Working With Teens

How Do I Become a Moondance Leader?

The success of Moondance Adventures can be directly attributed to our outstanding leaders; therefore, it is critically important to fill our limited positions with the most qualified and dedicated staff available.


Staff Application available here. Click 2010 Staff Application for download.

POSITIONS FOR THE 2010 SUMMER ARE FULL. WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

Our instructors serve as teachers, leaders, friends, fellow participants and role models to our students.  In addition to possessing strong backcountry skills and knowledge, the number one priority for anyone working for Moondance is their devotion to working with teenagers.  As a result, we seek dynamic staff members who are eager to meet the challenges of leading and instructing a group of teenagers.  Simply put, anyone who does not share in this desire to work with teens is looking into the wrong program.

We are always looking for dynamic young people to join us and lead our programs during the summer. Moondance seeks strong leaders who are committed to the responsibility of working with young people and sharing their passion for the outdoors. Leaders will be responsible for a group of 10-12 students 24 hours a day for 14 to 28 days. Qualified leaders must have experience working with teenagers, solid wilderness experience and possess strong communication skills.

This is a wonderful opportunity to turn a young person on to the wonders of nature and to truly make a difference in someone’s life.

Instructor Qualifications. . .

• Minimum 21 years old
• Experience working with teenagers and group dynamics
• Experience and knowledge in wilderness activities – backpacking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fly fishing, alpine mountaineering, mountain biking, sea kayaking
• Excellent physical and mental condition
• Safety conscious, patient, organized, enthusiastic and flexible
• All employees must hold their Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness First Aid for Service trips
  
• Have the right expectations. All staff must understand that their foremost responsibility is for the students, and you will be on duty 24 hours a day
• Excellent driving record with no major infractions of unsafe conduct. You will be required to drive a 15-passenger van towing an 8-foot utility trailer if leading one of our domestic trips
• Available for Staff Training from June 7th -17th, 2010

We look for those who. . .

• Have demonstrated a love for and talent in working with teenagers
• Have previous experience with teenagers and/or leading groups
• Have NOLS, Outward Bound, or other strong wilderness program backgrounds
• Possess strong, solid and proven backcountry skills, are teachers or coaches, or in the natural sciences. Have been involved in Residential Camp Staff. Work in the medical field (nurses, EMTs, doctors)
• Been a past participant with Moondance

Employment Dates and Compensation. . .

• The summer for all staff begins and ends in Asheville, NC. Staff training will take place from June 7th to 17th, and Moondance will then provide transportation from Asheville to your trip location and back at the end of summer. Each trip is typically 14 to 28 days in length, and most instructors lead 2 trips. Leaders are required to work for the extent of their contract, as well as 2 days of debrief in Asheville after the last trip so we may continue to improve our trips. This could mean working as late as August 8 for some trips. Compensation varies based on your experience, the length of your trips, and your specific responsibilites. Moondance will cover transportation to and from your trip location as well as lodging the night before and after each trip.
  

What you will gain from working with Moondance. . .

• The opportunity to lead bright, enthusiastic young adults on wilderness programs to some of our country and the world’s most breathtaking wilderness areas
• The chance to work with other excited young outdoor enthusiasts
• The opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities including backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, ropes course, and backcountry living
• The ability to positively impact a young person’s life
• The opportunity to make a difference

These leader positions are highly competitive. If you feel you qualify and are seriously interested in working for Moondance, please print and complete the below staff application and send along with a cover letter and resume to the following address:

Moondance Adventures
Attn: Staff Coordinator
PO Box 5020
Asheville, NC 28813

Once accepted, we will send you an employment packet along with our 2010 catalog listing the many opportunities with Moondance. Thanks for your interest.