Internship
Internship Program Goals:
The primary goal of our program is to provide the intern with the opportunity to learn and work in a professional setting in the field of outdoor experiential education. This field is growing rapidly and the need for professionally trained teachers and field instructors is increasing. The internship program is designed to expose participants to the operations behind our programs, including logistics, training and support; the development of our learning and teaching curriculum; and the delivery and evaluation of our field programs.
What you can expect:
Upon your arrival at Boojum, you will go through our seasonal staff training (for Spring and Fall terms) with other Boojum staff members, or receive a separate intern orientation (Winter and Summer terms). The purpose of our training and orientation is to provide insight into the upcoming programs and activities, begin to develop a community of staff who shall be working closely during the season, and to introduce staff to the mission, philosophies and operations of the Boojum Institute.
Some objectives for staff training include familiarization with team challenge courses, experiential education techniques, natural history overviews, group process and facilitation skills training, review of Boojum policies and procedures, and introduction to administrative and logistical operations. There will be tons of fun to be had as well!
Once training or orientation is complete, we will jump right into the heart of the season. Interns will begin by providing logistical support on base camp courses, field support on backcountry programs, and administrative support back at the Boojum facility. Each intern will get the opportunity to be in different learning and teaching situations depending on their own interests and skills as well as the types of activities Boojum is involved in that season. Spring and Fall season internships are heavily field-based. Winter and Summer internships have an extra focus on learning the administrative and logistical aspects of outdoor education, and field time is limited. There is also the possibility of other trainings during the season in rock climbing, anchor building, first aid training, and team challenge course facilitation.
It is the responsibility of each intern to arrive at Boojum with clear educational goals for his or her internship. Throughout your internship, there will be regular meetings with the Director of Education to discuss progress towards the completion of those goals and evaluation of performance. During the internship you can expect to be working hard for long hours both at the facility and in the field. We strongly stress good communication and team building in our programs, and we take this home to our staff. As part of a community of workers, students, and educators, interns are integral part of our programs and are highly valued members of our staff.
Who we are looking for:
Boojum is looking for people who are hard working, professionally minded and take pride in their work. A Boojum internship requires enthusiasm, creativity, a desire to learn about yourself, good organizational skills, the ability to work closely with others, and a sense of humor. Interns must be self-motivated, requiring limited direct supervision, and be comfortable working and living in the outdoors. Current First Aid and CPR certifications are required. Prospective interns must have a good driving record. Previous academic and professional exposure to outdoor education is preferred.
Interns must provide their own personal outdoor gear (a gear list will be sent describing what you will need), and transportation to and from the Institute.
What you get out of it all:
You’ll receive a great educational and work training experience with a high quality outdoor education organization. You will have the opportunity to work with highly skilled professional outdoor instructors and/or administrators in a supportive learning environment. You may travel to some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the Southwestern United States. Boojum offers a professional purchase program where staff may acquire outdoor equipment at a steeply discounted cost. Each intern will receive a living allowance of $150.00 each four weeks as well as housing with other interns. Room and board are provided while you are in the field.
How to apply:
If you are interested in an intern position at the Boojum Institute, we would love to hear from you. Submit a full cover letter, resume, backcountry resume, copies certifications, a completed application, and three completed references from past employers or teachers. We cannot process applications until all materials have been received in our office. Send application packets to the address on the application. The application and reference forms can be downloaded below.
Click here for an Adobe Acrobat version of information for prospective interns
Click here for an Adobe Acrobat version of the application form
Click here for an Adobe Acrobat version of the reference form
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