Get Involved

Give us a hand (or two!) on June 4, 2023 (12-5pm) to help get camp ready for the summer. This is a great chance to meet other families and see our beautiful Reading Ranch site.  Bring work gloves and wear boots and clothes that can get dirty. Please RSVP at 855-426-6587 or admin@steamboatbooktrails.org.

Directions to the Reading Ranch: From Off the Beaten Path Bookstore, turn left onto Lincoln Avenue and follow to Elk River Rd (129) and turn right.  Follow 129 for 25.5 miles to the turn-off for Steamboat Lake State Park and turn left.  Continue until the road turns to dirt. Take the right turn at John Fetcher’s old cabin that is directly before Fetcher Barn.  The gate will be flagged and there is a red sign.  Go through the gate and follow the dirt road for about .6 miles.  Park where you see vehicles and cross the bridge by foot over Larson Creek into The Reading Ranch.

Position summary:   

Have fun this summer and work for an environmental organization by teaching youth in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. BookTrails is an exciting organization that offers unique early- education programs promoting environmental awareness taught through reading, writing, and art. We are seeking Outdoor Reading Guides to join our summer programming team for BookTrails Camp. Outdoor Reading Guides will gain experience in many sectors of the organization—administration and organization, camp logistics and planning, and most importantly, teaching environmental education in an outdoor setting. They will work with the Outdoor Science Guides to teach camp lessons, plan and schedule activities, and supervise a team of interns. Staff will also have the opportunity to spend a few weeks at our overnight camp location, as well as camping trips and rafting trips with the campers throughout Northern Colorado. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed, as well as an excellent spring-board towards your next career choice. Spend your summer exploring the beautiful Colorado wilderness while teaching children and providing them with a nature experience of a lifetime.

Responsibilities:

• Create, prepare, and lead literacy activities and lessons for school-aged children that relate to camp themes
• Co-organize logistical aspects of the day, including transportation needs and planning special field trips, along with the Outdoor Science Guide
• Provide one-on-one reading and writing help for students
• Communicate with the director about issues and updates relating to: staff, campers, logistics, parents, emergencies/ safety issues, etc
• Communicate with parents about their child’s successes and progress, as well as any behavioral issues
• Assist with morning and afternoon sign-in/out
• Act as a mentor/ supervisor for our team of 4 interns along with the Outdoor Science Guide

Superior organizational and time management skills are crucial to excelling in this position. Individuals who are receptive to close-collaboration in a fast-paced environment and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously will be assets to the organization. Ideal candidates are dedicated individuals who seek to grow as professionals and develop supportive
relationships with colleagues.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children, ages 3-15, preferably in an outdoor setting
• Must be comfortable managing groups of children up to 5, in an outdoor setting
• Must be a team player, problem solver, high energy, and FLEXIBLE
• Strong knowledge of Colorado ecosystems
• Strong reading and writing skills and a passion for literature
• Must possess strong organizational and communication skills
• Must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive vans and trailers

Conditions:

• Must be able to reside in Steamboat Springs from June 1st- August 14th.
• Must be able to overnight camp at our site for 4 nights/week during some weeks (Covid-permitting).
• Must love the outdoors and be comfortable with overnight camping for multiple nights in a primitive campsite.
• Must be able to attend our Camp Clean-Up Days on June 4th and August 14th.

Benefits:

• $5,000 salary for the period of June 1st- August 14th (1 week of staff training, 8 weeks of camp, and help days). Guides will receive an end of summer bonus as well as extra pay for working overnight camps. The schedule is Monday-Friday, 8am-5:30pm and will include nights at our overnight sight. No camp is held on weekends except preparations needed for camp on Monday. Staff will spend some weeks (M-F) at our overnight site where room and board will be provided.
• Housing assistance is available.
• Opportunity to continue with organization after summer.
• Discount at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and access to other pro deals for gear.
• Invaluable learning experience in fields of natural ecology, local Colorado history, and early-childhood education, fun camping trips!
• Excellent resume builder and references—opportunity to continue with organization.

Apply:

Applicants should submit the following to annmarie@steamboatbooktrails.org (include “BookTrails Outdoor Reading Guide” in subject line):

• Resume and cover letter
• Three written references, two being from someone who has witnessed you working with children.

Use your application materials to explain your interest in BookTrails and its mission; please highlight any exposure you have to the wilderness areas and the dates of your availability or any exceptions to the qualifications. Your cover letter should explain the skills, experience, and interest that qualify you to fulfill the expectations outlined above.

