Outdoor Education Instructor:  We hire for two seasons each year. Our Fall Season beings in August and runs through December.  Our Spring Season runs February through May.  There is the opportunity to work consecutive seasons based on past performance and saffing needs. 

We are excited that you are interested in being a part of our team and hope that the following Q & A will be both informative and exciting for you!

• What would I be doing as an Instructor?
• What if I am part of the Ropes Crew?
• What opportunities are available when working consecutive seasons?
• What do we look for in our Instructors?
• What will I be teaching?
• What does a typical day look like?
• What kind of training will I receive?
• What about pay and other perks?
• How do I apply?
• What if I am an International Applicant?

What would I be doing as an Instructor?

• You will be learning and teaching pre-approved academic and adventure classes (these are described more on our website).
• You will be facilitating both Teambuilding and High Ropes Course.
• You will be teaching Astronomy.
• You will be taking groups on field trips to surrounding natural areas.
• You will be leading fun, enthusiastic and crazy evening activities.
• You will rise early in the morning and go to bed late at night. 

What if I am part of the Ropes Crew?

• You will have been selected to specialize in our ropes course, in addition to fulfilling all instructor duties.
• You will be responsible for setting up and tearing down a high ropes course and climbing wall.
• You will be trained in ropes rescue procedures.
• You will be trained in power pole and zip line facilitation.
• You will maintain the ropes course with proper inspections.

What do we look for in our Instructors?

• You must simply LOVE kids (even when they are being a 'bit difficult').
• You must have a desire and ability to teach kids (I mean, that's what we do, right?).
• You must have a desire to work in the outdoors (we are the OUTDOOR school, after all)
• You must be self-motivated, but also able to accept supervision and guidance.
• You must be flexible (that's the name of the game around here).
• You must be a person of excitement, patience, fun, stamina (in other words, the perfect employee).

What will I be teaching?

TOS has a selection of over 20 classes and activities that schools may choose from. These include both academic and adventure activities.

Don't worry, we don't ask each instructor to learn all of our courses, that would be impossible to accomplish in our three-week training period (or at least WAY un-fun)!  Most instructors learn between 5 and 7 classes, enough to keep you excited about teaching, but not so many that you are overwhelmed!  Many instructors learn between 5 and 7 classes, enough to keep you excited about teaching, but not so many that you are overwhelmed!  However, those instructors on the Ropes Crew may learn fewer classes as their specialized ropes training takes more time.

There are, however, several classes that ALL instructors will teach:   Astronomy, Water Quality, Teambuilding, and the Belaying on the Ropes Course. Almost every school chooses these activities; because of their popularity, all instructors must learn and be proficient in these classes.  Click Here to see a complete list of class descriptions.

(I know, I know...this is a lot...but keep reading!)

When a school arrives, we divide the students into smaller teams of approximately 15. Each activity has one instructor, with the exception of the Climbing Wall, High Ropes and Water Quality Studies, which have two instructors per 15 students.

Generally, our younger schools (4th, 5th, 6th grades) spend more time on the academic side of our program, while our older schools (7th, 8th, 9th grades) spend more time on the adventure side of our program. 

Okay, here is a sneak peek at some of the classes that you could teach...

3-2-1 Contact Earth:
This class focuses on the process of weatherization.  You'll begin the class at our large granite outcropping and briefly review/teach students the rock cycle and the three major types of rock (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary).  Then you'll hike out to our creek bed where you will teach students how to use sand sieves, a rock hammer and field guides in order to determine the stages of weatherization.

Water Quality Studies:
You'll introduce students to a brief history of Lake LBJ and the concepts of cleanliness and conservation.  You'll then teach students how to perform biological and chemical tests on the water of Lake LBJ in order to determine the health of this lake.  Tests include: pH, Turbidity, Nitrates, Temperature, Macroinvertebrates and Seining.  Students will also be asked to think of ways that they personally can help conserve this very precious natural resource.

Living Off the Land:
You'll introduce students to several different native plants and animals that were used by the Tonkawas and other local Native American tribes.  You can teach unique and interesting ways that they used these plants and animals for food, medicine, shelter, tools, and clothing!  This class is full of opportunities to taste some of the foods that the Native Americans enjoyed.

Teambuilding:
You will give students a series of problems or tasks that they must solve as a group.  Each team is unique as to what strengths they possess and what areas they need to work on; therefore,  you, as the facilitator set the goals and situations for the group in order to ensure a challenge with success.  After each element or activity you will 'process' the group.  Processing is the act of reflecting and talking about the last accomplishment in order to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the group and to keep improving skills as a team.  Emphasis for this activity is placed on trust, communication, listening, cooperation, and sharing of ideas.

What does a typical day look like?

