City Kids

 

UPDATES: City Kids is Hiring for Summer 2025!

 

Hiring:

 

 

Trip Leader & Counselor


 

Trip Leaders & Counselors work with a small team of co-workers to provide a summer adventure-based youth development program for DC youth.Trip Leaders & Counselors work on teams of two counselors and are directly supervised by a Lead Program Staff to facilitate outdoor experiences for 1 cabin group. Primary responsibilities include youth mentoring and care, daily activity implementation and trip leading.

Role: Full-time,seasonal, residential

Location: Jackson, WY Dates: June 8 – August 16, 2025 (Shorter Contracts Available)

Compensation: $600/week

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend ($500), room & board

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

MENTORING
Develop a positive, authentic & proactive relationship with youth, be a role model, facilitate team and personal growth. Show consistency in structure, boundaries, behavior and communication to build trust with youth.

ACTIVITY & TRIP LEADER
Responsible for planning and leading activities, daily reflections, camp lessons, sports and games, day trips, and multi-day backcountry trips with a co-leader or team of co-leaders. Daily activities include team-building games, skill-building lessons, team sports and arts & crafts. Day trips include off-site hikes, whitewater rafting, town, educational and service trips. Multiday backcountry trips range from 3- 10 days including backpacking, canoeing, and kayaking.

CABIN COUNSELOR
Responsible for the daily care, supervision, health and safety of a cabin of 5-8 campers and 1 JET. Prepare campers for activities and trips, lead daily reflection, and nighttime cabin activities.

JET SUPERVISOR
Primary supervisor for 1-2 high school youth leaders throughout the course of the session. Provide daily feedback, encouragement, support, and formal evaluations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

YOUTH WORK
Experience working with children in outdoor, camp or other residential settings, trip leading preferred. Ability to build strong relationships, manage group dynamics, and support positive behavior development.

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
General knowledge and ability in experiential education and outdoor activities. Judgement and the ability to anticipate and manage potential hazards in outdoor settings, both physical and emotional, under stressful conditions. Ability to maintain ample energy, strength, and focus to lead and assist youth in a wilderness environment.

COMMUNITY VALUES
Cultural competency, the ability to work in a diverse community and a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion & anti-racism. Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication style, flexibility, teamwork, and energy. Ability to self-regulate emotions and work safely with youth who may be agitated, emotionally and physically triggered or reactive.

CERTIFICATIONS
First aid certification appropriate to wilderness activities, as a minimum CPR and Wilderness First Aid (LGT and WFR or WEMT preferred). Drivers license preferred.

 

Lead Program & Trip Staff

 

Lead Program & Trip Staff work with a small team of co-workers to provide a summer adventure-based youth development program for DC youth. The Lead Program Staff works directly with 2 Trip Leaders & Counselors to facilitate outdoor experiences for 1 cabin group. Primary responsibilities include staff management, trip coordination, and decision making responsibility for the group.

Role: Full-time, residential

Location: Jackson, WY

Dates: June 2 – August 16, 2025 (Shorter Contracts Available) Compensation: $700/week

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350-$500), travel stipend ($500), room & board

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

MENTORING
Develop a positive, authentic & proactive relationship with youth, be a role model, facilitate team and personal growth. Show consistency in structure, boundaries, behavior and communication to build trust with youth.

ACTIVITY & TRIP LEADER
Responsible for planning and leading activities, daily reflections, camp lessons, sports and games, day trips, and multi-day backcountry trips with a co-leader or team of co-leaders. Daily activities include team-building games, skill-building lessons, team sports and arts & crafts. Day trips include off-site hikes, whitewater rafting, town, educational and service trips. Multi-day backcountry trips range from 3- 10 days including backpacking, canoeing, and kayaking.

STAFF & GROUP MANAGEMENT
Facilitate positive group dynamics for staff and campers. Primary supervisor for a team of counselors; provide support and feedback on a daily basis, resolve conflict, and address immediate performance issues. Effectively communicate with Directors about group or staff issues.

