OEL Trip Leader

Branch

Adventure Trips, Buckwild

Description

The OEL Trip Leader position is volunteer in nature, and will allow students to lead participants on various wilderness excursions. These students will complete an intensive wilderness training, which could include Leave No Trace principles, Wilderness First Aid, backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, road & mountain biking, etc…  prior experience in these outdoor activities is welcome but NOT REQUIRED. These trainings will be provided free of charge in exchange for a commitment to the program. You will be required to facilitate group activities, participate in meaningful discussions with fellow Trip Leaders and participants, and aid in creating an overall positive atmosphere for the group.

Duties

Student leaders will be expected to lead a certain number of Adventure Trips throughout the duration of the school year. Trip leaders will have the opportunity to help design and select trips that they are interested in leading. Trip leaders will be responsible for working closely with the admin team to assist in planning the logistics of their trip, and making sure it runs smoothly. Most weekend trips fall within a 3-6 hour window, but there are a few exceptions including overnight trips and fall/spring break trips.

After training and experience is acquired, student trip leaders will have the option to express an interest in leading a trip for Buckwild, the wilderness pre-orientation program run through Bucknell Outdoor Education and Leadership. This program is a five-day, immersive wilderness experience offered to incoming Bucknell first years. If leaders choose this training track, they will receive additional training in facilitation and leadership methods, which are then expected to be implemented throughout the duration of the Buckwild experience.

FALL MEETING: All newly recruited OEL trip leaders will be required to participate in a 2 hour meeting schedule September 19, 2023 7pm-9pm on campus. This meeting is mandatory for all OEL trip leaders during the 2022/2023 academic year.

TRAINING: All newly recruited OEL trip leaders will be required to participate in a 2 day annual ALL LEADER training held at Bucknell's Cowan property September 30-October 1 as well as a 2 day wilderness medicine training December 2-3, 2023 on campus. An additional 7 day field based training is required May 9-15, 2024. Costs associated with each of these trainings are covered. This training is mandatory for all new OEL trip leaders during the 2023/2024 academic year. Upon successful completion of training, opportunities for trip leading will become available.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants for this position should have an appreciation for the outdoors, leadership and/or educator abilities, as well as comfort in an outdoor setting.

Application Deadline

September 8, 2023

Interview Period

September 11-15, 2023

Offers/Outcome Announced

September 18, 2023

How To Apply

Interested applicants may apply by completing a series of questions and prompts within this position listing.  Click the SIGN UP/APPLY button and fill in your contact information, answer associated questions and submit. A member of the admin team will follow up with any additional questions and may offer an interview opportunity. Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview. Participation in an interview does not guarantee the extension of a position offer.