We have schools arriving and leaving periodically during the week, so this question is a bit tricky to answer. But here is a simplified schedule that will give you a basic idea of your daily life. You wouldn't be teaching the wide variety of classes that are listed in this schedule, the school might choose to take all of those activities, but you would 'specialize' in one (or a couple) of them. Other instructors would be teaching the rest.

Day one
10:00-11:00  Set up for the school - ropes course/water coolers/classes
11:00-11:30  Lunch
11:30-12:00  Meeting - last minute information about the school
12:00-1:00  THE SCHOOL ARRIVES! and moves into their cabins
1:00-1:30  Orientation with your team
1:30-3:00  Teambuilding with your team
3:15-4:45  Teach Activity (perhaps 'Living off the Land')
5:00-6:00  Lifeguard or other work duty
6:00-7:00  Dinner
7:00-9:30  Astronomy with your team

Day two
7:00-8:00  Set up for the school - ropes course/water coolers/classes
8:00-9:00  Breakfast
9:00-10:30  Teach activity (perhaps 'Climbing Wall')
10:30-12:00  Teach activity (perhaps 'High Ropes Course')
12:00-1:00  Lunch
1:00-2:00  Work time for you, rest time for the school
2:00-3:30  Teach activity (perhaps 'Stepping Back in Time')
3:30-5:00  Teach activity (perhaps 'Critter Collection')
5:00-6:00  Lifeguard or other work duty
6:00-7:00  Dinner
7:00-9:30  Evening Activities - games/campfire/s'mores

Day three
7:00-8:00  Set up for the school - ropes course/water coolers/classes
8:00-9:00  Breakfast
9:00-10:30  Teach activity (perhaps 'Water Quality Studies')
10:30-11:00  Closure (review, link and extend) with your team
11:00-12:00  Lunch
12:00   THE SCHOOL DEPARTS!

...and it all begins again...

What kind of training will I receive?

When you first arrive at The Outdoor School, we have three weeks of orientation and training.

During training, we will  spend time on academic training. You'll watch as we model many of our classes, and then you decide which classes are the ones that you are most interested in teaching . We'll demonstrate and provide you with teaching techniques as well as tips for teaching in the outdoors. You'll get the chance to 'mock teach' as well, so that if you've never taught before, you can see what works best for you and what areas  you can improve upon.

We'll also spend plenty of time on ropes course training. All instructors will learn how to safely belay participants.  Those on the Ropes Crew will learn how to set up, take down and care for our equipment, as well as the technical mechanics of how a ropes course and the equipment works. All instructors will also spend considerable time on teambuilding: how to organize, lead and  process a session.

The remaining few days are spent on all those little details that can get 'lost' in the bigger picture: What happens once a school arrives; How to plan for students of different ages and socio-economic backgrounds and  certification in CPR and First Aid.

So, never fear! If you don't know anything about geology, we will teach you! If you don't know anything about teambuilding, we will teach you! If you've never worked with fifth graders, we will teach you!

What about Pay and Other Perks?

Salary: 
The Outdoor School pays a stipend of $215 per week.  TOS also provides a dorm-style room which has beds, a dresser, a mini-fridge, a microwave, and an attached bathroom...however, you will have to share all of these plush amenities with a roommate.  While $215 doesn't sound like much, you don't have rent or utilities to pay (hooray!), and most meals are also provided.  Not a bad deal...

Time Off:
There are no 'typical' weeks at The Outdoor School, but approach with the assumption that you will have 2 days off a week.  The days can be long, sometimes 7 am to 10 pm (just remember how much fun it is to work and play with kids!).  Each week is unique depending on the schools that we have here, but you will usually only work 3 evenings a week.  In addition, you get additional paid days off throughout the season.

The PRO Deals:
That's right, you'll be a pro and along with that will come some great deals. We get discounts on brands such as Chaco, Native Eyewear, Keen, and others depending on availability.

The REAL perks:
The joy of working at a summer camp facility is that we have lots of cool toys to play with!  Think kayaks...water slides...the GLOB...a beautiful lake...it is all here at Camp Champions for your enjoyment (as long as you don't disturb our guests)!  You will also have access to (free) laundry facilities , a staff lounge (with T.V., DVD player and VCR, satellite, a small kitchen), and computers with internet access.

Visitors:
We think having a friend or family member visit is great!  Just arrange it with a director so we can make sure your guest visits at an appropriate time!

How do I apply?

THE APPLICATION:  You can fill it out online by clicking here, OR if snail mail is more your speed, you can click here, print out the form, fill it out and mail it to us at:  The Outdoor School, Attn: Nicole Angel, 775 Camp Rd., Marble Falls, TX 78654.