DECISION MAKING & RISK MANAGEMENT
Serve as the lead instructor on wilderness and day trips, responsible for facilitating decision making in emergency situations and final decision of group. Responsible for communication with main office during emergencies, student updates, and trip agenda changes.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

YOUTH WORK
Experience working with children in outdoor, camp or other residential settings, trip leading required. Ability to build strong relationships, manage group dynamics, and support positive behavior development. Ability to provide appropriate structure, boundaries, perspective and guidance in the process of program delivery.

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
2+ years of professional trip leading experience. 1-2+ years managing staff in outdoor settings. Advanced knowledge and ability in canoeing, backpacking, and hiking. General to advanced knowledge in activities such as horseback riding, swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, outdoor education, group dynamics, experiential education, games & initiatives, orienteering, and outdoor living. Judgement and the ability to anticipate and manage potential hazards in outdoor settings, both physical and emotional, under stressful conditions. Ability to maintain ample energy, strength, and focus to lead and assist youth in a wilderness environment.

COMMUNITY VALUES
Cultural competency, the ability to work in a diverse community and a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion & anti-racism. Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication

style, flexibility, teamwork, and energy. Ability to self-regulate emotions and work safely with youth who may be agitated, emotionally and physically triggered or reactive.

CERTIFICATIONS
First aid certification appropriate to wilderness activities, as a minimum CPR and Wilderness First Responder (LGT and WEMT preferred). Drivers license preferred.

 

High School Program Instructor

 

High School Program Instructors work with a small team of co-workers to provide a summer adventure-based youth development program for DC Youth. The JET Staff is the logistical coordinator, primary mentor, daily supervisor for all JETs (High Schoolers) in the Career Exploration & Outdoor Session Programs.

Role: Full-time, residential

Location: Jackson, WY

Dates: June 8 – August 1, 2025

Compensation: $600/week

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend ($500), room & board

 

Role: Full-time, residential 

Location: Jackson, WY 

Dates: June 8 – July 31, 2024  

Compensation: $600/week 

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend  ($500), room & board 

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Responsible for the daily logistics of the Internship and Career Exploration programs, including providing or arranging transportation to and from internship sites, regular communication with intern supervisors, collecting feedback on each intern's performance and leading daily activities. Daily activities include attending local events, outdoor activities and workshops for interns focused on leadership development, professional skills and college/career readiness.

DAILY SUPERVISION OF JETS
Responsible for the daily care, health and safety of a house of 8-16 JETs. Prepare JETs for activities and internships, lead daily reflection and downtime activities.

MENTORING

Primary mentor and supervisor for all JET interns throughout the summer. Facilitate daily check-ins, provide encouragement, support, and formal evaluations during job training program.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

YOUTH WORK
Experience in teaching, counseling, and guiding youth; experience with teens preferred. Ability to build strong relationships, manage group dynamics, and support positive behavior development

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Experience developing and leading training workshops; career and college readiness preferred. Experience interacting with youth 1:1 in a mentorship role, teens preferred. Judgement and the ability to anticipate and manage potential hazards, both physical and emotional under stressful conditions.

COMMUNITY VALUES
Cultural competency, the ability to work in a diverse community and a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion & anti-racism. Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication style, flexibility, teamwork, and energy. Ability to self-regulate emotions and work safely with youth who may be agitated, emotionally and physically triggered or reactive.

CERTIFICATIONS
First aid certification appropriate to wilderness activities, as a minimum CPR and Wilderness First Aid (LGT and WFR or WEMT preferred). Drivers license required.

 

Trip Coordinator

 

The Trip Coordinator works with a small team of co-workers to provide a summer adventure-based youth development program for DC youth. The Trip Coordinator is a part of our operations team and is responsible for packing and preparing all gear and food for all program trips, as well as the maintenance of all gear and gear storage spaces.