Please contact our Program Director, Annmarie Blodgett, at annmarie@steamboatbooktrails.org with any questions.

Position summary:   

Have fun this summer and work for an environmental organization by teaching youth in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. BookTrails is an exciting organization that offers unique early- education programs promoting environmental awareness taught through reading, writing, and art. We are seeking Outdoor Science Guides to join our summer programming team for BookTrails Camp. Outdoor Science Guides will gain experience in many sectors of the organization—administration and organization, camp logistics and planning, and most importantly, teaching environmental education in an outdoor setting. They will work with the Outdoor Reading Guides to teach camp lessons, plan and schedule activities, and supervise a team of interns. Staff will also have the opportunity to spend a few weeks at our overnight camp location, as well as camping trips and rafting trips with the campers throughout Northern Colorado. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed, as well as an excellent spring-board towards your next career choice. Spend your summer exploring the beautiful Colorado wilderness while teaching children and providing them with a nature experience of a lifetime.

Responsibilities:

• Create, prepare, and lead environmental education activities and lessons for school-aged children that relate to camp themes
• Co-organize logistical aspects of the day, including transportation needs and planning special field trips, along with the Outdoor Reading Guide
  Provide one-on-one reading and writing help for students
• Communicate with the director about issues and updates relating to: staff, campers, logistics, parents, emergencies/ safety issues, etc
• Communicate with parents about their child’s successes and progress, as well as any behavioral issues
• Assist with morning and afternoon sign-in/out
• Act as a mentor/ supervisor for our team of 4 interns along with the Outdoor Reading Guide

Superior organizational and time management skills are crucial to excelling in this position. Individuals who are receptive to close-collaboration in a fast-paced environment and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously will be assets to the organization. Ideal candidates are dedicated individuals who seek to grow as professionals and develop supportive relationships with colleagues.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children, ages 3-15, preferably in an outdoor setting
• Must be comfortable managing groups of children up to 5, in an outdoor setting
• Must be a team player, problem solver, high energy, and FLEXIBLE
• Strong knowledge of Colorado ecosystems
• Background in Environmental Education- preferred
• Must possess strong organizational and communication skills
• Must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive vans and trailers

Conditions:

• Must be able to reside in Steamboat Springs from June 1st-August 14th.
• Must be able to overnight camp at our site for 4 nights/week during some weeks (COVID-permitting).
• Must love the outdoors and be comfortable with overnight camping for multiple nights in a primitive campsite.
• Must be able to attend our Camp Clean-Up Days June 4th and August 14th.

Benefits:

• $5,000 salary for the period of June 1st- August 14th (1 week of staff training, 8 weeks of camp, and help days).
• Guides will receive an end of summer bonus as well as extra pay for working overnight camps. The schedule is Monday-Friday, 8am-5:30pm and will include nights at our overnight sight. No camp is held on weekends except preparations needed for camp on Monday. Staff will spend some weeks (M-F) at our overnight site where room and board will be provided.
• Housing assistance is available.
• Opportunity to continue with organization after summer.
• Discount at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore and access to other pro deals for gear.
• Invaluable learning experience in fields of natural ecology, local Colorado history, and early-childhood education, fun camping trips!
• Excellent resume builder and references—opportunity to continue with organization.

Apply:

Applicants should submit the following to annmarie@steamboatbooktrails.org (include “BookTrails Outdoor Science Guide” in subject line):

• Resume and cover letter
• Three written references, two being from someone who has witnessed you working with children.

Use your application materials to explain your interest in BookTrails and its mission; please highlight any exposure you have to the wilderness areas and the dates of your availability or any exceptions to the qualifications. Your cover letter should explain the skills, experience, and interest that qualify you to fulfill the expectations outlined above.

Please contact our Program Director, Annmarie Blodgett, at annmarie@steamboatbooktrails.org with any questions.

Summary:

Have fun this summer and help an environmental organization by teaching youth in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. BookTrails is an exciting organization that offers unique early- education programs promoting environmental awareness taught through reading, writing, and art. We are seeking several interns to join our summer programming team. Interns will gain experience in many sectors of the organization— logistical planning, lesson and curriculum creation, and most of our intern’s time will be spent teaching environmental education in an outdoor setting. Interns will also get to spend a few weeks at our overnight camp location, as well as camping trips and rafting trips with the campers throughout Northern Colorado. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed, as well as an excellent spring- board towards your next career choice. Spend your summer exploring the beautiful Colorado wilderness while helping children have the nature experience of a lifetime.