The Reference Letters: It is your responsibility to ensure that your references return the forms in a timely manner.  You can have them submit one online, by clicking here or you can click here, print it out and mail them a hard copy.  We need to have 3 reference forms in order to offer you a position at TOS...so make sure you get those forms to folks who will return them, as well as fill out all of the information on the actual application (so we can help you out if need be).

The Interview: After we have received your application , we will set up an interview time with you. We definitely prefer to do interviews face-to-face if at all possible; however, if a face-to-face is not possible (you live in Alaska, for example), we'll do a phone interview.

The Contract: If we select you to join The Outdoor School team, we will send you a written contract. For our own protection, if we receive negative results from a reference (listed or not on your application) AFTER we receive your signed   contract, we reserve the right to invalidate the contract.

We know that you probably still have a lot of questions about TOS and we'd LOVE to answer them!  Call Nicole at 1-800-696-3334 ext 239 or email her at nangel@outdoorschool.com.  We're looking forward to talking with you!

What if I am an International Applicant?

We love to hire folks from other countries as it brings a richness to our program that otherwise would not exist.  Having internationals on our staff allows our students to experience people from foreign lands and other cultures.

Obtaining a visa can be a laborious task, however, so we require that you apply no later than May 1 for a fall position and no later than November 1 for a spring position.  This ensures that we have enough time to interview you and fill out all appropriate paperwork if you are hired.

So what program do you use?

The International YMCA sponsors the YMCA Training and Internship Programs, allowing The Outdoor School to host international trainees and interns in the field of education. This program allows you to acquire skills and new knowledge that are put to use when you return to your home country. Please be aware that, while we use the same program from season to season, the terms and application process are subject to change.

What visa will I get?

Participants are admitted to the US under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of March 2, 1960. You will enter the country on a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa which is stamped in your passport. Your Exchange Visitor category is "practical trainee". The visa is valid for a minimum of three months and a maximum of eighteen months, served continuously.

What exactly is the program?

You are granted a visa to enter the US specifically to enhance your skills in your occupation through participation in a structured training program. The purpose must relate to your previous work and/or educational background. Regulations distinguish between receiving training (which is permitted) and work (which is not permitted). This program is designed for you to have an opportunity to obtain training in a US company and take that training back to your country and apply it. It is NOT designed to be a means for you to work in the US.

Am I eligible to participate in the program?

• You must be at least 20 years old.
• You must have at least 2 years post-secondary education/experience in proposed field of training in your home country.
• You must have either a round trip ticket or sufficient funds for return airfare to your home country.
• You must apply for your J-1 visa in your home country.
• You are limited to one  3-18-month program. If you have participated in this program before, you may not participate again.

How much does this program cost me?

• The Outdoor School will pay the initial fees with the understanding that you will reimburse us for part of those fees (it will be taken out of your paychecks). In US dollars, there is a program fee of $800, and an insurance fee of $58.50 per month in the US. None of these fees go to The Outdoor School, but to the sponsoring agency (YMCA) and the US Embassy. You will be responsible for reimbursing The Outdoor School for all insurance and $400 (half of the program and delivery fees). These fees are subject to change and may not be accurately reflected on the website.
• You must apply for the visa in your home country. The fee is usually around US $75.
• You will need to bring with you US $100 per month that you will be here. This satisfies the government that you have enough money for personal expenses while here.
• You will need to purchase a round-trip plane ticket (or show that you have enough funds to get yourself back to your home country).
• You will be paid the same amount as the other Instructors. However, remember that the amount that you are reimbursing The Outdoor School for will be taken out of your paycheck.

Okay, so now what do I do if I want to apply?

First, go to the YMCA website www.ymcainternational.org.  Click on YMCA International Training and InternshipPrograms.  It is filled with more information and facts about the program. If you think that this is something that you would like to do, then you'll need to apply.

Second, fill out an application.  You can fill it out online by clicking here, OR if snail mail is more your speed, you can click here, print out the form, fill it out and mail it to us at:  The Outdoor School, Attn: Nicole Angel, 775 Camp Rd., Marble Falls, TX 78654.

Third, the reference letters!  It is your responsibility to ensure that your references return the forms in a timely manner.  You can have them submit one online, by clicking here or you can click here, print it out and mail them a hard copy.  We need to have 3 reference forms in order to offer you a position at TOS...so make sure you get those forms to folks who will return them, as well as fill out all of the information on the actual application (so we can help you out if need be).         

Fourth, we will review your application and reference letters. If you are qualified, we will set up an interview time over the phone. We will not hire you over the internet, we must actually speak to you.

Fifth, if we select you to be part of our team we will contact you with all the appropriate paperwork!

We know that you probably still have a lot of questions about TOS and we'd love to answer them!  Call Nicole at 1-800-696-3334 ext 239 or email her at nangel@outdoorschool.com.  We're looking forward to talking with you!