Role: Full-time, residential

Location: Jackson, WY

Dates: June 1 – August 16, 2025 Compensation: $600/week

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend ($500), room & board

 

Role: Full-time, residential 

Location: Jackson, WY 

Dates: June 1 – August 16, 2024  

Compensation: $600/week 

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend  ($500), room & board 

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

TRIP PREPARATION & PLANNING
Responsible for assisting Lead Staff with packing and unpacking for trips, organizing maps and itineraries for outgoing trips, coordinating with Operations Manager and Lead Staff to create trip menus and pack trip food, keeping the first aid station & kits fully stocked, and assisting in keeping vehicles clean and organized. The Trip Coordinator works closely with Lead Staff, Operations Manager & Directors to coordinate all trips.

GEAR MANAGEMENT
Responsible for managing the City Kids gear room. This includes keeping the gear room neat and organized, restocking supplies as needed, repairing or replacing gear as needed. Candidate must be highly organized and neat.

OFFICE & ON CALL SUPPORT
Member of the City Kids On Call Team and may be called upon to provide phone or in-person support to trips in the field. Provides general camp office support as assigned by Directors.

CAMP OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
Participate in all camp activities, support with camp administrative tasks, step in to support counselors or provide supervision for campers as needed. Everyone at camp shares responsibility for day-to- day tasks, which are an integral part of living in a small close-knit community.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

YOUTH WORK
Experience working with children on backcountry trips, camps or other residential settings. Ability to build strong relationships, manage group dynamics, and support positive behaviors.

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Proficient to advanced knowledge and ability in experiential education and outdoor activities, including; canoeing, horseback riding, camping, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, games & initiatives,, backcountry living and travel. Judgement and the ability to anticipate and manage potential hazards in outdoor settings, both physical and emotional, under stressful conditions. Knowledge & understanding of wilderness and backcountry trip coordination and summer camps.

COMMUNITY VALUES
Cultural competency, the ability to work in a diverse community and a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion & anti-racism. Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication

style, flexibility, teamwork, and energy. Ability to self-regulate emotions and work safely with youth who may be agitated, emotionally and physically triggered or reactive.

CERTIFICATIONS
First aid certification appropriate to wilderness activities, as a minimum CPR and Wilderness First Aid (LGT and WFR or WEMT preferred). Drivers license required.

 

Program Operations Manager

 

The Program Operations works with a small team of co-workers to provide a summer adventure-based youth development program for DC youth. The Program Operations oversees kitchen & trip coordination at Broken Arrow Ranch, including managing a team of 4 seasonal staff.

Role: Full-time, residential

Location: Jackson, WY

Dates: May 12 – August 17, 2025

Compensation: $775/week

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend ($500), room & board

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONS TEAM MANAGEMENT
Primary supervisor for the Trip Coordinator and Kitchen team. Coordinate the daily schedules, assign tasks, and establish priorities for the Trip Coordinator and Kitchen Team. Serve as the primary liaison between the camp operations team, program leadership, and the Ranch Manager.

KITCHEN OPERATIONS
Oversee food budget and ordering; coordinate weekly food orders between the Kitchen and Trip Coordinator, review weekly food orders, ensure Lead Cook stays within budget. Oversee kitchen cleanliness and management, support Lead Cook in maintaining compliance standards. TRIP OPERATIONS

Oversee trip packing and logistics with the Trip Coordinator. Assist Trip Coordinator in packing, trip packing, equipment repair as needed. Responsible for ordering requested gear and re-supplies.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Co-lead the “Set Up Crew” week; Oversee routine, inventorying, organizing, and re-ordering for basic facilities supplies; Routinely inspect emergency equipment for function and organization, including emergency radios, evacuation team kit, AED & pool equipment. Respond to minor facilities requests (requiring no advance technical skill). Oversee housing operations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE
Experience managing program-based logistics, wilderness trip programs preferred. Experience managing logistics for a facility including spatial organization, inventory & ordering. Professional kitchen experience, either as a cook or kitchen manager.

MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
1-2 years experience managing a team in a dynamic environment. Kitchen management experience preferred.

YOUTH WORK
Experience working with children on backcountry trips, camps or other residential setting.

COMMUNITY VALUES
Cultural competency, the ability to work in a diverse community and a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion & anti-racism. Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication style, flexibility, teamwork, and energy. Ability to self-regulate emotions and work safely with youth who may be agitated, emotionally and physically triggered or reactive.

CERTIFICATIONS
First aid certification appropriate to wilderness activities, as a minimum CPR and Wilderness First Aid (LGT and WFR or WEMT preferred). Drivers license required.

 

Behavior Support Specialist

 

The Behavioral Support Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of youth at City Kids Wilderness Project. The Specialist will work closely with

program staff to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where all youth can thrive. This role includes assessing individual behavioral needs, providing targeted interventions, and supporting the emotional well-being of youth. The Behavioral Support Specialist will also contribute to the overall success of the program by ensuring that all youth have the tools and guidance they need to engage positively with their peers, participate in program activities, and build confidence throughout their time at City Kids. This is a residential position at Broken Arrow Ranch, just south of Jackson Hole, WY, working alongside a team of counselors, program managers, and directors to provide a transformative summer experience for youth.

Role: Full-time, residential

Location: Jackson, WY

Dates: June 1 – August 16, 2025

Compensation: $700/week

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend ($500), room & board

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION
Assess the behavioral needs of youth and develop person-centered behavioral support strategies. Collaborate with counselors and other staff members to understand youth behaviors and provide effective, individualized interventions that promote positive change. Maintain office hours for one-on-one consultation with youth, providing ongoing support and guidance in managing behavior. Lead and facilitate daily “Peacemaker” classes to help resolve conflicts, promote emotional regulation and encourage youth to use positive conflict resolution strategies. Be available as an on-call consultant to provide behavioral support and crisis intervention when needed.

TEAM COORDINATION & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Facilitate clear and consistent communication between youth, counselors, and lead staff to develop and implement restorative behavioral interventions. Work closely with the program leadership to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of behavior support strategies across the program.Provide guidance and mentoring to youth, helping them identify appropriate vs. inappropriate behaviors and work on developing key social and emotional skills. Create a warm, respectful, and caring environment that builds trust and encourages youth to take responsibility for their actions. Assist in fostering an inclusive and supportive community where all youth feel valued and understood. Support the integration of trauma-informed practices across all programs to promote healing, growth, and emotional safety for all youth.

STAFF TRAINING & FEEDBACK

Train seasonal staff on City Kids behavior management techniques, including de-escalation strategies and the implementation of individualized behavior support plans. Observe staff interactions with youth and provide feedback to ensure high-quality, person-centered service delivery. Provide coaching and guidance to staff on how to build strong relationships with youth and handle challenging behavioral situations effectively.

DOCUMENTATION & DATA MANAGEMENT
Maintain detailed, daily documentation of youth behavior, interventions, and progress using the youth growth reports. Analyze the effectiveness of behavior support strategies and make necessary adjustments to ensure the best outcomes for youth.

CAMP OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
Participate in big group activities at camp & special events. Support with camp administrative tasks. Step in to support counselors during camp activities. Lead daily camp activities as needed. Supervise campers as needed. Potential to co-lead trips as needed

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a highly collaborative individual who thrives in a residential camp environment and is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering space for all youth. As a key member of the team, the Behavioral Support Specialist will help foster a camp culture where youth can safely engage in adventure-based learning and personal growth.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
1-2+ years of experience as a school social worker, psychologist, behavioral technician (RBT) or behavior analyst (BCBA).

BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL EXPERTISE:
Strong understanding of behavioral management strategies, including de-escalation techniques and restorative practices. Knowledge and experience in working with students who have individual behavioral support plans (e.g., IEPs, 504 Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans). Experience facilitating group interventions with students or youth of varying emotional and behavioral needs.

YOUTH WORK
Experience working with children on backcountry trips, camps or other residential setting.

COMMUNITY VALUES
Cultural competency, the ability to work in a diverse community and a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion & anti-racism. Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication style, flexibility, teamwork, and energy. Ability to self-regulate emotions and work safely with youth who may be agitated, emotionally and physically triggered or reactive.

CERTIFICATIONS

Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Current (by start date of contract) CPR, Wilderness First Aid or higher certification. Wilderness First Responder and lifeguard strongly preferred. Driver’s license is strongly preferred.

 

Camp Cook

 

The Camp Cooks work with a small team of co-workers to provide healthy and delicious kid friendly meals for a summer adventure-based youth development program for DC youth. The Camp Cook is responsible for all aspects of food service management for a small residential camp

Role: Full-time, residential

Location: Jackson, WY

Dates: June 5 – August 16, 2025

Compensation: $600/week

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend ($500), room & board

 

Role: Full-time, residential 

Location: Jackson, WY 

Dates: June 5 – August 16, 2024  

Compensation: $600/week 

Other benefits: Paid training, certification stipend ($350), travel stipend  ($500), room & board 

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

COOKING
Work in a team of 3 cooks to prepare daily meals for an average of 60 people per meal, up to 3 meals per day. Responsible for meeting food safe preparation and cooking requirements. Cooks share in menu planning responsibilities to design healthy kid friendly meals. Assist with backcountry meal prep & packing as needed. Stock fridges with leftovers and meals for
staff.

KITCHEN MANAGEMENT
Responsible for daily kitchen cleaning and maintenance, including dish washing. Meet health department standards and ensure kitchen is prepared for routine health inspections. Participate in weekly inventorying and maintain organized food storage systems. Laundry as needed.

YOUTH & CAMP SUPPORT
Host cooking events for campers, including special events like Iron Chef. In addition to cooking, cooks take a minimum of 1 shift per week assisting or leading camp activities, including leading

games, overnight cabin supervision, day outdoor trips, and substituting for counselors who need a short break.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
City Kids is a residential program and all roles may be asked to assist with other camp needs, including supporting emergency response or facility needs.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

YOUTH EXPERIENCE
Experience working with children in outdoor, camp or other residential settings preferred. Ability to build strong relationships, manage group dynamics, and support positive behaviors KITCHEN & COOKING
Prior experience in food service preferred but not required. Enthusiasm for food, healthy cooking, and creative kid friendly cooking. Commitment to maintaining a safe and clean kitchen

COMMUNITY VALUES
Cultural competency, the ability to work in a diverse community and a commitment to social justice, equity, inclusion & anti-racism. Patience, initiative, enthusiasm, proactive communication style, flexibility, teamwork, and energy. Ability to self-regulate emotions and work safely with youth who may be agitated, emotionally and physically triggered or reactive.

CERTIFICATIONS
First aid certification appropriate to activities, as a minimum CPR and First Aid. Serve Safe Food Handler Required. Drivers license preferred.

 

Additional Information About City Kids:

City Kids currently operates school year and summer programs for 130 DC  youth, enrolling new youth in the sixth grade and providing program  support throughout middle school and high school. Our school year  programs are based in Washington, DC and the summer program is based  in Jackson, Wyoming.  

City Kids Wilderness Project’s goal is to build resiliency, broaden horizons,  cultivate community, and develop skills for success in DC youth through a  long-term, cohort-based model that utilizes the outdoors to encourage  growth. City Kids aims to inspire youth to use their personal power to shape  the future of their own lives and change in the greater community. Our  programs exist to support youth in helping them learn, grow, and build the  skills they need to set goals and work towards their dreams.