Responsibilities:

• Create, prepare, and lead activities and lessons for elementary-aged children and preschoolers
• Learn and practice the BookTrails curriculum and teaching program
• Provide one-on-one and group setting literacy and nature education for students
• Assist with morning and afternoon sign-in/out and organize camper paperwork
• Help with transportation and logistical needs and planning field trips around the area
• Room to grow within the organization
• Have fun and be silly! Play in the Colorado outdoors!

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate students studying environmental sciences, biology, literature/English, or education strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience working with children, ages 3-12, preferably in an outdoor setting.
• Must be a team player, problem solver, FLEXIBLE, work well under pressure
• Strong knowledge of nature ecosystems, the natural world, or willingness to learn
• Boundless energy and positive attitude
• Must have strong reading and writing skills and a passion for literature
• Must possess strong communication skills
• Must hold valid driver’s license
• Must be CPR and First Aid Certified, Lifeguards preferred! (applicants can be willing to obtain certifications prior to camp start date, BookTrails will not compensate for any certifications)

Conditions:

• Must be able to reside in Steamboat Springs from June 1st-August 14th.
• BookTrails Interns will receive free housing, a food stipend each week, and will receive an end-of-summer bonus when the internship is completed (interns must work through August 14th to receive the bonus).  Local applicants with housing already are eligible for a stipend.
• Interns will rotate between working Camp Weeks (M-F 8am-5pm) and Planning Weeks (teach 2 short day classes and plan for the following camp week on their own time).

Benefits:

• Willing to work with students to obtain college credit
• Invaluable learning experience in fields of natural ecology, local Colorado history, and environmental education. Interns will have the freedom to teach topics they are passionate about
• Excellent resume builder and references—opportunity to continue with organization.
• Opportunity to work hours at the bookstore (Off the Beaten Path)
• Opportunity to explore private, wild Colorado lands and camping/rafting trips.
• We have a ton of FUN!

Apply:

Applicants should submit the following to annmarie@steamboatbooktrails.org (include “BookTrails Internship” in subject line): • Resume, cover letter, three written references (a paragraph or two).

Use your application materials to explain your interest in BookTrails and its mission; please highlight any exposure you have to the wilderness areas and the dates of your availability.

Your cover letter should explain the skills, experience, and interest that qualify you to fulfill the expectations outlined above.

Please contact our Program Director, Annmarie Blodgett, at annmarie@steamboatbooktrails.org with any questions.

***We ask that all of our students take a summer off before applying to return as a CIT with us***

Position Summary:

The BookTrails CIT program is a great opportunity for rising 9th, 10th, and 11th graders to stay, or become, involved with BookTrails! CIT’s will get to spend one week at our overnight site, the Reading Ranch, assisting with teaching lessons, setting up activities, helping out with camp chores such as cooking and building fires, mentoring the campers, and participating in all of the fun experiences that a BookTrails camp has to offer!

CIT participants will have the chance to set goals for themselves at the beginning of the week and receive positive support and feedback from staff to help them achieve these goals. CIT’s will also get to explore their personal leadership styles, act as a role model to the campers, and bring enthusiasm and energy to lessons and games, all while spending the week outside in the beautiful Colorado wilderness.

This opportunity is a wonderful way to gain invaluable experience in outdoor and literacy education and consider various career paths. It is also sure to be a fun, memorable week of the summer!

Responsibilities:

• Assist BookTrails staff in teaching lessons and setting up activities
• Act as a role model to campers by following camp rules, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and contributing positively to the camp community
• Assist with camp chores such as cooking, building campfires, and other tasks
• Have a positive attitude and have fun!
•  

Qualifications:

• Open to rising 9th, 10th and 11th graders (we ask that you take off one summer in between being a camper and CIT).
• Must enjoy working with kids as well as the BookTrails program
• Must be comfortable camping for 4 nights in a row
• Must enjoy reading, writing, and being outside
• Have an openness to constructive feedback and a willingness to learn

Benefits:

• Experience in applying and interviewing for a job
• Letter of recommendation from BookTrails (if CIT successfully completes the program)
• Opportunity to participate in all of the BookTrails activities at camp
• End of summer “graduation”/ dinner celebration with fellow staff and CIT’s
• Gain community service hours
• A fun way to remain a part of BookTrails!

Training:

• Half-day training the week of July 11th (date TBD) and feedback throughout the week from camp staff. We will do your training on Zoom if you are not local.
• Training topics include: leadership styles; goal setting; BookTrails mission, philosophy, and camp rules; learning camp games; risk management/ safety; and reviewing CIT expectations and responsibilities

Cost:

• Half-price of camp tuition. Scholarships are available.