Sierra Nevada Journeys is a GuideStar Gold Rated non-profit with an incredible team who help inspire a curiosity of the natural world in our youth campers. Outdoor program instructors deliver impactful STEM lessons to help youth develop the skills of critical thinking and natural resource stewardship.
While many companies may say they prioritize diversity, we follow through. To achieve this vision, we focus on building sustainable partnerships with schools and communities that serve the youth who have the least access to high-quality science education and outdoor learning experiences. We invite continuous voice from these partners, and the youth and families they serve, to inform how we design and deliver culturally relevant and inclusive programs. It is with this vision in mind that we pursue our mission, striving to become the equitable and inclusive organization that the youth of our communities deserve.
We strive to build our workforce and programs around our ability to serve communities diverse in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical and mental ability, values and perspectives.
During the summer season, Sierra Nevada Journeys delivers both residential summer camp and community partner programs including camps for youth with disabilities and leadership development. During our traditional, week-long summer camp, Instructors facilitate activities such as the challenge course, swimming, kayaking, and teen leadership programs. Instructors may find themselves in a summer camp leadership position such as Head Lifeguard, Camp Helper, Staff Mentor, or Challenge Course Aid, if they possess the skills and required certifications.
We are also seeking experienced trip leaders to co-lead three, 14-day multi-sport trips in the Sierra Nevada mountains for youth from low-income communities. Sierra Nevada Journeys partners with Summer Search, a national youth mentorship organization, to provide a unique experience for 16-to-18-year-old students to help them build self-confidence and leadership skills.
Take it from our staff:
One of my favorite parts of working at Sierra Nevada Journeys (SNJ) is the pervasive sense that the work we do matters. We don’t work exclusively for a paycheck or in the interest of executives and stockholders (unlike other organizations I have been employed at). The entire purpose of SNJ is, at the end of the day, to help children, and that knowledge is guaranteed to give anyone a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is uncommon to do work that serves your own career and also creates a real impact in the world, and SNJ can provide both.
Administrative Assistant, 2019
Awesome team! Everyone has your back, you get to make a difference and see that difference in the time you work with children. Leadership is constructive and kind.
Intern, 2020
Benefits & Activities:
- Help bring love of the environment to underserved communities
- Staff training
Meals: provided
Housing: provided
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Positions:
- Outdoor Program Instructors
- Camp Counselors
- Youth Development Backcountry Trip Leader
- Camp operations team (cooks, dishwashers, housekeeping, facilities and maintenance)
Apply: submit applications online
Contact: 530-832-1085 or programs@sierranevadajourneys.org
Learn more about outdoor jobs and seasonal travel jobs.
