellow facilitators.

Job Type

Seasonal

Job Benefits

• Onsite housing and meals (when in program) included 
• Professional development opportunities 
• $180 monthly health insurance premium is available for those paying for health insurance out-of-pocket 
• Lifeguards with an active certification will receive a $200 stipend in the fall season only 

 Work Environment & Schedule 

• Weekdays, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Instructors will receive an average of two days off per week.
• Housing is provided, offering facilitators an immersive living experience by sharing a home and workplace with 7-8 fellow facilitators from Staff Training through the end of the season. 

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

• Facilitate groups of youth in outdoor settings: lead hikes, challenge courses, environmental education curriculum, debriefs, team-building activities, seasonal activities, and evening programming to promote experiential learning.
• Prioritize risk management to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Support programs: ready program spaces for use, hang climbing ropes, prepare materials for facilitators, and support kitchen and facilities operations when necessary.
• Assist with facility opening and closing at the start and end of the program season.
• Support possible independent and collaborative projects to advance AYF, staff development workshops, off-site team activities, and school site visits.
• Act as a mentor to incoming instructors, supporting staff training and weekly debriefs.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities, including staff training activities.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Other duties as needed.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Completed at least one season of CSP at Merrowvista.
• 21 years of age with at least one year of higher education or equivalent experience.
• Friendly, professional, and flexible, with a strong enthusiasm for working with young people.
• Basic facilitation experience in an outdoor, experiential, or classroom setting.
• Ability to handle stressful situations while maintaining the mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Organized, self-motivated, and committed to learning and growing professionally.
• Ability to lead a five-mile hike in the mountains and lift over 25 pounds.
• First Aid and CPR certification (can be obtained upon hire, but must be active by the position start date).

Preferred:

• Experience facilitating groups of youth in settings involving challenge courses, outdoor and experiential education, or summer camp.
• Driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Lifeguard and Wilderness First Aid (or higher) certification.

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.